Crescent Communities, a leading real estate investment and operating firm, is set to begin development of Masons Bend, a 550-acre, master-planned community in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The developer has also donated $150,000 to the Town of Fort Mill, providing a catalyst to the town’s plans for developing recreational amenities for public use.

“As the Town of Fort Mill continues to grow, we are excited to be a partner for growth while preserving the character and charm people know and love,” said James Martin, vice president of Crescent Communities’ residential group.

Masons Bend, Crescent’s first new residential project in the Charlotte area since 2008, encompasses two parcels of land including a 274-acre parcel the developer purchased from the Culture and Heritage Foundation earlier this year. Crescent will work with local and state agencies to honor the land as it develops the property. With its $150,000 donation, Crescent has also made a significant investment in the Town’s future recreation needs.

“Crescent Communities shares the Town of Fort Mill’s commitment to ensuring recreational amenities are available for all to enjoy in the future,” said Dennis Pieper, town manager. “This donation fulfills the Town’s goal of growth paying for growth.”

Featuring a mile of scenic Catawba River frontage and wooded trails adjacent to Fort Mill’s developed retail corridor, Masons Bend will offer a beautiful natural landscape for residents to enjoy. It is located near dining and shopping destinations such as Baxter Village and is within the Fort Mill School District, the top-ranked district in South Carolina.

 “Homeowners today are seeking balance in their professional and personal lives, and this land represents an ideal combination for Crescent’s approach to community building,” Martin said. “Our plans for Masons Bend will give our residents easy access to top employers and schools, a beautiful natural landscape and a front porch culture that enables them to connect with their neighbors.”

When complete, the community will include about 650 homes, luxury amenities such as a clubhouse, pool and nature trails, neighborhood retail and office space along Interstate 77 and possibly a multifamily element.

This marks Crescent’s fourth investment in South Carolina. The company, whose award-winning Palmetto Bluff community in the South Carolina Lowcountry is home to one of the world’s top resorts, developed homes on beautiful Lake Keowee near Clemson as well as the Springfield master-planned community in Fort Mill. Crescent also developed the lakefront communities Chapel Cove and The Sanctuary on Lake Wylie in addition to Ballantyne Country Club.

Crescent expects to break ground on the initial phase of Masons Bend in the first quarter of 2015.

About Crescent Communities

Crescent Communities, LLC is a leading real estate investment and operating firm driven to create long-term value by developing thoughtful, sustainable communities that improve people’s lives. Founded in 1963, Crescent’s original mandate as a land management company continues to inform its commitment to the wise stewardship of natural resources. The company finances, plans and develops properties in the Sunbelt and Mid-Atlantic markets that represent more than 50% of the U.S. population growth over the next decade. Its multi-product platform includes residential, multi-family, mixed-used, commercial and land assets, valued in total at $1.2 billion. Crescent’s robust capital deployment, seasoned leadership team, and model of sustainability enable the company to maximize opportunity in a recovering real estate market.