Thesis Driven Leader Series
From Sand Dunes to Smart Growth: Casey Roloff’s Vision for Seabrook and the New American Dream
May 11, 2025
Casey Roloff, the mastermind behind Seabrook, Washington, discusses his innovative vision for a walkable community rooted in new urbanist principles. He dives into the importance of low leverage and long-term thinking in community development. Roloff contrasts Seabrook’s design with car-centric suburbs and outlines the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces. He emphasizes the growing demand for walkable neighborhoods and the potential for a shift in urban development paradigms. His insights shed light on creating thriving, sustainable communities for future generations.
42:45
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Quick takeaways
- Casey Roloff's vision for Seabrook emphasizes walkability and community connection, offering an alternative to car-centric suburban development.
- Seabrook's long-term, low-leverage financial strategy has enabled resilience during market downturns and positioned it for future growth and expansion.
Deep dives
New Urbanism in Seabrook
Seabrook, Washington, is designed based on new urbanist principles, emphasizing a blend of high-density housing, retail spaces, and walkability, creating an extraordinary living experience. Casey Roloff, the founder, drew inspiration from successful communities like Seaside, Florida, focusing on human-scale design that fosters connections among residents. Unlike traditional master-planned developments that often prioritize automobiles, Seabrook encourages walkability, allowing residents to enjoy their environment and engage with neighbors. This design philosophy contrasts sharply with the sprawling layouts seen in many suburbs, showcasing the potential of creating vibrant, people-centered communities.
