Master Planned Communities
Although Master Planned Communities were known in Greek and Roman times, the concept of designing a community from scratch was little used in the United States until the 20th Century. Most communities grew organically and increased in size as people moved in or extended families spread out. Master Planned Community designers, however, thoughtfully implemented grid systems for development, designated parks and open spaces, shopping areas, schools, libraries and civic buildings. The first true Master Planned Community in the United States was Charleston, SC which was founded in 1670. Washington, D.C. was also a Master Planned Community when the US Capitol moved from New York in 1790.
In 1928, San Clemente, CA was incorporated by Ole Hansen who designated that all buildings must be approved by an architectural review board in order to retain control over development and building style. In the United States, suburban growth in the Sunbelt states coincided with the explosion of Master Planned Communities as Americans migrated for jobs and sunny retirement communities. During the latter half of the 20th Century, Florida, California and Arizona benefited the most from such population shifts. Today, Master Planned Communities are everywhere as the general desire for community living, strict architectural standards, and defined rules and regulations give members the assurance they need that property in their community will be maintained and value-enhanced.