In an era where housing developments often emphasize amenities and exclusivity, NewStyle Communities stands out with its unique approach focused on patriotism and community.
Founded by Brock Fankhauser, NewStyle Communities has carved a niche in creating vibrant, maintenance-free living environments for the 55 and older demographic. Their latest project, the 1776 Community, embodies a deep sense of American heritage and unity, distinguishing itself as more than just a place to live.
A Legacy Built on Foundations of Patriotism
NewStyle Communities has a storied history of developing residential subdivisions across North and South Carolina. With over 1,000 homes built and 25 subdivisions completed, the company has long been a trusted name in the industry. "We've been building residential subdivisions for 25 years, primarily in North and South Carolina, and exclusively with a focus on the 55 and older buyer," says Brock Fankhauser. This dedication to a specific demographic has allowed NewStyle to refine its offerings and deliver unparalleled value to its residents.
Fankhauser, a second-generation builder-developer, attributes his passion for the industry to his upbringing. "I've got some DNA in me that makes this a fun and appealing industry and one in which I grew up learning the ins and outs," he explains. This deep-rooted connection to building and development has fueled his vision for NewStyle Communities, particularly the innovative 1776 project.
Core Values: The Heartbeat of NewStyle
At the heart of NewStyle Communities is a mission to make people's lives better. This mission is underpinned by core values that emphasize sales as the starting point of everything. "Nothing happens without a sale, and so our company is very focused on the sale which starts everything else," Fankhauser notes. This focus on sales is not merely about transactions but about solving problems and addressing the pain points that prompt people to seek new housing solutions.
"We believe that housing is a great medicine for people to solve existing problems, and we believe our product, in many cases, is that medicine people need," Fankhauser adds. This philosophy drives NewStyle's commitment to providing homes that offer more than just shelter—they offer solutions to improve quality of life.
Strength in Partnership: The EPCON Influence
NewStyle Communities' affiliation with EPCON Communities has significantly influenced its growth and development. As the longest-standing franchisee in the EPCON system, NewStyle benefits from a robust product lineup tailored to the 55 and older market. "Epcon has the best product of any other developer and builder who serves that active adult market," Fankhauser asserts. This partnership allows NewStyle to leverage EPCON's research and development, ensuring that their homes meet the evolving needs of their target demographic.
Redefining Retirement: Embracing Maintenance-Free Living
One of the standout features of NewStyle Communities is its commitment to maintenance-free living. This concept is particularly appealing to the 55 and older demographic, who often seek to minimize the burdens of homeownership. "Certain activities that were once revered as part of homeownership, like maintaining a yard or painting the exterior, are no longer desirable leisurely activities," Fankhauser explains. By offering maintenance-free living, NewStyle allows residents to focus on enjoying their golden years without the hassle of home upkeep.
Timeless Design: “The Little Black Dress”
What sets NewStyle Communities apart in the competitive housing market is their emphasis on timeless design and community size. "We are what I like to refer to as the little black dress—something that never goes out of style," Fankhauser says. This is reflected in their architecture, floor plans, and community layouts, which are designed to be just the right size—not too big and not too small.
Bo Maney, COO of NewStyle Communities, adds, "Our homeowners know more of their neighbors, spend more time with their neighbors. They're not just a number in a large master-planned community." This focus on creating close-knit communities fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents.
Building with Precision: Technological Innovations
The use of technology has been pivotal in improving the efficiency and quality of NewStyle's projects. "Information is more readily available and it streams faster, which in turn allows us to be more efficient and build our homes a little quicker without sacrificing quality," Maney explains. Advances in building materials and energy-efficient designs also contribute to lower energy bills for residents, enhancing the overall value of NewStyle homes.
1776 Community: A Patriotic Vision
The 1776 community is perhaps the most ambitious project undertaken by NewStyle Communities. Inspired by a desire to restore American patriotism at the community level, Fankhauser envisioned a neighborhood that celebrates American values and history. "It dawned on me that, as a real estate developer and a creator of a community, I could do my part to try to restore American patriotism at the zip code level," he recalls.
This vision has resonated deeply with the public, garnering national attention and widespread support. The 1776 community in Gastonia is not just a housing development; it's a movement aimed at uniting Americans through shared values and a collective sense of history.
Five Pillars of Patriotism: Guiding Principles of 1776
The 1776 community is guided by five core values, with a particular emphasis on giving back to those who have sacrificed for the greater good. "At 1776 Gastonia, we have partnered with Building Homes for Heroes, a charitable organization that specializes in delivering mortgage-free housing to wounded veterans and the families of deceased veterans," Fankhauser explains. This partnership has enabled NewStyle to build a home for a couple who both served in the military, providing them with a new home as a token of gratitude for their service.
Emotional Amenities: Beyond the Physical
Unlike many 55 plus communities that focus heavily on physical amenities like golf courses and clubhouses, the 1776 community places a premium on emotional amenities. "The key amenity is patriotism, and more broadly, the idea that everyone is united by an idea," Fankhauser says. This focus on civic mindedness encourages residents to engage with their community and contribute to its betterment, rather than merely enjoying leisure activities.
The Backbone of Success: Strong Relationships with Trades and Suppliers
The success of the 1776 community would not be possible without the strong relationships NewStyle has cultivated with its trades and suppliers. "We've received incredible feedback and a desire to partner and be involved," Maney notes. Many tradespeople and suppliers have stepped up to donate their services, demonstrating their commitment to the project's patriotic vision.
Fankhauser adds, "At the International Builder Show in Las Vegas, we had hundreds of great people come to us wanting to be part of this movement." This enthusiasm from the trade’s community underscores the broad appeal and potential impact of the 1776 project.
Spreading the Vision: Future Growth and Expansion
Looking ahead, NewStyle has ambitious plans for the 1776 brand. "Our goal is to have a presence in all 50 states," Fankhauser declares. The company is currently active in two states but aims to expand rapidly, driven by the strong demand for this type of housing. Beyond residential housing, Fankhauser envisions the 1776 concept extending into multifamily housing, rental housing, and even master-planned communities.
"We believe in hundreds of zip codes, and while it's going to take time, we allow ourselves the opportunity to dream the American dream," he says. This vision includes partnerships with other builders and developers to replicate the success of the 1776 community in new locations across the country.
Competitive Edge: Innovation and Expansion
To stay competitive, NewStyle Communities continues to innovate in architecture and construction techniques. "Our continued focus on unique architecture and value-add features in the home will keep us ahead," Maney states. The company also plans to expand beyond the 55 and older market, aiming to serve a broader demographic with a variety of housing options.
"For 25 years, we've been super focused on the 55 and older segments and, I believe, have achieved expert-level status as to all of the inner workings of what it takes to serve that demographic," Fankhauser notes. Their growth strategy includes hitting all buyer segments, from attainable housing to active adult segments, ensuring they serve a wide range of housing needs.
Beyond Boundaries: Expanding Horizons
The 1776 community was born as an idea for residential housing, but its future holds much more. "I am certain it is going to grow in other types of housing. That includes multifamily housing, rental housing, attainable housing," Fankhauser shares. He envisions 1776 becoming a master-planned community concept with thousands of homes, schools, and an ecosystem where individuals can live their entire lives.
"We think our merchandise is something that is going to have scalability. Ultimately, I see no limits in any segmentations or categories," he adds. This ambitious vision reflects the limitless potential of the 1776 brand to impact various aspects of American life.
Unity Without Politics: A Movement Rooted in Common Values
It is crucial to note that the 1776 community is not a political movement. "We do not espouse political ideology, we aren't anchored or tied to any political figures, and we never will be," Fankhauser emphasizes. The movement is about unification and bringing people together through shared values and history, rather than political affiliation.
Building a Legacy
NewStyle Communities, under the visionary leadership of Brock Fankhauser and his entire team, is passionately redefining what it means to build a community. Through the groundbreaking 1776 project, they are not merely constructing homes—they are rekindling a deep sense of patriotism and community spirit. Their unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and nurturing strong relationships with trades and suppliers sets a new standard in the industry.
As they gaze towards the future, their ambitious plans for expansion and steadfast commitment to core values ensure that NewStyle will continue to illuminate the housing market as a beacon of American ideals. In a world where the true value of a home lies deeply within community and the values it fosters, the 1776 community shines brightly, proving that they are not just building houses—they are building lasting legacies.
NewStyle Communities: Crafting the Heartbeat of America, one home at a time.
Written by
Skylar Grey
Editor in Chief
Built America Magazine