Babcock Ranch: Florida's Eco-City of Tomorrow
Babcock Ranch is an eco-city being built in southwest Florida by Kitson and Partners. Babcock Ranch is to be powered entirely by an onsite solar power system, the largest of its kind which will make Babcock Ranch the first city powered entirely by solar power. Florida Power and Light is building the 300 million dollar solar facility which will be hooked into a smart grid. The solar system will help Florida reach Governor Christ's goal of having 20% of Florida's power derived from renewable resources by 2020. The facility is scheduled to cost 2 Billion dollars with 300 Million slated for the 75MW solar power plant. Babcock Ranch is projected to create 20,000 permenant jobs within the state.
Key Design Features:
- Largest PV Solar System combined with Smart Grid
- Smart Homes designed for energy efficiency and to withstand 120 MPH winds
- Completely interconnectted with bike and walking paths
- Neighborhood fitness center
- Full wired for the future
- Adjacent to a 73,000 acre wildlife preserve
- Will be a Florida Green Building Coalition Certified Community
- City is to serve as a learning labratory for energy efficiency
What do you think of developing green cities? Is this the model for all future development in undeveloped areas?
All photos: Babcock Ranch
Looks great, but I wonder if the residents will be buried under a pile of restrictive CC&Rs. A lot of people will never join such communities where they aren't free to show certain types of individuality or pursue certain activities. Time will tell how satisfied the residents are. This looks like a retirement city or play place for the wealthy. Am I wrong?
Twitter = JohnUp
John,
Thanks for the comment. While the community certainly appears to be a planned community I don't think it is intended as either a playground for the wealthy (its not on the water) or a retirement community. The development will include businesses, schools, and athletic facilities. While you are likely correct about their being a number of CC&Rs I think that the community will still be a success similar to Disney's Celebration.
Why am I not finding any mention of water/sewer facilities?
I am interested because of my recent visit to Omega in Rhinebeck, NY where there is a perfectly natural cleansing and recycling of all water used, without any chemicals.