CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: A reputed property developer has unveiled plans to construct a unique 55+ community outside Charlotte exclusively for patriotic Americans. The project, named 1776 Gastonia, aims to evoke the spirit of the United States' founding principles and create a neighborhood that embraces American patriotism and values.
Who is Brock Fankhauser?
Brock Fankhauser, the founder of New Style Communities, has initiated the sale of 43 plots of land within the Gaston County development. However, prospective residents must commit to displaying the American flag prominently at the front of their homes. Each house purchase will include a US flag and streets within the community will be named after historical figures such as Betsy Ross, Paul Revere, and Constitution Lane.
Describing the American flag as an architectural element, Fankhauser told WCNC, "We are installing it similarly to a fixture." The developer added to WSOC, "Our vision is to combine the elements of American patriotism, homeownership as the American dream, and the founding ideals of our country -- Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
The 49-year-old developer stressed that the community welcomes people from all political persuasions and backgrounds, asserting that it should not be perceived as a political movement. Fankhauser stated, "We are not beholden to any political figures and any political parties." However, reports from the Charlotte Observer indicate that Fankhauser made multiple conditions related to former President Donald Trump's 2020 campaigns.
Debate surrounding political agenda
Critics have questioned the apolitical nature of the community, noting that its website language contains elements reminiscent of Trumpian rhetoric, referring to it as an "America First community for freedom-loving Patriots." Charlotte lawyer Harmony Taylor, speaking to The Guardian, expressed concerns about the development's overt political agenda, stating, "The flying of a flag or the mandating of an exhibition of patriotism in some way seems to have become aligned with a particular [far-right] political movement."
Prospective residents will be required to adhere to the "1776 Standards," pledging to cherish the country and embrace the Constitution as the founding document. Following their home purchase, residents will need to fly the American flag, although potential repercussions for non-compliance are not specified.
Exclusive living at a price
However, the properties in 1776 Gastonia come at a significant price, with prices starting at $450,000, exceeding the median listing price for homes in the Charlotte metro area. The parcels of land range from $17,500 to $75,000. Homebuyers will be made fully aware of the homeowners' association (HOA) requirements, including the obligation to fly the flag, before finalizing their purchase.
Fankhauser emphasized transparency in the community's principles. "Those that agree with what we're doing will know it up front," he stated. "Those that may not agree with it will know about it upfront, and it will come as a secret to nobody. There is no screening process that's different than how one would buy a home in any other neighborhood. We're only as strong as the pledges that individual homeowners make to one another," he insisted. "You can find themes that highlight amenities like golf courses and pickleball. You can find amenities that have margaritas as a pronounced symbol of their community. This one's a little bit different in that we want the overarching story to be civic-minded. E pluribus unum, out of many, one. My hope is years from now, people who live in these communities, that is their mantra, e pluribus unum," Fankhauser added.
Recreating the American spirit
The Gastonia development aims to evoke a simpler time and the optimism inherent in the United States' founding. The official website describes 1776 Gastonia as a place that fosters a comfortable 55+ lifestyle centered around family, country, and the hopefulness of the future while honoring the past. "Our maintenance-free homes and communities seek to capture the hopefulness of starting a new venture while recreating the American spirit of a true community of close-knit neighbors who share patriotic values," the website adds.
In addition, Fankhauser expressed plans to replicate similar communities nationwide, with at least one home in each development being donated to an injured veteran through the nonprofit organization Building Homes for Heroes. Sales of the 1776 properties will commence on July 10.