Earlier this month in Chicago at the annual International Awards for Livable Communities event, otherwise known as the LivCom Awards, the Acton’s Landing development in the Annapolis Historic District earned a second-tier gold medal in the environmentally sustainable projects category, coming in behind Vancouver, British Columbia, Seongdong-gu, South Korea, and Dongcheng City, China.

Acton’s Landing is a 4.5-acre mixed-residential infill project in the heart of the Historic District, a portion of which rests on the site of the old Anne Arundel Medical Center. The project created a seamless transition between existing 1920s-era homes and modern condominiums, townhouses and single-family homes.

Acton’s Landing was among 20 projects from around the world that were in consideration. Eligible projects must have been completed within the past two years, or a significant proportion must have been completed during that period.

In the whole cities category (for city populations between 20,001 and 75,000), Annapolis brought home a silver medal. In its category, Annapolis was one of 12 communities worldwide judged on how it has adopted innovative, environmentally sensitive practices and initiatives resulting in sustainable management of the environment as well as the enhancement of the air, water and land quality.

These awards applauded Annapolis for its:

• Enhancement of landscape
• Environmentally sensitive practice
• Heritage management
• Community sustainability
• Healthy lifestyles
• Planning for the future

In all, 16 countries were represented at the Nov. 4-8 competition, which was endorsed by the United Nations Environmental Program. Full results are available online at  http://bit.ly/bj0AQp

Planning Director Jon Arason, Frank Biba, chief of environmental programs, and Pearse O’Doherty, president of O’Doherty Group in Annapolis, represented the City in Chicago. No City taxpayer dollars were used for the delegation’s travel or lodging for the conference.

“Our three-person delegation brought back more than just awards for our residents,” Mayor Cohen said. “The delegation acted as Annapolis’ ambassadors, promoting a healthy, green and clean lifestyle to all who may visit, or to anyone interacted in investment opportunities.

“I thank former Mayor Ellen Moyer for her vision and leadership in promoting environmental initiatives, and I commend our entire City team for its hard work and dedication that led to these awards.”

City TV produced videos that accompanied the delegation’s presentation in Chicago in the environmentally sustainable projects and whole cities categories. Those videos are available online.

For Acton ’s Landing (6:32), go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS-d1wiX_Kc

For whole cities (11:16), go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBz0Z640wDo

Phill McGowan
Public Information Officer
City Of Annapolis
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Office – 410-263-1183
Cell -  443-433-8920

Mr. Schneiderman began his career in the Washington DC real estate development and homebuilding industry with one of the largest real estate development companies in the area, moving to become a partner in another large development company before establishing The Milton Company in 1976.  The Milton Company grew to become a full scale real estate development company, creating master-planned communities, single family homes, townhomes and condominiums, as well as multi-family and commercial office developments.  Mr. Schneiderman is a Life Director of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association and is the National Trustee of National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado.

About Madison Homes

In 1992 Mr. Schneiderman joined in the founding of Madison Homes, Inc., a full service real estate development company focused on creating residential communities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since its inception, Madison Homes’ results have included the construction and sale of more than 900 houses and condominium units and more than 40 successful real estate development projects. Madison Homes has focused almost exclusively on in-fill developments in urban areas. As a result of this focus, Madison has become a leader in creating quality in-fill residential and mixed use developments in the suburban Washington, DC area. Several of these communities have been in or adjacent to historic districts. The company and its principals, who remain intimately involved in all aspects of a Madison Homes community, have developed a high degree of expertise in designing projects that complement both the surrounding historic and urban contexts.  Additional information about Madison Homes and its communities can be found at www.madisonhomesinc.com.

Madison Homes has begun construction at Madison Mews in the City of Fairfax. Madison Mews is an urban enclave of 26 luxury townhomes taking its cues from the grand, historic homes located throughout Old Town Fairfax. Sales will begin December 2010.

Madison is processing for Redevelopment Option land use approval by the City, which will be followed by final site engineering and final architecture, with property acquisition and commencement of demolition, development and construction scheduled for the summer of 2010.

Madison’s team on the Madison Mews development include Devereaux & Associates as architect, Christopher Consultants, ltd. as engineers and Walsh Colucci Lubeley Emrich and Walsh as land use counsel.

West Street Venture, LLC, an ING Group entity, retained Madison to provide property management services for property located at 213 West Street in the City of Annapolis, Maryland. In addition to on-going property maintenance, these services have included efforts to obtain extension of land use approvals and a real estate tax assessment appeal.

“Having a great, close-in location is important in any market,” said Doug Schneiderman, Vice President, Madison Homes. “In this market, it’s everything. The reverse migration from outlying areas is gaining momentum. In addition, Tysons Corner remains a hot commercial and retail market. This all feeds into the demand for what we, and we alone, can offer. Brand new, luxury townhomes within easy walking distance to the heart of Tysons Corner.”

The Reserve at Tysons Corner is tucked right off Gallows Road, just a few blocks from Route 7 and the Beltway, and a quick shuttle-bus ride from the Dunn Loring Metro station. It’s a prime location that gives the community unparalleled accessibility.

In addition to being remarkably commuter-friendly, The Reserve at Tysons Corner offers tremendous advantages to walkers and bikers. Many of the area’s finest shops and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk of the community, and the popular W and OD Trail is just a 5-minute bike ride away.

While it may be the location that initially attracts prospective buyers, it’s the design of the townhomes and neighborhood that wins them over. The townhomes offer 3 and 4 finished levels, up to 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a 2-car garage. Amenities include a landscaped “Central Park”, access to a clubhouse and pool, and a neighborhood dog park.

Of all the new homes for sale in Tysons Corner, only The Reserve at Tysons Corner offers brand new townhomes. Now selling from the upper $680’s. For more information, visit the website at www.tysonstownhomes.com or contact Jim Patton at 703-288-3361 or jp@madisonhomesinc.com.

Learn more about the Enclave of McLean here.