The world changed in huge ways since plans were approved for Cordova Hills, a 2,667-acre property in Sacramento, California. Nearly a decade later, the plan needed to change too. In collaboration with the property owner, we reimagined the community plan, designing a transformational community with compelling relevance — and a new name. Braden’s bold plan addresses some of California’s most pressing issues. The housing crisis. Climate change. Work/life balance, all exacerbated by the pandemic. To help bring these big ideas to life, I gathered a world-class team: HDR/Calthopre as town planner, Lake|Flato for architecture, Stantec for landscape architecture and Strada for branding and marketing.

Braden is designed as a holistic town ecosystem where work, home, school, entertainment and protected open spaces are all within 10-minute reach by EV shuttle, e-bike and foot power. Through innovative land use, we’re creating a radically new way to live in California that will bring real, positive impact for the planet — and peoples’ everyday lives.

“Braden will be best practice not only as a healthy community, but in terms of net zero emissions and preserving the natural environment.”

PETER CALTHORPE
Sr. VP, HDR/Calthorpe