Highlands is born from the concept of providing a new form of development and lifestyle to northwest Clay County. This 2,800-acre master planned community integrates a complement of commercial, industrial, civic, and residential uses. Residents will be within walking distance of schools, shopping, and civic facilities. At Highlands, residents can live, work, play, shop, and participate in civic and social events - all without leaving the community. If you can imagine a place where schools, offices, work places, parks, civic uses, stores and restaurants are all interconnected with homes and families, then you have envisioned the splendor of Highlands.

As a master planned, mixed-use development, Highlands will provide a balance of residential, commercial, civic, and industrial uses, as well as a full complement of community support services. Over the 10 year build-out, Highlands will be responsibly developed into multiple residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and accompanying civic and recreational facilities. The Highlands plan will also commit more than 700 acres, or approximately 25 percent of the development area, to green and open space.

Projecting a reasonable pace of growth over its development horizon, the community is anticipated to average 500 residential units, 42,500 square feet of commercial space, and 100,000 square feet of industrial development per year, over the projected 10-year construction time frame.

The residential units at Highlands will be nestled in a variety of intimate, village style neighborhoods with a carefully considered mix of housing styles, lot sizes, types and prices. The choice of apartments, town homes, single family detached, and age restricted living within Highlands will accommodate the changing needs and desires of a diverse population throughout their life span.

The planned industrial parcel is near existing underdeveloped industrial property that currently lacks adequate water, sewer, and fire protection services. The commitment of Highlands to provide this infrastructure in the area is anticipated to act as a catalyst for development of the industrial area to the north, increasing employment opportunities for Clay County residents.

Retail and office development will be concentrated in the planned Town Center. This highly visible commercial development along County Road 218 will provide goods and services to meet the needs of area residents, while providing local opportunities for employment. In addition, the Town Center will serve as a major gateway feature for visitors entering Clay County from U. S. Highway 301. Vistas down the boulevards to neighboring residential areas are anchored with community civic structures and public open space. The Town Center will provide a focus for the community through daytime shopping, employment, entertainment, and an active street life into the evening. The community buildings will be carefully designed as part of the surrounding streetscape, and integrated with restaurants, coffee shops, and other family activities throughout the Town Center retail area.