Site Development
Process
The following is a general
site development process with initial thoughts on key parameters.
This process and parameters will be refined as part of the Concept
Launch Phase.
The ideal location for a Camp Zest development should be one that
meets the needs of the owner-builders and also has general appeal,
so it can be marketed as a retreat to the general public. Before
beginning a site search, the owner-builders will agree on the basic
criteria. The following criteria will be used as a starting point
to evaluate and select the general location:
-
Distance – it should be within a reasonable drive time (no more
than 4 hours) of a major metro area.
-
Adjacency – it should be located in the vicinity of known
recreational or retreat type areas. This will help attract
people who may want to go there to do other things besides what
is offered at Camp Zest. This will be very important in the
early years.
-
Land Quality – the area must be of high natural quality for the
particular region that it serves.
Once the general area (or a shortlist of areas) has been identified,
specific property will be reviewed using the following criteria:
-
Land Quality – the land must be of high natural quality. The
test of quality will very by region of the country but should
include several basics:
-
Hilly Terrain –
Portions of the property should be hilly terrain with
elevation changes of at least 30 feet.
-
Water source –
ideally a stream, river or lake will be on the property. If
no existing water source is available, it should be
evaluated for its ability to support a development of ponds.
-
Trees/Vegetation –
this condition will also vary by region of the country but
ideally the land will contain portions of wooded areas
preferably a third to one half of the land should be wooded.
-
Quiet Neighborhood – the land should have good neighbors, such
as a nature preserve, forest preserve or other protected lands.
If not protected lands, there should be some sense that future
development will not encroach and degrade the quality of the
property. Alternatively, the property will need to be of
sufficient size to provide a buffer zone.
-
Size – the ideal size will vary depending on the specific site
conditions. Preferably, it should be at least 10 acres or
more to provide buffer areas. Size will also depend on the land cost.
-
Land Cost – the ideal property will be reasonably priced for the
intended use. Land cost Prices will be evaluated carefully.
3.
Master Plan
With the site identified, a plan to develop the property can be
developed. This plan would include all of the basic features of the
retreat facility working with the unique characters of the
property. It will also include a plan of finance for the
development.
4.
Development
The development of the
retreat will be accomplished incrementally. First will be the basic
infrastructure elements including access, electricity, water and
waste systems along with the main facility and possibly temporary housing for
guest/builders. Once these facilities are in place the development
of the natural cottages can begin. Cottage development may occur
over several seasons depending on the size.
