Greensboro, GA
Reynolds Lake Oconee
Reimagining Resort Community Living
status
Ongoing
client
Daniel Communities
expertise
Master Planned Communities, Hospitality + Entertainment
services
Master Planning Landscape Architecture
A Community Centered Around Open Space
From golf destination to recreation haven, the next phase at Reynolds Lake Oconee sets the stage for a community prioritizing resident wellness.
As a nearby retreat from the urban bustle of Atlanta, Reynolds Lake Oconee is a celebrated destination for golf enthusiasts and retirees seeking solace in its luxurious settings. With many parcels built out, the next phase of this resort community presented an opportunity to expand beyond conventional offerings. LandDesign led the master plan for a 600-acre parcel, now known as Richland Point, with the goal to create a differentiated experience at Reynolds that would appeal to new homebuyers and existing residents alike. Unlike traditional resort communities that prioritize large lots with lake and golf course frontages, the master plan leverages nature, smaller lot sizes, and premier commercial and wellness amenities to forge a true village center.
The master plan is driven by a continuous open space network that acts as the green spine, extending from residential nodes to the village center. Miles of manicured trails invite residents to explore Richland Point by car, bike, or foot. An expansive green lawn overlooking the water serves as the central amenity space and accommodates intimate gatherings, musical performances, and community events. The village center has two primary nodes of activity–the commercial hub and wellness center–that work in tandem to create a distinct destination along the water’s edge. The commercial hub boasts high-end food and beverage offerings, a marina, and private dock, offering residents novel ways to appreciate the waterfront experience. Complementing this, a luxury spa and fitness center reflect the community’s dedication to health and wellness, providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
A Partner From Concept to Construction
LandDesign will continue to be a partner throughout the implementation of phase one, providing full landscape architecture services for the streetscape, parks, and trail network. Additionally, LandDesign will serve as the keepers of the vision, meeting with new developers to guide all future construction plans so that they align with the long-term vision for the site.
Since its inception in the 1980s, Reynolds has relied on golf courses and lakefront views as its primary selling point. While this approach has been a storied success, LandDesign recognized the potential of the land to better contribute to the health and wellness goals of the community. We imagined a three-pronged approach to health and wellness, focusing on the residents’ physical wellbeing, planned moments for social engagement, and opportunities for self-discovery. This approach informed a comprehensive open space network that magnifies the amenity experience and differentiates Richland Point from the greater community.
A green spine with a series of ‘fingers’ weave through residential neighborhoods to the village center. These ‘fingers’ are comprised of multi-modal trails and programmed open spaces that allow residents to connect with nature daily. The landscape departs from the traditional vegetation Reynolds is known for to provide Richland Point with a distinct character. Taking a contemporary approach, the landscape integrates swaths of grasses that mirror the marshes along the lake to create a serene environment. The use of drought-tolerant planting bolsters the landscape’s resilience without forsaking its visual allure. Every facet of the landscape, from the lush lawn to the winding trails, reinforces Reynolds as a pinnacle of resort living.
Traditionally developed as a high-end, luxury community, Reynolds has attracted wealthy retirees, golf connoisseurs or even those in the 2nd home market. Over time, the target demographic began to shift as long-term residents considered downsizing to accommodate their needs in later stages of life. Reynolds was also becoming a desirable location for first-time homebuyers who wanted to take advantage of the community benefits and natural setting. We faced the challenge of conveying these trends to the client and persuading them of the benefits they would reap by leaning into a diversified range of products suitable for a growing audience of prospective residents. We identified residential nodes that incorporate a variety of housing product–prime real estate along the southern and eastern lake frontages that take advantage of waterfront views, conducive to larger luxury lots, as well as tighter clusters of various-sized lots oriented around the village’s core and along the green spine, replete with trails and open spaces.
Physical
Orient the village core toward the water’s edge, activating the waterfront for more than private residences
Functional
Integrate a variety of housing products, including small-lot cottages as well as luxury-style homes to accommodate growing demand
Social
Connect the village core with the waterfront using trails and open spaces for recreation and exploration
Physical
Orient the village core toward the water’s edge, activating the waterfront for more than private residences
Functional
Integrate a variety of housing products, including small-lot cottages as well as luxury-style homes to accommodate growing demand
Social
Connect the village core with the waterfront using trails and open spaces for recreation and exploration
