A new exhibit created by the Levine Museum of the New South will showcase the foundation for neighborhoods developed in the “New Urbanism” style, including the local Village of Baxter. “John Nolen: Neighborhood-Maker” is a traveling exhibit featuring the local work and national career of one of the most influential landscape planners in American history.

John Nolen’s designs were the first to demonstrate the tenets of ‘New Urbanism’, and to show that balance can be achieved between the convenience of a city and the beauty of nature.

“His work set the stage for urban living within a natural setting,” explains Dan Mummey, Landscape Architect for Clear Springs Development Company. “His work is truly an inspiration, and in many ways responsible for the success of Baxter.”

The design of Baxter incorporates many “New Urbanism” elements and ideals. Baxter is designed as a pedestrian-oriented development that incorporate diversity in architecture, streetscape, price-point and uses in the same neighborhood. The neighborhood center for shopping, eating and everyday needs is included with residential, commercial and civic uses. “John Nolen would be proud to see that his principles have been successfully implemented in Baxter Village”, says Mummey.

Nolen’s career as an urban designer began in Charlotte 100 years ago with his design for Independence Park. In addition, he planned a greenway park along Little Sugar Creek, and transformed a bare cotton farm into the famous tree-lined streets of the Myers Park neighborhood.

The “John Nolen: Neighborhood-Maker” exhibit is free to the public and will open at the Watkins Art Gallery at Queens University on May 16th. The exhibit will run through July 2nd, when it will begin touring the Charlotte region.

Baxter Village is a 1033-acre traditional neighborhood located off I-77 at exit 85 in Fort Mill. Baxter is now home to over 630 families, and is planned for over 700 more homesites. Baxter is also home to an on-site elementary school, public library, urgent care center a commercial town center and over 500 acres of green space.

For more information about Baxter Village or the Town Center, visit www.villageofbaxter.com, or call toll free (877) 570-HOME or (803) 802-TOWN. The Baxter Information Center is located at the neighborhood’s main entrance and is open daily.

For more information about “John Nolen: Neighborhood-Maker”, contact Tom Hanchett, Levine Museum of the New South, at 704-333-1887, extension 228, or visit www.museumofthenewsouth.org