Presidio Residential Capital and Family Development has received unanimous approval from the Indio, Calif., city council to build Virada, a 660-acre, sustainable master-planned community that will include 1,300 residential units, a retail center, and park space.
The northern Indio community will include single-family homes set on wide lots, townhomes, condos, and apartments marketed to a range of buyers, from growing families to retirees.
"The Coachella Valley has never had a sustainable community, let alone a sustainable master-planned community of this size and diversity,” says Vincent Barbato, principal of Family Development. “We’ve created Virada to promote a healthy, active lifestyle with special significance on embracing the environment and forging community pride.”
The environmentally responsible development features a solar field that is expected to generate enough electricity for streetlights and other community energy needs. Sustainable building techniques will lead to reduced water and energy usage by residents, according to the developers, while the north/south exposure at about 85 percent of Virada lots will allow for passive energy conservation.
“If we can sell electricity back to the grid, we can greatly lower HOA fees,” Barbato said. “Affordability is a huge part of sustainability, so that’s another way of creating value while also being environmentally responsible.”
Virada will also include a clubhouse, pool, and 2.5-acre retail center strategically placed within a five-minute walk from all residents. A loop road lined by wide sidewalks and a path designated for bikes and neighborhood electrical vehicles will run through the community. Open space and public parkland will comprise 284 acres of the development.
