The Crestwood sign designed by Eric Rattan welcomes you to Crestwood, also known as the Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association (WHCA), the oldest cooperative neighborhood association in the United States. The community was designed based on the Sandinavian land use model by John Bordner, a land-use planner with much experience.
Crestwood is where I first settled when moving to Madison in the early 90's. I immediately enjoyed it and came to love it even more as I settled in.
Recently, I ran across a Blog by hangininsac.blogspot.com about my unique neighborhood in Madison WI. His post entitled, "Lessons in Urban Planning "– Madison, Wisconsin's Crestwood Neighborhood has been somewhat re-wordered here. He expressed the "feeling" of this unique neighborhood beautifully.
Sometimes, "place" is important. Being in a good place can nurture a good life.
Crestwood is located in a leafy part of Madison's near west side, full of wooded parks, hills and narrow meandering streets. The trees are a definite part of the equation, but that's not all of it. There's something more. A sense of place.
Crestwood's individually owned lots are relatively small, and the houses are modest and varied in design. Above is a mid-century contemporary and an updated ranch I sold ( plus quite a few other homes in the recent past). But is beloved, even though there are many more upscale homes and neighborhoods in Madison. Most lots in this special community are heavily wooded. Between each pair of streets a grass area about 20 feet wide runs between the rows of back yards, leading from Bordner Drive to the wooded parkland behind the neighborhood. These park strips are used as public play areas for kids and gathering places for annual Neighborhood events. Owners on either side of the green areas work it out as to who will mow each common area.
This Sunday the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place. There is a 4th of July parade and picnic, an autumn cookout named Crestfest, a Halloween bonfire and more.
You can read about how even the Crestwood neighborhood sign was a cooperative effort and dedicated to Gaylord Nelson, former Governor, US Senator and principal founder of Earth Day.
Let me help you turn your dreams into Reality in this fine neighborhood or others in the greater Madison area.
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