Lagoon Valley: Pioneering "Conservation Community" Rises in Northern California

In 2025, a new housing community called Lagoon Valley is taking shape in Vacaville, California, roughly halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento. Developers are calling it the first "conservation community" in Northern California, as they have prioritized environmental preservation over traditional development.

The project, which has been in the works for over 20 years, was originally slated for a massive office complex and strip mall. However, the community pushed back, and the city asked the developers to find a better solution. Curt Johansen, the director of development for Seattle-based Triad Development, decided to protect 85% of the land as open space and recreation, with the remaining 15% dedicated to the built environment.

Lagoon Valley has already seen the construction of around 150 homes, with plans for over 1,000 more in the next five years. These homes are equipped with solar panels and greywater recycling systems, and the community has also created a new wildlife wetland preserve. Johansen says their approach is a "triple-bottom-line concept," balancing environmental, social, and housing needs.

The development is designed to be walkable and bike-friendly, with plans for public and private parks, an 18-hole golf course, and a town center featuring local shops and restaurants. Johansen emphasizes the importance of preserving the region's agricultural integrity while providing much-needed housing in the Bay Area.