A North Carolina real estate developer is planning to build a gated community for over-55s outside of Charlotte — but only for patriotic Americans.
Brock Fankhauser has started selling 43 lots on the site but says these are only for those who fly the Stars and Stripes in front of their homes.
Named 1776 Gastonia, the Gaston County project carries a US flag with the purchase of every home, whether it’s on Betsy Ross Drive, Paul Revere Drive or even Constitution Lane.
“We treat the American flag like an architectural element,” Fankhauser told WCNC. “We install it much like a jig.”
“Our vision is to combine the elements of American patriotism, homeownership as the American Dream and our country’s founding ideals,” developer Fankhauser told the WSOC. ‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’
Brock Fankhauser, 49, has already started selling land in the 1776 Gastonia development, about 30 minutes outside of Charlotte
A North Carolina real estate developer plans to sell homes in a new community for over-55s, but only for the most patriotic Americans who promise to proudly fly the flag
Homeowners must wear the Stars and Stripes. Pictured is a young girl riding a horse down a newly paved street during groundbreaking for the future neighborhood
Fankhauser, 49, insists people of all political persuasions and backgrounds are welcome to live in the community – which he hopes to open next year.
“It is very important to us that this is not portrayed as a political movement, because it is not.” “We are not affiliated with any political figure or political party.”
Despite these apolitical protests, Fankhauser placed several conditions on Trump’s 2020 campaign, reports the Charlotte Observer.
The language on the contractor’s website also has some Trump-esque undertones: “America First Community for freedom-loving patriots.”
“Unfortunately, in the United States in 2023, raising a flag or ordering a demonstration of patriotism appears to be connected in some way to a specific cause.” [far-right] political movement. And I don’t think that can be ignored,” Charlotte attorney Harmony Taylor told The Guardian, noting that “1776 Gastonia” had “a pretty obvious political agenda”.
The plots will be for sale from July 10th with hopes that the houses will be fully built in 2024
With a starting price of $450,000, the homes aren’t exactly cheap — higher than the average listing price for homes in the greater Charlotte area
The houses are between 1,500 and 2,200 square meters and are well equipped
The developer’s website shows numerous ways what could be done with the home’s interior design
.The lots, of which there are 43 lots, range in price from $17,500 to $75,000
Fankhauser says those who settle must agree to what he calls the “Standards of 1776,” in which homeowners pledge to “cherish the land and accept the constitution as a founding document.”
Residents then have to show their colors once they’ve bought their home, which doesn’t exactly come cheap. It’s not clear what the consequences might be if someone refuses to fly the flag.
Prices start at $450,000, higher than the average list price for homes in the greater Charlotte area. Land prices range from $17,500 to $75,000.
For now, the development is just vacant lots awaiting purchase by patriotic homeowners
Fankhauser says if he is successful with this development in North Carolina, he plans to build similar communities across the country
The community will be located approximately 20 miles outside of Charlotte in Gaston County
Any prospective homebuyer will be fully aware of HOA requirements and flag flying before moving in.
According to federal documents, Fankhauser placed several conditions on Trump’s 2020 campaign
“Those who agree with what we’re doing will know in advance,” Fankhauser said. “Those who may disagree with this will know in advance and it will remain a secret to no one.”
“There is no review process that is different than buying a home in another neighborhood.” “We are only as strong as the commitments each homeowner makes to each other,” he emphasizes.
“You can find themes that highlight amenities like golf courses and pickleball,” he said. “You can find establishments where margaritas are a distinct symbol of their community.” This is slightly different in that we want the overarching story to be civic.
“E pluribus unum, one out of many,” said Fankhauser. “My hope is for many years to come, the people who live in these communities, that’s their mantra, e pluribus unum.”
According to its website, the Gastonia development will look like this: “Reminiscent of a simpler time and the optimism inherent in the founding of the United States of America, 1776 Gastonia creates a comfortable lifestyle for 55+ year olds rooted in the love of Family, country based and positive based.” It’s the way of looking forward while respecting the past.
The development will include street names such as Betsy Ross Drive, Paul Revere Drive and even Constitution Lane
“Our maintenance-free homes and communities seek to capture the hope of starting a new business while restoring the American spirit of a true community of close-knit neighbors who share patriotic values,” it said.
Fankhauser says that if successful, he plans to build similar communities across the country, with at least one home in each settlement donated to an injured veteran through the nonprofit organization Building Homes for Heroes.
The 1776 properties are for sale from July 10th.