Lindsey Harbor

 

Lindsey Harbor is a master planned, 333–acre, mixed–use (mostly residential) development on steep terrain surrounding a new man–made harbor in Guntersville, Alabama.  The developer located a forgotten piece of farm land that carried ownership all the way to the waters on Guntersville Lake.  This was a unique circumstance, as most of the land surrounding Tennessee Valley Authority reservoirs can be privately owned only to the 600’ msl contour, with the water line generally at an elevation of 595’msl.

Bill Peters Architects was hired to master plan the project and to aid in procuring all of the necessary permits from TVA, the Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife, and other organizations.  In addition to working through the long and difficult permitting process, BPA was also given a brief to come up with a development model that created value in all of the developable areas of the site.  The developer was intrigued by the successes of Traditional Neighborhood Developments around the country, but that particular model is based on American pre-war towns.  We had to look elsewhere.  The development pattern and guiding principles we formulated for Lindsey Harbor are based on European harbor and lakeside towns, particularly those in mountainous regions of France, Italy, and Austria.  All of the residents will enjoy views of the harbor with very minimal obstruction and feel a sense of ownership of the lake, as the entire harbor is wrapped with a waterfront promenade connected to walks and trails throughout the sloping community.  Additional amenities will include dry boat storage, a waterfront restaurant, and developed parks throughout the development.  Provisions also are made for a town center where small businesses and live/work units may be located.