the story
SET ON 214 ACRES IN RURAL FORSYTH COUNTY, GEORGIA, VICKERY IS ONE OF THE NATION'S PREMIER NEW URBANIST COMMUNITIES.
1800s
the land
Forsyth County is part of a much larger Cherokee Territory before most native inhabitants are forced out. Among those permitted to stay in the area is the inimitable Charlotte Vickery. Fueled by the discovery of gold in the area, an increasing number of settlers arrives and former Cherokee land is carved into parcels and distributed through a lottery system. The land that now forms Vickery eventually turns to farmland and is owned by several different families, many of whom are represented by Vickery place names (Hughes, Samples, and others.)
1980s and 1990s
the vision
Pam Sessions and Don Donnelly–who together formed Hedgewood Homes in 1985–purchase 20 acres of land in rural Forsyth County. Driven by frustration at a general lack of family-friendly, pedestrian-oriented communities, they envision a flagship community based on New Urbanist principles and start acquiring land around around the original parcel.
2000
the plan
Pioneering land use firm Duany Plater-Zyberk of Seaside fame hosts a week-long design charrette to initiate planning and to introduce the Vickery concept to officials and to the public. Over 450 people attend. Internationally acclaimed designer Lew Oliver signs on as Town Urbanist and streetscape designer.
2002 to 2007
the beginning
Construction begins in October 2002, and national attention soon follows. In 2005, Vickery is chosen as the location for the Better Homes: Better Living House after a nationwide search. In 2006, Vickery is awarded the Development of Excellence Award by the Urban Land Institute for responsible land use and outstanding development practices. Hedgewood Homes also wins a Platinum Award for the Garner house in Vickery and Best Smart Growth Neighborhood (Best in American Living Awards).
2008 to 2011
the unexpected
As recession hits Atlanta, an incomplete Vickery finds itself under bank ownership. Recognizing Vickery's uniqueness, the bank hires an outside firm to manage Vickery while it courts buyers for the Village and searches for builders that can continue construction. John Wieland eventually buys all remaining residential lots from the bank. Residents fight to maintain many of the original architectural features that distinguish Vickery.
2011 to 2019
the evolution
Vickery experiences strong recovery as John Wieland completes the majority of the Samples Field section of development prior to its acquisition by PulteGroup in early 2016. PulteGroup starts Phase 6, which is redesigned to reflect an adaptation of rowhouse architecture. Hedgewood returns to Vickery with classic designs reflecting European influence.
the present
With over 450 completed homes, Vickery is in the final stages of development and continues to provide inspiration for similar projects nationwide.