An Agrihood Takes Root in Palm Springs

Developer Freehold Communities is planning a suburban farming community in California's Sonora Desert.

1 minute read

October 26, 2017, 8:00 AM PDT

By Elana Eden


Desert Farm

gkuna / Shutterstock

A Palm Springs golf course will soon give way to a sustainable community centered on 70 acres of olive groves and communal gardens. The 300-acre town of Miralon will be one of the largest of about 150 "farm-to-fork" neighborhoods throughout the U.S., reports Marilyn Kalfus in Mercury NewsShe speaks to Urban Land Institute senior fellow Ed McMahon and UCLA Anderson professor Paul Habibi for insight into the growing trend.

So-called "agrihoods" represent a "confluence of economic profits, environmental good and social benefit," Habibi says. Designed by international firm Robert Hidey Architects, the mostly single-family homes will follow the Palm Springs modernist tradition, with the addition of solar panels as standard features.

Like other agrihoods, Miralon will offer communal programming for adults and families; developers also hope the planned community's social and environmental mission will appeal to millennials.

Monday, October 23, 2017 in Mercury News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog