Freedom Square: A Master-Planned Mixed-Use Community
Freedom Square is a planned 456-acre mixed-use community in Conewago Township, York County. Led by Timothy F. Pasch Inc., the development has been designed as a walkable, neighborhood-focused community, with a broad mix of residential, commercial, senior living, recreation, and open-space uses. The layout focuses on tree-lined streets, public open spaces, parks, and trails, while being organized into distinctive neighborhoods.
RGS Associates supported the early planning and approval process by helping translate the vision into a workable master plan.
Coordinating a Complex Site Plan
For a project of this size, site design and engineering had to consider many complex and interrelated issues. The project site exhibits the naturally rolling topography of York County, and is bisected by a stream corridor and acres of wetlands. With eight phases of construction anticipated, RGS needed to carefully consider the coordination of earth moving, site access, utilities, and stormwater controls, while remaining sensitive to the environmental constraints.
A proposed roundabout at the Canal Road entrance was part of the early planning conversations, along with anticipated roadway improvements and public infrastructure upgrades involving both the water and sanitary sewer systems.
Balancing Development, Access, and Open Space
Freedom Square’s scale gives the project room to accommodate a wide range of uses, but it also requires a coordinated approach to connectivity and the integration of natural open spaces. RGS’s planning work helped establish relationships between residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, recreation spaces, and future community amenities, while capitalizing on views to wetlands and stream corridors.
Thoughtful planning has positioned Freedom Square as a flexible, long-term development that can evolve as market needs and community needs continue to take shape.
Planning for Long-Term Community Value
At full buildout, Freedom Square is planned as an inter-connected, family oriented community where residents can live, work, shop, and access recreation and senior care within a single destination.
For RGS, Freedom Square reflects the value of large-scale planning, collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders, and thoughtful design that accommodates necessary development while remaining sensitive to the natural environment.
