November 21, 2025

Award-Winning Guidebook Simplifies Development Conversations in Huntersville, NC

Huntersville Town Center was built on a corner of their new downtown and includes town offices and a Discovery Center for children. This is an example of a civic building that showcases high-quality architecture and incorporates a diverse range of uses.

The Town of Huntersville, North Carolina, is helping residents and developers speak the same language about design and growth. Huntersville is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, with a population of over 60,000. With its new Design Guidebook, the Town turned complex planning standards into clear, visual tools that make development conversations easier and more productive.

Created in partnership with Freese and Nichols’ Urban Planning + Design team, the Design Guidebook helps Huntersville communicate what good design looks like and how it supports the Town’s goals for livable, connected neighborhoods.

A Shared Vision for Quality Growth

For developers, the Design Guidebook offers clear examples that demonstrate how projects can align with the community’s vision. It highlights key design features — such as building placement, walkability and usable public spaces — to help applicants navigate the process with confidence.

For residents, the guidebook illustrates how thoughtful design influences the appearance and character of neighborhoods. It shows how elements like front doors that face the street and well-designed open spaces contribute to a sense of place.

“The Design Guidebook helps everyone see what quality development means for Huntersville,” said Freese and Nichols Project Manager Danny Wilson. “It makes planning more approachable and creates a stronger foundation for collaboration.”

Making Development Conversations Simpler

The guidebook outlines the steps in the development process, enabling applicants and staff to move projects forward with confidence. It clarifies expectations, reduces review times and saves staff hours that can be spent on other community priorities.

The guidebook provides residents with transparency and insight into the development decision-making process. It also offers town officials a practical reference that supports clear and consistent decision-making.

Mixed-use buildings that incorporate residential architectural design aesthetic elements help maintain pedestrian comfort and visual interest.

Downtown elements, such as wide sidewalks, café tables and street trees, create a welcoming environment for residents to gather and relax together.

This mixed-use development incorporates strong pedestrian amenities and human-scale architecture to create an enjoyable atmosphere for shopping, dining and gathering.

From left: Freese and Nichols’ Danny Wilson, Huntersville’s Brad Priest and APA-NC President Bynum Walter

Statewide Recognition for Innovation

The guidebook’s success has reached beyond Huntersville. The American Planning Association–North Carolina Chapter (APA-NC) honored the project with a 2025 Marvin Collins Award for Specialized Planning, recognizing its innovative approach and positive impact on the community.

Freese and Nichols’ Danny Wilson and Huntersville’s Assistant Planning Director Brad Priest accepted the award at the APA-NC annual conference in Charlotte.

A Model for Other Communities

Huntersville’s Design Guidebook is now serving as an example for other cities that want to make planning more accessible.

By combining strong visuals with practical direction, the Town created a resource that supports developers, engages residents and builds lasting understanding about how good design supports community growth.