about terrabella

Moving backward and forward at the same time. It’s a statement seemingly meant for a riddle — but in reality, it’s the philosophy of the New Urbanism movement. This movement has us looking back at the great cities of our past and reviving what made them work. Intimate scale. A village square. Green space. These were the things that created such a strong sense of community throughout these towns. And by reintroducing them, New Urbanists hope to bring the same strengths into the present.

New Urbanism and a return to the traditional neighborhood are the motivation behind architect Steve Oubre’s village plan for TerraBella. Oubre’s vision is an answer to the promise of the North Shore, a safer and easier way of living that has been long unfulfilled by the builders of suburbia. Public spaces mingled with homes, parks, and footpaths all lined with front porches and gardens. It’s an accessible way of life that takes cars out of the equation and keeps them in back lanes and garages, and puts the charming Southern architecture front and center, just as it should be. And while it’s the architecture that initially catches the eye, it’s the idea of moving backward and forward that creates a better way of life for generations to come.

“We’re creating a place where parents can connect with their kids through nature.”

Mark Malkemus,
Partner