Briar Chapel - Large Scale Residential - Chatham County, North Carolina
Master Planned Development Comes to Chatham County
Briar Chapel is a mixed-use compact community located in the northeastern U.S. 15-501 corridor in Chatham County. The development is designed in conformance with the goals and requirements of the Chatham County Compact Communities Ordinance, as well as the Chatham County Land Development and Conservation Plan.
It is possible that Briar Chapel has been one of the most studied, discussed, and reviewed land use plans ever considered in Chatham County – much less North Carolina. Over the course of four years, literally scores of meetings, presentations, and public forums were conducted to secure public input and comment on the plan for Briar Chapel. During that time, the plan evolved to reflect the unique character of the site and the true needs of the County.
Briar Chapel’s Master Plan is based on the principle of “honoring the land.” The community includes a variety of cultural and natural features of local significance that will be preserved. Great care has been taken to minimize land disturbance and to protect the existing character of the site and the vicinity.
The walkable mixed-use nature of Briar Chapel will create a cohesive community that will enhance the quality of life for its residents and neighbors. Briar Chapel’s design incorporates significant areas of dedicated open space that will be connected by an extensive network of public sidewalks on every street and 20 miles of trails. The commercial areas will provide retail goods, entertainment and services in a convenient manner. County facilities, including a fire station and library, will meet the public service needs of the community.
Other features of the Briar Chapel community include:
• Housing types that range from apartment/ condominium units to townhomes and single-family lots of a variety of sizes and levels of affordability;
• Two schools (one charter and one public);
• A church site;
• Community water reclamation facility with spray irrigation system;
• A Community Center and a Recreation Center;
• Hiking and biking trails; and
• Over 50% of the site (938 acres) in preserved open space
The McAdams Company was able to navigate the involved public process and continually improve upon the project design. Ultimately, the plan for Briar Chapel exemplifies the principles of low-impact development, housing diversity, and integration of uses. The initial phases of Briar Chapel are now under construction, and the McAdams Company continues to provide design and survey services for roads, utilities, lot creation, and more.
Site Plans
Associated Services
civil engineering, environmental, land planning, stormwater, surveying
