| This thesis presents an exploration of two suburban development models that incorporate sustainable agriculture as a key feature. The first, Prairie Crossing, is a residential community in Grayslake, Illinois -- a suburb of Chicago -- that has been in existence since 1994. The second -- Agriburbia -- investigates a new model put forth by the TSR Group of Golden, Colorado, which aims to increase the economic and agricultural productivity of suburban land by integrating new housing (as well as existing suburbs and individual backyards) with modern infrastructure to host both professionally and independently-managed farmland. Research is framed by literature that explores the history of intentional agricultural communities, as well as critiques of both the modern systems of agriculture and suburban and exurban development that inspire modern iterations. Interviews with developers and residents bring these case studies to life, and conclusions provide recommendations for future developers, planners, and policy makers looking to join this new movement of agriculture-focused suburban development. |
