“What if a neighborhood felt like a small town?” That’s the question Kentlands in Maryland answers. This place isn’t just houses. It is a community designed with intention.
Kentlands has roots stretching back centuries. In 1723 Joseph West received a land grant here. Later Henry Clagett a prosperous farmer acquired much of this land. The Tschiffely family farmed here starting in 1852. Frederick A. Tschiffely built a brick mansion and other buildings in 1900. People nicknamed the property “The Bricks”. The family called their estate Wheatlands. They grew wheat here. Frederick was a pharmaceutical distributor in Washington.
In 1942 Otis Beall Kent purchased the 600-acre estate. He renamed it Kentlands. Kent was a conservationist. He envisioned a nature habitat and model farm. He expanded the farm and built lakes for irrigation and wildlife.
Kent planned to develop the estate into a neighborhood called Lakelands. The city of Gaithersburg annexed Kentlands in 1966. This set the stage for future development.
In 1988 Joseph Alfandre bought Kentlands. He wanted to create a complete town not just a development. He brought in urban planners Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk. They planned Kentlands using traditional neighborhood principles. Alfandre deeded historic buildings and lakes to the city. This created a civic focus. Alfandre created the Kentlands Community Foundation. He wrote a booklet “Seasons”. It explained his philosophy.
A five-day charrette in 1988 shaped the neighborhood’s design. It involved developers planners residents and city officials. They created a master plan. The city developed a new zoning concept the MXD zone. It allowed mixed commercial and residential uses.
Kentlands fosters community. Houses shops offices schools and restaurants are close together. Walkers can access everything easily. There is diverse housing for singles families and older residents.
After initial plans the Great Seneca Development Corporation managed Kentlands. Later part of the National Geographic site became Lakelands. Kentlands residents participated in the Lakelands charrette.
Kentlands mixes public and private spaces. Green spaces include parks playgrounds lakes and trails. Fences mark boundaries. The city maintains lakes and parks. The Kentlands Citizens Assembly maintains neighborhood parks. The Main Street Pavilion hosts events.
The city maintains historic buildings. The Kentlands Mansion hosts events and art galleries. The Arts Barn was once a horse barn. Now it houses artist studios and a theater. The Carriage House is a community facility.
The Kentlands Clubhouse is a social and recreational center. Rachel Carson Elementary School integrates education into the community.
Kentlands emphasizes walkability. Residents can walk to shops and services. Buildings are close to the street. Garages are behind homes. Narrow streets calm traffic. Parks are distributed throughout neighborhoods.
An interconnected street grid slows traffic and increases walkability. Mixed-use buildings combine shops offices and residences. Diverse housing includes apartments townhouses and single-family homes.
Design emphasizes aesthetics and a sense of place. Civic buildings are in prominent locations. Retail buildings front the sidewalk. Residences are close to the street.
Kentlands is designed to minimize environmental impact. Natural features are preserved. Open spaces connect into green corridors. Historic buildings are preserved.
The One Main Street Initiative aims to revitalize Main Street. The Kentlands Community Foundation supports arts and community programs. It also provides volunteer opportunities. The neighborhood is the heart of community life.
Kentlands is more than just a place to live. It’s a place to connect. It’s a place to belong. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful planning.