Smart Growth
Kentlands - Gaithersburg, MD

Maryland farmer Henry Clagett was amassing an estate, in the mid-1700's, in the vicinity of what is now Gaithersburg, Md. In the early 1930's a portion of this estate was acquired by Otis Beall Kent.

In 1988, the architectural firm of Duany/Plater-Zyberk conducted a charrette with developer Joseph Alfandre and local planners, officials and residents to develop the design for Kentlands. By 1991, with Alfandre's finances failing, Chevy Chase bank took over completion of the development, which has stayed largely true to the original DPZ plans - with the significant exception that a conventional mall was built instead of the envisioned town center.

The basic intent of the plan for Kentlands was to recreate a small town feel with narrow streets, ample sidewalks, schools, parks, and shops integrated with a mix of housing types and prices, all within walking distance to encourage neighborly interaction and reduce individual maintenance costs. Today, Kentlands is often cited as a recent example of successful traditional neighborhood design.

Basic statistics:
Construction started: 1988
Total acreage: 353
Population: 4,500 (estimated)
County: Montgomery, Md

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