Rosewood…Preserved for Natural Areas

Villa’s of Rosewood in Rockford MI
When Sable Developing first looked at the rolling hills, wooded acreage, and wetlands, there was no question this was a site that called out for preservation and protection. There are 62 acres of land with approximately 23 acres preserved for natural areas, and wetlands.

The Villas of Rosewood is a single-family home, detached condominium community situated on 62 acres in Rockford. What makes the 105-unit development so unique is the careful planning and engineering devoted to protecting its natural environment and allowing its residents to connect with nature. To ensure continuing protection of the natural areas, all lawn care will be serviced by professionals using organic methods. The goal of Villas of Rosewood is to make the site as beneficial to the environment after development as it was prior to development.

The community includes multiple rain gardens, ponds, and connecting stream beds combined with native species of trees, shrubs, water plants, and wildflowers. In traditional developments, retention ponds are built to capture runoff from pavement and roofs, often resulting in stagnant water that invites mosquitoes and flies. The Villas of Rosewood has an innovative ecosystem using a series of three bio retention ponds, connected by 1,700 feet of streambed, and surrounded by several rain gardens. This system will protect nearby wetlands by continuously cycling and filtering surface water. The ponds have aerators to provide water movement and oxygenation, and special plants known for their removal of organic and inorganic materials. These plants, which are all historically native to northern Kent County, will produce flowers, seeds, and fruit beneficial to wildlife. The rain gardens include several native plants, including pickerel weed (which produces beautiful spikes of purple flowers and removes heavy metals), switch grass, spice bush, water talla, and blue lobelia.

The landscape in the Villas of Rosewood provides a beautiful setting for the European cottage-style homes built according to Energy Star specifications. Conditioning costs of the homes is 40% less than non-Energy Star homes. Benefits include minimizing runoff into the community storm drains, and preservation of wetlands and wooded areas. This preservation permits the continued growth and sustainment of wildlife and vegetation.

Integrated storm water management early in the site planning process
Microscale techniques to manage precipitation
Natural features in landscape
Fewer pipe and underground infrastructure
Flowing streams with water falls and retention ponds
Preserved and improved wildlife habitat
Enhanced wetlands and wetland protection
Rain gardens and bioretention