Located at the southern fork of the Welland Canal, a timeless collection of detached homes and townhomes has been growing at Empire Canals. Many homeowners are already settled in, enjoying life in the Niagara Region with all of life’s necessities nearby. But in 2018, the bridge at Forks Road was closed down, removing some of the convenience residents of the area had come to rely on.

A testament to the commitment to infrastructure and efficiency of Niagara Region, Welland Mayor Frank Campion and the community’s Regional Councillor, Bonnie Fokkens, set themselves to the task of having the Forks Bridge rebuilt. Funded in a joint venture by government programs and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Rural & Northern Stream alongside Empire Communities, this $13.6 million project commenced in late 2022.

On August 16th, 2024, the new Forks Road Bridge finally connected our community across the canal once more. But what does this mean for Empire Canals?

Located right down the street from our neighbourhood, the Forks Road Bridge makes getting around so much easier, and gives residents new freedom. With two lanes, two bike lanes, and a pedestrian walkway, it allows residents of Welland the ability to explore beyond their community without relying on a vehicle.

Prior to the completion of the new bridge, the next closest crossing was Townline Tunnel Road, an ambitious 40 minute walk from Canals. Forks Road Bridge is only 12 minutes on foot, meaning a stroll around the neighbourhood can include a beautiful walk across the water, admiring the incredible scenery all around.

Not only that, but with the ability to cross the canal without heading north, residents commuting into Port Colborne, stopping by Mud Lake or Wainfleet Conservation Areas, or travelling to one of the dozens of golf courses in the area is more convenient than ever.

But the most important improvement that the new Forks Road Bridge brings to Empire Canals is simple — safety and longevity. The original bridge was closed due to structural failure, and Welland acted fast to avoid disaster. This investment into local infrastructure ensures that residents of Welland are safe and protected in their day-to-day lives, with new and improved engineering guaranteed to exceed modern building codes and remain stable for years to come.

We’re planting the seeds for a bouquet of new homes in Flora, a new residential community coming to Hutto by our sister company, Empire Continental.

Flora will be 835 acres of exceptional living, with a location at the crossroads of county roads 394 and 133 just three miles from the heart of northeast Hutto. Austin and popular employment centers — including the new Samsung Austin Semiconductor plant — are a short drive away.

But you won’t have to leave the community looking for entertainment — you’ll find plenty right there.

With so much to offer in Flora, it’s fitting that we’re introducing two new series of floor plans to the Austin area. Our first, will be homes designed for 40-foot lots and priced from the low $300,000s. These homes will range from 1,527 to 2,649 square feet, offering three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms.

Larger floor plans for 50-foot homesites will range from 1,911 to 3,249 square feet an offering three to four bedrooms and two to 3.5 bathrooms.

Construction on two model homes will start soon in Empire Flora and expected to open in December.

Stay tuned for the announcement of pricing and the start of sales — we can’t wait to share these beautiful homes with you!

It’s shocking, in the very best of ways, and it’s all happening by 2027.

The massive investment by Honda/Asahi Kasei, with support from the Federal and Provincial governments, is the kind of news that will empower the economy in Niagara for generations to come. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently joined company executives in announcing the largest local investment in over 100 years.

Joining the Emory Glen community offers more than just a place to live — it’s a gateway to a family-friendly lifestyle. Residents not only relish the natural beauty of Magnolia but also have opportunities to bond with neighbors in communal spaces designed for connection. Read on to explore the exceptional amenities that set Emory Glen apart, making it an ideal place to call home for years to come.

There’s a lot to love about Emory Glen — so why not call it home? Learn more about Empire’s available homes today.

Next, discover 5 reasons to make the move to Magnolia, and what there is to love about living in North Houston.

If you’re native to the Texas region, you’ve probably heard of The Woodlands before, especially since it’s one of Houston’s most popular destinations to ever exist. With offerings that rival the nation’s most talked about cities, The Woodlands was designed for those who seek great experiences and wish to revel in top-tier amenities, globally-ranked venues and hidden gems scattered across the property’s 28,000 tree-filled acres. All this to say, it’s no wonder The Woodlands was named the best place to live in the U.S. for the second year in a row.

According to Niche.com and the Houston Chronicle, The Woodlands ranked high for public schools, housing, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity, as well as health and fitness this year. It was also named the nation’s second-best city to buy a house and raise a family in. If you’re interested in experiencing what the region’s hype is all about for yourself, Empire has four North Houston communities located just a short drive away from The Woodlands. Now’s your chance to discover what each of them have to offer and make the move to a home (and community) that’s shiny and new.

Boasting over 3,000-acres, Audubon is poised to become one of the most dynamic master-planned communities in Magnolia to live, work and play. Just a stone’s throw away from Houston, The Woodlands and College Station, shopping, entertainment and dining opportunities are always within reach. With commercial retail spaces and an on-site school proposed, Audubon’s amenities reflect what you value most. Walking trails and parks just a 5-minute walk from home make every moment dear, and allow you to explore the community’s natural wonders just outside your door.

With recreational lakes, over 30 miles of walking and biking trails, and an 18-hole semi-private golf course on site, The Highlands is where the beauty of nature melds seamlessly with the fulfillment of home. An exceptional master-planned community in Montgomery County, The Highlands offers something for everyone, with amenities that include an event lawn, fitness center, playground, waterpark, lazy river and tennis courts.

An intimate community in desirable Conroe, Venetian Pines is a nature-rich community with a focus on family connection. Relish afternoons spent exploring the lush winding trails woven throughout the community, or spend downtime fishing at the pond. And for when a more urban adventure calls, the community is conveniently located near Airport Road and Loop 336 for easy access to top shopping, dining and recreation opportunities. Did we mention that it’s also zoned to the prestigious Conroe ISD?

Come home to Harper’s Preserve — a unique master-planned community surrounding a 160-acre forested preservation area with an endless supply of natural beauty around you. Revel in a rich on-site amenity package that includes a resort-style pool, splash pad, wildlife garden, as well as walking trails and park areas too. An elementary school and HEB store is also located on the community’s grounds. The community is conveniently located near Interstate 45 North and State Highway 242; major employment centers; and world-class shopping, dining and recreational options; making this the perfect destination to work, live and play.

Learn more about what makes our North Houston communities so great. Feel free to connect with our New Home Specialist, Virginia, to answer any questions you may have by clicking into the pop-up on the lower right-hand side of the page.

Photo courtesy of: Business Facilities (The Woodlands Hero Image).

Via Austin Business Journal

Home sales are underway in a massive master-planned community in Georgetown.

More than 150 lots have already been delivered to homebuilders in Parmer Ranch, the 454-acre development that is set to have 1,000 residential units, 100 acres of commercial development, 47 acres of parkland and schools near Williams Drive and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Work started in 2020.

The builders in the first phase are GFO Home LLC (44 homes), Gehan Homes Ltd. (43), Empire Communities LLC (42) and Sitterle Homes Ltd. (26). The first homes are expected to be completed within the next two months, according to developer Joe Owen, president of Owen Holdings Inc.

He said those builders have also all purchased lots in the community’s second phase, which is expected to be completed in four or five months. That includes 78 Sittlerle Homes as part of the Cottages at Parmer Ranch, with the remainder split between Empire (48), Gehan (47) and Sittlerle (47).

The developer is working on permitting for an additional 375 homes in two more phases and said the community is on track to have about 1,000 homes once completed.

“We are trying to accommodate the current demand for homes,” Owen said.

Empire Communities LLC announced Oct. 25 that it is now selling 50-foot properties, with those homes starting in the $400,000 range and coming in nine floor plans ranging from 1,554 to 2,654 square feet and up to five bedrooms, with one or two stories.

The company also said 40-foot homesites will go on sale later this year. The one- and two-story designs range from 1,414 to 2,393 square feet and feature three to four bedrooms, large kitchen islands, walk-in closets, flex space and numerous upgrades, according to the announcement.

“We aren’t releasing pricing on these floor plans just yet, but I can say that pricing will start in the $300,000s, allowing home buyers to get into a brand new home in a treed master-planned community in Georgetown,” Terry Shuffler, Empire’s Central Texas division president, said in a statement. “It’s a rare opportunity and we expect these homes to go quickly.”

GFO Home housing at Parmer Ranch starts at $469,990, with one and two-story designs, three to five bedrooms and 2,041 to 3,147 square feet, according to its website. Sittlerle has homes on 60-foot lots, ranging from three to five bedrooms and 1,835 to 3,262 square feet, starting at $489,000 on its website. Gehan has homes starting at $339,990, with one and two stories, three or four bedrooms and 1,520 to 3,050 square feet, according to its website.

Georgetown has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country in recent years. Its population increased from 47,400 in 2010 to 67,176 in 2020, according to U.S. Census Bureau numbers.

An environment ripe for higher home prices

No single development will solve Central Texas’ housing shortage. Metro-wide housing inventory stood at 1.1 months in September, according to recent data from the Austin Board of Realtors, well below the six months housing experts want to see in a balanced market. But builders are rushing to put homes in the ground, especially on the periphery of the metro where land is cheaper. Other large subdivision plans to come to light recently include a 400-acre project from D.R. Horton in Bastrop, 330 Toll Brothers homes in Leander, up to 375 single-family homes on the old site of Camp Doublecreek in Round Rock and Thunder Rock, which could eventually bring 2,000 single-family homes to Marble Falls.

In Williamson County, home to Georgetown, housing inventory was 0.8 months in September, according to ABOR. It is among the fastest growing markets in the five-county Austin metro, with 1,269 sales that month — versus 1,796 sales in Travis County, 457 sales in Hays County, 126 sales in Bastrop County and 34 sales in Caldwell County. Housing prices are rising rapidly in Williamson County, as its median price rose 37.5% year over year to $435,000 in September, compared with $510,000 in Travis, $365,000 in Hays, $335,000 in Bastrop and $259,000 in Caldwell.

Owen admitted the price points at Parmer Ranch are higher than they expected when starting the development, but those costs escalated with the increases in building costs, as well as demand. But he said the community will standout with its walkability and amenities. The school sites could soon break ground if they are approved as part of Georgetown Independent School District’s current bond package proposal.

“It’s an environment ripe for higher home prices, unfortunately,” he said. “I think in this specific area we will be the master-planned mixed-use community with the most amenities. … We see ourselves more as a community than most of our competition.”

Parmer Ranch amenities include a 10-acre district park. Owen said that the park should be completed within the next two months, and includes a zip line, dig pits, hammocks, seating areas, workout stations, water features, trails and the customary play areas. An amenity center is likely to be completed as part of a third phase of the community.

He added that the 100-acre commercial portion will be done “sooner than expected,” but is still a few years out. It is expected to include office and retail space and Owen said discussions are ongoing with potential tenants. He said he owns a site across the street with more than 30 acres and recently signed a deal for the owners of Mesquite Creek Outfitters and The Golden Rule in Georgetown to open a brewery.

“It’s a lot of work to get here. There’s no rest for the weary,” Owen said. “It’s going quick is what it is. There’s no time for successes. To me, it’s like a war each phase – you win one battle and go on to the next.”

He said the ultimate goal was to create a more of a “true community,” where neighbors can congregate and do more than just have a house. They’ll be space for kids to play and a bandstand for people to gather on weekend nights.

“When homeowners get in there, they’ll start to shape the direction the neighborhood goes. We want to give them the opportunity to have a little more than elsewhere,” he said. “We want to provide those areas to where families could connect, kids turn off their devices and get outside and enjoy nature.”

Living by the water is every homeowner’s dream — it has this way of inducing a sense of calm, well-being and happiness. Although, we know that finding the right property, filled with all of the amenities and scenic views that you like, isn’t easy. That’s why our coastal-inspired communities across Texas may be the perfect solution. Here’s how they’re just like living in a water-front community and how they’re each, in their own way, a homeowner’s dream come true.

Living at Lago Mar means that you’ll never have to travel far to have fun. This exciting, pleasure-packed community has countless beautiful outdoor spaces and resort-style amenities that were designed to offer a curated lifestyle experience unlike any other. Perhaps the most noteworthy amenity of all is the community’s lagoon. Lago Mar isn’t home just to any pool or man-made lake, it boasts the largest lagoon in Texas, spanning 12 acres and surrounded by white-sand beaches and azure waters. Its lagoon-side dining on the boardwalk, 3,000-square-foot clubhouse with a resort-style pool, expansive workout room, catering kitchen, business center and playground will make your home feel like a vacation each and every day.

Sunterra is a master-planned community that was designed to be your launchpad for family adventures. As a resident, you’ll have a host of incredible community amenities to explore including a crystal-clear lagoon, a grotto with a waterfall, a splash park and pool, in addition to a playground, fitness facility, clubhouse and recreation center. With quick access to nearby parks offering hiking, biking, athletic fields, shooting ranges, equestrian trails, dog-friendly spaces and camping opportunities, Sunterra will keep you connected to everything you love about home and nature.

The Highlands is one of Empire’s newest communities, expected to be released later this summer. Located in Montgomery County, The Highlands is a community dedicated to those who cherish home, but enjoy time outdoors too. Here, you can spend mornings kayaking and paddle-boarding across the lake or fishing from the shore, and meander along wooden paths and trails. With recreational lakes, over 30 miles of walking and biking trails, and an 18-hole semi-private golf course on-site, The Highlands is where the beauty of nature melds seamlessly with the fulfillment of home.

At Coastal Point, you can live a relaxed coastal lifestyle, just minutes away from the Gulf. While there’s plenty to do within the community itself thanks to its winding trails, pond, resort-style pool, clubhouse and greenspace, there’s a ton more that the League City area has to offer too. On the coast, you’re close to it all, especially to local attractions like Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston Beach. If living beach-side appeals to you, look no further than this nautical-inspired master-planned community.

If you’re looking for a community that emphasizes natural amenities and a relaxed pace of life, Lakeside at Lake Georgetown may be the perfect fit for you. Here, residents are provided with private access to Lake Georgetown near Army Corps of Engineers land and they’re surrounded by spectacular greenbelt views. Fishing, camping, hunting and boating opportunities are available at Jim Hogg Park on the north end of Lake Georgetown, and hiking trails along the lake offer some of the most picturesque views.

Blanco Vista is one of Empire’s most unique communities because it’s home to the Blanco River. In addition to its first-class amenities including two community pools, a pavilion, hiking and biking trails, a beautifully landscaped parkway and a fishing pond, it’s nearby the Five-Mile Dam Park which is backed against the banks of the Blanco River. No matter the day of the week, residents can spend their time admiring its stunning riverside views and can even eat al fresco by arranging a family picnic or barbecue.

Photo courtesy of: Crystal Lagoons (Lago Mar Lagoon).

You have finally arrived at the decision to buy a new home, but where? The bigger question you might want to consider is whether you’re content with simply buying a house, or whether you’d like to invest in a home located in a master-planned community instead. Here, adventure and opportunity are at your door-step — literally — as a destination where you and your family can thrive.

A master-planned community isn’t just a series of streets and houses. Rather, it’s a meticulously thought-out collection of homes built by carefully selected homebuilders; amenities that encourage leisure activity; and convenient retail, schools, places of worship and so much more. In short, a master-planned community functions as a hometown — your hometown. Here are four reasons to consider purchasing your new home in one of North Carolina’s master-planned communities.

What started out as a master’s thesis idea has since become one of the largest and most wide-ranging redevelopment programs both in Georgia and the United States. Hatched back in 1999 by architectural planning graduate Ryan Gravel, the Atlanta BeltLine was designed to transform the way that Atlanteans used transportation and move around the city. Fast forward to the present, and the BeltLine is driving the new urbanism of the city, acting as the catalyst for inclusive and sustainable city life. Read on to discover why you’d want to live close to this bustling new development.