What if neighborhoods were built for humans rather than cars, capital or corporations? That’s the question posed by Meristem Communities, the developer behind a new community coming to Fort Bend County.
Located just off State Highway 99 on the border of Richmond and Sugar Land, Indigo is the latest project for Meristem Communities’ Places for People™ initiative. The Houston-based developer is known for creating communities that are thoughtfully designed to prioritize community and sustainable living. Plans for Indigo also include a 42-acre plot of farmland that will include crop fields and pastures for livestock, as well as a 25-acre lake to be populated with native species.
Artist rendering of the open spaces at Indigo (image courtesy of Meristem Communities)
“Indigo is the result of years of working, dreaming and remaining curious,” said Clayton Garrett, a partner at Meristem Communities, in a press release. “We are guided by our personal experiences and no small amount of frustration trying to maintain modern, healthy lives in the suburbs while raising children, commuting to work, running endless errands — all the while trying to stay present and make meaningful and fulfilling connections with our neighbors and community.
“We know good neighborhood design can shift these challenges to positive outcomes that create a more equitable system that supports actual people-to-people interactions,” he continued. “We believe it’s the sum of a thousand small decisions that create a more engaging, more interesting and more livable neighborhood.”
The “human-centric” plans for the community emphasize walkability and pedestrian safety with multiple car-free zones. Additionally, the developers have shared that over 50% of the 235-acre plot of land will be dedicated to open space such as parks and bike and foot paths.
Indigo will also feature the Indigo Commons, a hub for the neighborhood’s office, health care and retail spaces. This gathering place will include a cafe market and event space, as well as a stage.
“We’re excited to add a human-centered neighborhood to Richmond and the greater Houston region,” said Scott Snodgrass, another partner at Meristem. “By focusing first on people, we know Indigo will better serve our residents by providing for much of their daily needs within a ten-minute walk. With a strong focus on providing living arrangements for all life stages and family formations, we also hope this neighborhood will reflect the rich diversity of cultural heritages that exist within our greater community.”
Homebuilders constructing in Indigo include David Weekley Homes, Empire Communities and Highland Homes. The community will be home to approximately 650 houses and 100 rental units upon completion of phase one.
Homes from the first phase of Indigo’s construction plan will likely hit the market in late 2023.