The Agrarian Heritage Lives on at Madera’s Riverstone Master-Planned Community

May 8, 2016

Madera, CA - More than six decades ago, a successful fig farmer by the name of Rodger Jensen yearned for more acreage to expand his farming, and found it north of the river on Madera County lands in a gently rolling landscape set before remarkable Sierra views. Along with business partner Hans Sumpf—and their newly formed S&J Ranch—the enterprising duo cultivated figs followed by oranges, pistachios and olives. S&J Ranch, at the pinnacle of its success, was the state’s largest olive grower, and is today credited with developing the pistachio industry in Madera.

A planned commercial farm adjacent to the community, Riverstone Farms is anticipated to yield an abundance of great-tasting fruits and vegetables available to the community at large.

Today, these lands near the intersection of Highway 41 and Avenue 12 just north of Fresno are becoming the Valley’s best new place to call home: the new 2,000-acre master-planned community of Riverstone. The community’s first collection of model homes is anticipated to be open in late 2016. Interested homebuyers are encouraged to add their name to the Interest List at www.RiverstoneCA.com.  
 
“When Rodger and Hans dropped those first seeds into the ground, they most likely could never have imagined what would flourish here more than 60 years later,” said Riverstone’s Tim Jones. “We’re honored to carry on the rich agrarian legacy of these historic ranchlands and fulfill our development dream of a different kind of harvest: a land of abundance where new generations of families can put down roots and grow.”

Situated in the heart of the region’s path of growth, Riverstone—when complete—will total approximately 6,578 single-family, attached and multi-family homes, as well as commercial and mixed-use space including office, service and retail. Amenities at Riverstone are anticipated to include walkable neighborhoods with 200 acres of public and private parks and open space reserves, an extensive trail network, on-site schools, a one-of-a-kind community recreation center known as The Lodge, and a nearby stretch of the San Joaquin River and adjacent lake.

“In developing the overall land plan for Riverstone, we made a conscious effort to not turn our back on the land’s heritage—but to embrace it in a significant way,” said Todd Larner, Senior Principal of Community Planning and Design of William Hezmalhalch Architects, the land-planning firm guiding the Riverstone vision.

“The big idea, which was inspired by the incredible open spaces, farms and existing agriculture around us—is to celebrate this unique and endearing California lifestyle that’s woven all throughout the Central Valley in towns like Madera, Fresno and Clovis.”

Riverstone’s most evident tribute to the land’s agricultural pedigree is Riverstone Farms. This affiliate of Riverstone Development is anticipated to operate a proposed commercial farm adjacent to the community. Riverstone Farms is planned to yield all sorts of great-tasting goodness—while elevating the collective consciousness on the many benefits that come from raising and consuming locally harvested food. The fresh bounty is expected to be seasonal in nature, such as oranges and kale in summer, and root vegetables in early fall.

 “Unlike ‘Hollywood farming,’ this will be the real deal,” said Tim Jones. “Riverstone Farms will be a true commercial venture overseen by agricultural experts and manned by experienced ranch hands. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to continue our heritage of farming, but just on a smaller scale with a slightly different focus.”

Riverstone Farms is envisioned as a picturesque, open-air venue for events throughout the year. The farm’s natural backdrop might also present the ideal setting for resident-only gatherings, be it family reunions or unforgettable farm-to-table culinary celebrations set directly in the midst of the farm’s leafy embrace.

For more information about the new-home community of Riverstone and its first collections of homes from McCaffrey Homes and Lennar Homes, homebuyers are encouraged to visit the community’s website at www.RiverstoneCA.com and add their name to the Interest List.




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