Here's what we mean when we say ...

Adventure play.

A kind of outdoor recreation that's all about imagination and challenge. Unlike the standard playground equipment that kids outgrow, adventure play is progressive. It offers different levels of challenge for all ages and skill sets. While appearing to be simply fun, adventure play is designed to build confidence as well as cooperation and problem-solving abilities.

Authentic architecture.

This is all about integrity of design. Being true to a particular style, region or historic period: Craftsman, Prairie, Spanish, Monterey, and so on. Taking aesthetics into account from all sides of the home. And including things like front porches that offer space for relaxing and entertaining whether you're inside of out. Like neighborhood crafting, it's about attention to details.

Cornerstone values.

These are the seven fundamental principles that are guiding the planning, design and construction of Banning Lewis Ranch.

• Tradition — We want to blend the best of Colorado Springs' colorful past and its bright future into a vibrant living environment.
• Nature — An interwoven tapestry of natural open spaces, neighborhood parks, greenbelts, pathways and trails is planned to complement the Ranch's natural beauty.
• Balance — A mix of schools, homes, restaurants, shops and gathering places designed to attract people of all ages and all walks of life to provide for a unified community.
• Knowledge — In our vision, each village within Banning Lewis Ranch will feature an integrated park and school campus that functions as a centerpiece for its neighborhoods.
• Discovery — Villages are expected to include parks, playgrounds, multi-use sports courts, swimming pools, soccer fields and places for friends and families to gather. And, the Ranch's trails are being designed to offer miles of walking, jogging and biking opportunities — throughout the community, and to other regional trails.
• Culture — Banning Lewis Ranch intends to embrace local culture in its art, architecture and design. The goal is for a timeless community that seems as if it has always been a part of Colorado Springs.
• Progress — From its inception, Banning Lewis Ranch has been poised to strengthen the foundation of Colorado Springs with big ideas, imaginative master-planned community design and innovative contributions.

Master-planned community.

This is a community that has been thoughtfully planned in every detail, right down to the street signs. It strives to be sure that all the parts work well together. And it sets design standards for residents. That is, it usually comes with clear rules, or covenants, about what you can and cannot do with your property — so you're protected from that exuberant neighbor who suddenly decides he wants to paint his home Bronco orange and blue. In other words, a master-planned community is designed to instill pride of ownership and enhance the character of your neighborhood in ways that a non-planned community can't match.

Mixed-use.

In addition to being master-planned, a community may also be mixed-use. This means it is designed to include more than just homes. In such a community you may discover that these other "uses" include parks and open spaces; shops, restaurants and movie theaters; hotels; offices, studios and light industrial facilities; and schools. As the Ranch develops in the future, some of these uses may be integrated into the fabric of the community — frequently in the form of a town center or major employment center — bringing more balance, convenience and enrichment to everyday life.

Neighborhood crafting.

An approach to community design that's goal is to create more appealing, more livable neighborhoods. The difference is in the details: paying attention to the way selected colors and architectural styles work together on a particular street. How varying the setback of garages helps to create more visual interest. How front porches encourage neighbors to stop, chat and maybe even sip some lemonade together. How open-ended cul-de-sacs provide both view and walking corridors. You know, things like that.

Pasillo.

An open space corridor, often paved or gravel, that links one neighborhood to another. Or a neighborhood to a school, a community center or a town center. A network of pasillos can turn a community into a pedestrian-friendly place. And a family-friendly place, too, because it gives little kids in strollers and bigger kids on bikes a way to get around without crossing busy streets.

Ranch House.

At the new Banning Lewis Ranch, the concept of the Ranch House has evolved. It's still the social and cultural heart of the neighborhood, but it's no longer the homestead it once was. The Ranch House will serve as both community center and information center. It'll be the place to go when you're a brand new visitor trying to get your bearings, and when you're an established resident looking for a pool on a hot Saturday afternoon. Each village at Banning Lewis Ranch is planned to be served by its own Ranch House, which may include pools, playgrounds or other recreational facilities.

Sustainability

This is a big idea because, more and more, all of us are conscious of our world and its limited resources. It has become vital to design communities that conserve natural resources, make the best use of the land and offer enduring value — environmentally, aesthetically and economically. To build beautiful, well-crafted homes with timeless character. To plant drought-tolerant, native landscaping. And to include a mix of uses over time — residential, retail, office, and other commercial uses — to ensure diversity in daily life.