When ground was broken for Shelton Square in the Blackman area of Murfreesboro in 2018, the goal was to not only build lovely homes, but also to create a place where homeowners could get together to form friendships and lasting memories.
“The developers, Bob and Marie Parks, who own Parks 360 Development, wanted to make sure that this could be a community that families could enjoy,” says Lisa Underwood, Shelton Square’s marketing director. “One thing I really find amazing is what a close-knit community it is. We provide things for them to do together, like Easter egg hunts, Halloween fun, and other family events, but the homeowners also do things together on their own.”
There’s a community Facebook page inviting people to events like Christmas cookie swaps, wreath making, and a book club. “They’ve really made the community their own and it's just a really neat place to live,” she says.
There’s one young couple from India who, says Lisa, go to most of the events. “They’re excited to be a part of the community. They really didn’t know a lot of people here, so it's nice for them to have that community spirit.”
There’s another extended family who all live in the development. “The parents, their daughter and her family, and their son and his family, all live there,” she says. “The brother and sister live right next door to each other so all the cousins can play together.”
"Although Murfreesboro is a thriving part of Middle Tennessee, it’s traditionally been more affordable than being in the heart of Nashville," explains Parks 360 president, Davis Lamb. "And Blackman is one of the up and coming areas of Murfreesboro. It has great schools, and it's very convenient to the major interstates. It's a beautiful area,” he says. “There are rolling
hills and a lot of open space and greenness.”
Of the projected 750 homes, approximately 50% have been built. “In Shelton Square, we have five different home product types ranging anywhere from more of a first time buyer home, all the way up to custom homes. Another goal of Bob and Marie Parks, when they created this development, was that it would be kind of a community for every stage of life. So you might have a young couple or a young single person move in and then they start a family and move up to a bigger house in the same community. That was their vision and it's actually happening,” says Lamb.
The smaller homes are known as the Village series, and then the next step up is the Cottage series. The larger Retreat series would be more for a family buyer. “After that, we have the Sanctuary series, and those are about 3000 square feet with many amenities and top of the line finishes and products,” says Davis. “Our last are our Estate series, and those are the largest with many custom features.”
The resort feel of the community is accentuated by family and kiddie pools. “We also have a playground, a half-basketball court, walking trails and a dog park,” he says. The clubhouse, or Manor House, is expected to open in late 2023 and will have gathering spaces and an exercise facility. SheltonSquareLiving.com
"Although Murfreesboro is a thriving part of Middle Tennessee, it’s traditionally been more affordable than being in the heart of Nashville." -- Davis Lamb, Parks 360 President