Second Northern Virginia site to feature Greenspring-like clubhouse

By Kelly Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Erickson recently received unanimous approval from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisor for the development of Ashby Ponds, the sister community of Greenspring in Springfield, Va. Although detailed information on Ashby Ponds will not be available until this spring, Erickson can confirm the new campus, located in Ashburn, Va., will feature the “community-centered” design philosophy that Erickson created over two decades ago.

In fact, real estate developers and city planners nationwide are now attempting to emulate Erickson’s well-proven principles as part of a new trend dubbed “New Urbanism.”

Trendsetting
Erickson defines the New Urbanism design philosophy by placing everything people need within easy walking distance. For example, a central feature of the New Urbanist neighborhood is a hub of activity which mixes retail, commercial, educational, spiritual, and recreational uses, including a network of interconnecting streets and public spaces.

Serving as Ashby Ponds’ hub of activity, a 52,000- square foot clubhouse will be modeled after the three clubhouses that visitors have experienced at Greenspring. All of these amenities will be steps away from each apartment home and easily accessible by a climatecontrolled, glass-enclosed walkway.

Defining success
Currently, Erickson has built, or is in the process of building, community-centered campuses in eleven states. The popularity of this new type of community is difficult to ignore. According to Mel Tansill, Erickson’s senior director of public affairs, “Ashby Ponds’ sister community Greenspring, located in Springfield, Va., has set statewide occupancy records. As a result, there’s been a strong demand to open a second northern Virginia campus and we are anxious to do so as quickly as possible.”