Beginning in 2002, Picacho Mountain, LP, joined forces with the Burkes to create a premier community comprised of over 700 acres. The natural beauty of the Chihuahuan desert and the picturesque Doña Ana and Organ Mountains will be featured in this community that plans to develop with a deep respect for the land. By preserving desert spaces and arroyos, promoting community through intelligent development and creating areas that are extensions of the surrounding desert, the heritage of the land will live on at Picacho Mountain.
In 1966, Bob Pofahl and his partners started a construction company in El Paso, Texas. They were introduced to the founders of the Embassy Suites hotel chain and began traveling around the country building hotels. “The founder was very demanding about design, and he began molding our sensitivity to go beyond bricks and mortar,” said Bob, “We weren’t just constructing buildings-we were creating an environment that people could enjoy.” This unique approach to construction laid the foundation upon which CBI was built. Years of experience, research and growth on personal and professional levels created a group of developers with a respect for the natural environment and a vision for the future of communities.
The construction industry was hit hard by the Real Estate Tax Act in 1986, and the Pofahls trimmed the company down to accommodate conditions in the market. Bob and his wife, Karen, decided to take advantage of the situation by traveling with their children to Mexico and Central America to work with non-profit organizations. Over several years, the family mobilized groups from the U.S. to construct homes, churches and orphanages for people in poverty-stricken areas. During that time, they observed the way that residents in various communities cooperated within their social environment. “In Mexico, people are so relational. You see it in the town square and the markets-people don’t have to go outside their community to develop relationships, or to have places for their children to learn and grow,” said Karen. It became apparent to the Pofahls that the key elements which create viable communities had begun to fade in the United States, which triggered their passion to work toward building more livable communities.
“Our name, Community Builders, represents our commitment to building social infrastructure as well as the physical,” said Bob. Using national research firms and studying successful developments in areas such as San Diego and Phoenix helped the developers define the amenities that people want in their neighborhoods. They found that the top requests included walking trails, natural open spaces, golf courses, fitness facilities, community centers and a safe environment. Phase One of the Picacho Mountain plan will provide residents with access to paved trails, exercise stations, community parks and open areas that will exceed the expectations of active outdoor enthusiasts. “You go into some neighborhoods and never see people outside. We want to create a very livable, walk-able community,” said Bob. On average, undeveloped areas (natural environment) within neighborhoods make up 10 percent of the development, but Picacho Mountain plans to keep 65 percent of land undisturbed.
Promoting safety within the community will be accomplished through street design. At Picacho Mountain, a main street will lead traffic through the community without bringing it into residential areas. Winding streets in neighborhoods will slow traffic flow to create a place where children and adults can feel safe while outside the home. There will also be a master community association for the entire development and each subdivision to ensure that the quality of lifestyle within the community is maintained.
Later phases of the development promise unique communities and eventually a neighborhood retail plaza that will provide direct access to amenities. Picacho Mountain, LP, plans to develop areas that cater to families, individuals and people with special needs. The first phases will feature larger lots, and later phases will consist of more populated areas with commercial space to meet the needs of residents.
Retail spaces will offer access to shopping, dry cleaners, a grocery store, coffee shops, copy centers and executive office spaces available to residents. The architecture and design of the retail areas will blend with the surrounding neighborhood style. “We will respect our homeowners’ investments by creating retail areas that encourage community and are attractive,” said Bob. Picacho Mountain will include quality lifestyle accommodations for people at every stage of life. This provides the opportunity to move from single family homes to smaller retirement living options, which are seamlessly integrated into the community design.
CBI and Picacho Mountain, LP are family oriented companies that are dedicated to developing areas that promote community. Robert captured their goal when he stated, “We want to participate in the continued development of quality projects that blend the natural environment with the built environment.” By developing a neighborhood that encourages community while providing residents with access to desirable amenities, Picacho Mountain seems to be at the forefront of a community renaissance.
|
