Locust Town Center adds homes

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The first of a planned 200 residential homes have opened for occupancy at Locust Town Center. Brian Graves

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March 4, 2013

Locust Town Center adds homes

By Brian Graves, Staff Writer SNAP The Stanly News & Press Mon Mar 04, 2013, 03:21 PM EST

Monday, March 4, 2013 — The third section of Locust Town Center is now under way and ready to welcome new residents to the innovative neighborhood.

Envisioned as a throwback to a simpler time where neighbors sat on their porches and waved at each other, the residential area for the Town Center has the first of a planned 200 single-family homes ready to view and purchase.

But, developer Bob Barbee says interest was high even before the first foundations were laid.

“There is an anxiousness from the visitors that have been coming since they started construction,” Barbee said.

“There has been a generous amount of inquiry.”

The site already hosts a senior apartment complex that is already full and has a long waiting list for more vacancies.

Whitley Builders, owned by Barbee development partner Terry Whitley, has constructed new townhomes that are ready for occupancy.

Last month, Tribute Homes displayed its new showcase model homes which offer both ranch and two-story floor plans.

Homes planned for the Locust Town Center will range from 1,600 to 3,000 square feet and will be in the price range of $170,000 to $220,000.

Barbee said the timing for Tribute Homes’ participating was ideal.

“We are happy that True Homes appreciates the same values and traditions that those of us at Locust Town Center see as important to the success of small towns like Locust,” Barbee said.

He explained the project had to be done in phases with one being successful to ensure the others of being the same.

“Unlike most master-planned developments during the past 10 years, we invested in the city and expanding the commercial component first, creating a thriving business and merchant nucleus for the residents and as a destination,” Barbee said.

“As the economy permitted, we have successfully added the residential components to appeal to multi-generations of people including market-rate apartments, town homes and the single-family home community.”

Wynnefield Properties is also adding to the housing by constructing a new group of senior rental apartment homes.

“It all came together as a vision of what Locust would look like for the next 100 years,” Barbee said.

“People were longing for a community where there was a closeness and your neighbors had nothing to do with economic status. That’s what we envisioned and not an exclusive resort-type development. We wanted to follow the nature of small towns rooted in the quality of life.”