Agrihood Development Talks Take Root in St. Johns County

A groundbreaking new residential community is proposed south of the St. Augustine Premium Outlets between County Roads 208 and 214 west of Interstate 95 in St. Johns County. Freehold Communities, aims to redefine the concept of suburban living in St Johns County by developing what’s called an agrihood, which integrates residential units with agricultural practices. Freehold Communities is a Boston-based developer of Shearwater’s 2,000-home Master Plan community on 1,500 acres along County Road 210.

The Agrihood is proposed on over 2,673 acres of zoned Open Rural land and will accommodate approximately 9,163 residents. The development will feature a diverse range of housing options, including up to 3,332 residential units.

One of the defining features of the Agrihood is its commitment to sustainable living. The project will include community gardens, farm-to-table restaurants, and educational programs related to sustainable farming. This integration not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also contributes to the local food economy.

In addition to agricultural components, the Agrihood will offer a variety of amenities to enhance the quality of life for its residents, including parks, playgrounds, an amenity center, and essential infrastructure such as roads and schools.

A key factor in the success of the Agrihood is the partnership between Freehold Communities and the Robinson family, who have owned the land for over a century. This collaboration is meant to ensure that the development honors the land's heritage while meeting the needs of residents.

The Agrihood is expected to offer numerous benefits to its residents and the surrounding community, including job creation, increased property values, improved quality of life, and economic diversity.

Other examples of Florida agrihoods include:

-Arden (Palm Beach County): Another Freehold Communities 1,200-acre development with an organic farm where residents can till the soil themselves.

-The Grow (Orlando): A billion-dollar project involving a 1,200-acre mixed-use development with 2,000 homes and a nine-acre vegetable farm.

-Pine Dove Farm (Tallahassee): A 335-acre gated agrihood community with a vegetable farm, chicken coops, and hiking trails.

Other Florida agrihoods under development include:

-Angeline (Pasco County): Lennar's 6,200-acre development will include 11,000 homes.

-Newfield (Palm City): Mattamy Homes' 3,400-acre development will include 4,000 homes and 70% protected land.

While the Agrihood project offers significant potential, there are also challenges to be addressed, such as infrastructure development, market demand, environmental impact, and community acceptance.

As the Agrihood development progresses, it will be interesting to see how this innovative concept evolves and whether it becomes a model for future residential projects.