The Strong Towns Podcast Using Radical Common Sense To Build Great Places, With Steve Nygren
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Jun 23, 2025 Steve Nygren, the visionary founder of Serenbe, shares his journey from restaurateur to sustainable community developer. He discusses 'radical common sense' as a philosophy for building vibrant neighborhoods and the importance of community collaboration. The conversation dives into the seamless integration of nature with design, exploring the use of sacred geometry and innovative construction technologies. Nygren encourages local action and women's involvement in decision-making, emphasizing the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in urban development.
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From Restaurateur to Developer
- Steve Nygren transitioned from running restaurants in run-down areas to buying land and developing the community of Serenbe.
- He assembled diverse landowners to collaborate on a new development model inspired by English villages.
Reclaiming Common Sense in Development
- Many planning regulations unintentionally destroy traditional walkable community patterns.
- Common sense from past living and development styles offers solutions to today’s over-sanitized neighborhoods.
Serenbe’s Cluster Development Model
- Serenbe clusters development on 30% of land to preserve 70% as natural and agricultural space.
- This approach increases density and lowers development and maintenance costs while protecting nature.
