Baxter Village Featured in National Publication Builder Magazine
August 2, 2000

The Village of Baxter has been featured in a five-page spread in the July issue of Builder magazine, which has called the new traditional neighborhood in Fort Mill "a successful community that highlights South Carolina's architectural heritage."

"The (Close) family's vision of a livable, walkable community with open spaces, shopping and residential was the genesis of Baxter," the national magazine writes. "They also wanted it to possess a sense of timeliness."

The spread includes three pages of photography, including shots of Baxter's model homes, the newly-opened Community Center modeled after the Chester County, S.C., courthouse and the gazebo and walk-through fountain at Allison Park.

"Pedestrian-scaled streetscapes and generous front yards are essential to Baxter's … traditional design," the magazine writes. "Saussy Burbank's Elizabeth models grace several corners and are important landmarks."

Kerri Robusto, director of marketing for Clear Springs Development Company, said the article helps introduce the Baxter concept to a nationwide audience.

"About one-fourth of Baxter's residents moved to the neighborhood from outside our region," she said. "Recognition in national publications such as Builder helps us reach additional audiences."

The article includes an interview with Clear Springs Development CEO Don Killoren, who spoke about the Close family's vision for simultaneously developing and preserving 6,200 acres of land.
"The overall vision of the Close family is to balance progress and preservation," Killoren said in the interview. "They really have a big-picture approach to planning."

Baxter Village is one of a series of small residential neighborhoods being developed by Clear Springs Development over the next 10 years. The 1,000-acre development includes single-family homes and townhomes, as well as more than 400 acres of open space. Baxter also will include an elementary school, medical complex and retail and commercial development.

Modeled after small towns of the Southeast, Baxter's traditional architecture reflects the style and character of the upcountry South Carolina region. Features such as front porches and abundant sidewalks will orient activity to the front of homes, promoting a pedestrian-friendly community.

Homebuilders at the Village of Baxter are Saussy Burbank, David Weekley Homes and S.E. Miller Construction.

For more information on Baxter, call (803) 802-TOWN or toll free (877) 570-HOME. The Baxter Information Center is located at the neighborhood's main entrance off Highway 160 and Interstate 77 at Exit 85.