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From captivating interiors like this one to a whole slew of design features and creature comforts, the residential offerings at Hawks Landing are remarkable not only for the range of designs, but also for the affordable price point. New Urbanism—it’s a major buzz- word these days in residential development circles, and for good reason. Its goal is to bring homes, jobs and other recreational opportunities within close proximity for a more lifestyle- and environmentally- friendly development philosophy. While it’s a noble mission only a few bold visionaries are putting the idea into action. One of the most striking examples is right here in East Idaho via the pioneering efforts of Hawks Landing. True to the new urban ethic, Hawks Landing has set out to reintroduce the “traditions of yesteryear” back into the residential neighborhood with its 100-acre master planned community in the township of Ammon, just east of Idaho Falls. For the past two years, Hawks Landing has been slowly gaining ground but still feeling the pinch of a difficult economic climate. However, it appears that there is a substantial side benefit for those willing to break the paradigms of old. “Like other developments, we’ve felt the pressure of the economy in the past few months” notes Hawks Development CEO Jeff Hawkes. “But we’ve also been paying close attention to what buyers want and the changes we have made reflect that.” According to Hawkes, the public is responding. With some game-changing moves like the addition of new builders, quick develop- ment of amenities and recent reduction in prices, Hawks Landing actually saw a sig- nificant sales increase early in 2010. That increase in sales is expected to continue, especially in light of a new, more flexible product mix. The new floor plans, known as the Hawks Landing Signature Collection, still represent the creative stamp of the Hawks Landing “rustic craftsman style” but will offer resi- dents flexibility and options that make them more affordable—significantly more afford- able with plans starting in the $160s. “The foothills have historically been a rather expensive place to buy a home. Hawks Landing is an opportunity for resi- dents to enjoy all the beauty of the foothills, the lifestyle of a planned community and now, at a price that is in line with today’s market,” remarked Hawkes. With new products and price points comes the addition of several new local builders to the Hawks Landing Preferred Builder list including Phelps Homes and Wind River Homes. Phelps Homes, led by Rob Phelps, will deliver all of the Hawks Landing Signature Collection floor plans and has already broken ground on several quick delivery homes that will be avail- able for purchase immediately. Wind River Homes is also breaking ground on homes at Hawks Landing and will have additional floor plans available for purchase. Another element that is impacting sales and interest is the huge commitment to quick amenity development including six acres of parks, landscaping with more than 225 mature trees, state-of-the art tot lot, volleyball court, bocce court and 10-foot wide paved walking and biking trails. “What we heard from buyers is a concern that some amenities would not make it or would take a long time,” said Hawkes. “With other developments slowing or even stopping their amenity installation, we wanted to show our residents and buyers that we are serious and committed. And that’s what we’re doing.” Included in the master plan is a 3,000 square foot clubhouse with a pool and fit- ness center, sports and recreation fields, total 1.4 miles of sport trail surrounding the neighborhood, a traditional town center for community gatherings and multiple parks. IDAHOFALLSMAGAZINE.COM | 25