PROVIDENCE, RI - On June 3, the Congress for New Urbanism awarded the U.S. Army, Clark Pinnacle and Torti Gallas & Partners a coveted 2006 Charter Award for The Villages at Belvoir as part of the U.S. Army’s Residential Communities Initiative Program. Clark Pinnacle is a joint venture between Clark Realty of Bethesda, Md. and Pinnacle of Seattle. Architect Torti Gallas & Partners of Silver Spring, Md. provided the design and land planning.

The Congress for the New Urbanism Annual Charter Awards set the gold standard for urban design and development. The awards honor the exceptional designs that complement, enhance or even repair their built and natural environments. Winning projects serve as powerful examples for future development. The Congress for the New Urbanism is a major international organization advancing human-scale, walkable neighborhoods, cities, and towns. Since its inception 13 years ago, it has helped shape an international conversation about the consequences of formless growth and has advanced an alternate vision for community development and regional sustainability based on the Charter of the New Urbanism.

Characterized by pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and generous open spaces, Herryford Village exemplifies the principles of new urbanism. At a density of 7.5 units/acre, the 171-home neighborhood is respectful of the surrounding land and environment and brings the smart growth best practices of the private market place onto a military post.

The partnership is the first on a military installation to develop several homes above retail, also known as “live/work” units. This housing, combined with a mix of retail uses below and an articulated streetscape design, are the first steps to creating a “Main Street” for the post. The Army was so impressed by the results and popularity of the homes that similar housing types are now being introduced on other Army posts across the country.

Clark Pinnacle was also recently honored with a “Best Suburban Smart Growth Community” gold medal award for Herryford Village. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) presented this 2005 Best in American Living Award (BALA) to Clark Pinnacle at its 22nd annual award ceremony held in January at Hard Rock “LIVE” in Orlando, Fla.