What is New Urbanism?

The Bridges at Arbor Lakes is a community based on a philosophy referred to as "New Urbanism." The ideas behind it come together to give a new vision for what neighborhoods can be. One of the biggest ideas is that homes, shops, offices and public spaces are all within walking distance of one another. This is why we say that The Bridges at Arbor Lakes is a community built around sidewalks. Convenient access to shopping, parks, playgrounds and restaurants encourages walking and gathering, which helps you get to know your neighbors. It's also why new urbanism lays out streets on a grid, eliminating cul-de-sacs and gated areas. There is even something known as the "popsicle test" which says that an eight-year-old should be able to ride a bike to the store for a popsicle without having to cross highway-size streets or high speed traffic.

By mixing housing options within communities this type of community planning conserves land and natural resources by creating denser neighborhoods and the use of higher quality building materials, including energy saving and environmentally friendly features. And easy access to public transportation, walking paths and bike trails reduce the reliance on cars. Finally, the streets are made to feel safe and inviting by building homes closer together as well as having front doors, windows and porches face the street, as opposed to wall of garage doors. These are all ways that new urbanism is helping putting the focus back on people by building neighborhoods on a human scale.

Opus Northwest, LLC policy of continual attention to design and construction requires that all specific designs, images, specifications, features and materials are subject to change without notice. Room dimensions are approximated and may vary depending on residences selected. Depicted flooplans, landscaping and exterior styling are only an artist's interpretation.