Reynolds Blue Ridge

Late last year Reynolds Signature Communities acquired the community previously known as Laurelmor and has renamed it Reynolds Blue Ridge. Here’s the press release provided to Carolinas for Boomers by the Reynolds Blue Ridge marketing staff:

(Blowing Rock, NC) Reynolds Signature Communities has announced the new name of its mountain community in Wilkes and Watauga Counties, N.C. – REYNOLDS BLUE RIDGE. The community, formerly known as Laurelmor, is located 1.5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and only 6 miles from the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone.

“We searched the Western Carolina Mountains for a property that could become the next Reynolds Signature Community, and the views, natural features and great location of this property will provide the basis for the nationally-recognized Reynolds lifestyle,” states Mercer Reynolds, Chairman of Reynolds Signature Communities. “The Reynolds name has come to represent a trusted lifestyle brand in the southeast, and this first Reynolds-named community away from Reynolds Plantation will live up to the high standards we set for our communities and ourselves.”

Since taking over day-to-day operations of the property in December, 2008, Reynolds has fully committed to completing development of the 6,200-acre property. The Reynolds team is working diligently on infrastructure, and this fall will see the completion of nearly 20 miles of paved roads, as well as entry gates, central water and sewer systems, electricity, and telephone/technology systems.

The architectural vernacular of the community has also changed with the new ownership, with previous plans for a European theme giving way to a more rustic and relaxed mountain style, in a tradition of the finest mountain architecture in Western North Carolina. Reynolds is working with several local architects as well as Atlanta-based firm Wakefield Beasley & Associates to plan the new structures, starting with the permanent entrance which will begin construction this year.

Amenity venues on-site are also being worked on, including several miles of new nature and hiking trails. Reynolds previously announced that the new architect of the proposed golf course is Rees Jones, known for both his long list of award-winning designs and for his work in re-crafting some of the best courses in the country in advance of U.S. Opens. Jones’ team is near complete on his planned routing for the golf course.

“We expect our investment will result in tremendous economic impact to both Wilkes and Watauga counties,” says Reynolds Blue Ridge Project Manager Jason Wingfield. “We’re optimistic the market for a quality community in the Blue Ridge Mountains will continue to improve. We think there will be a flight to quality developed communities that are thoughtfully planned, executed with great care and expertise, and appropriately capitalized. All of this suggests we will enjoy great success in the future.”

The company hosted existing property owners earlier this summer at famed Reynolds Plantation. There, the company shared the new vision for the community, emphasizing the unique natural attributes of the property which include elevations exceeding 4,000 feet in areas, unobstructed long range views across the property, and an incredible location near Blowing Rock, Boone and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Reynolds management also received great feedback from owners on a number of topics including desired amenity options as development continues.

“There were many compelling aspects to the previous vision for the community,” notes Mercer Reynolds. “We have been operating a highly amenitized, nationally recognized destination community at Reynolds Plantation for nearly a quarter century, so we have the ability to maximize the value for owners and to create a superior lifestyle that will stand the test of time.”

In addition to the 18-hole Rees Jones golf course, proposed plans include a clubhouse, tennis and wellness facilities, cultural and arts programming (drawing from similar programs at Reynolds Plantation) and an Adventure Center integrated into an extensive trail system.

“We want Reynolds Blue Ridge to exemplify the reasons why families choose a mountain retreat in the first place,” states Sales Manager Chris England. “The property affords owners a great climate and great views – we want to supplement that with amenities constructed at a Reynolds-level of quality, and provide opportunities for families to best enjoy the expansive natural beauty of the community.”

Currently, the community has a Discovery Center on Main Street in scenic Blowing Rock, headed by Sales Manager (and local resident) Chris England. Real estate sales operations are slated to commence this Fall with a “soft” release of homesites ranging from one to four acres. The homesites are centrally located near a proposed “mountain village” amenity area, priced from the mid $100Ks, and paired with a program of unique purchase incentives.

We liked the location and initial plans for Laurelmor but we are equally excited about what Reynolds Blue Ridge could turn out to be. Reynolds has a great reputation and has had great success with their other communities, most notably Reynolds Plantation in Georgia. Visit website.