Barnstable Land Trust hires firm to design alternative vision for Twin Brooks project

By Jeannette Hinkle

HYANNIS -- Barnstable Land Trust has selected Boston-based architecture and planning firm Utile to design the organization’s proposal for future use of the Twin Brooks Golf Course.

Lennar Multifamily Communities is currently under contract to develop the 40-acre parcel into an apartment complex that would feature 312 units of rental housing in 13 three-story buildings, a clubhouse and 468 parking spaces.

Barnstable Land Trust wants to instead use Utile’s designs, which the organization says will prioritize conservation in addition to housing. Those designs, trust officials said in a press release, would guide the governmental bodies tasked with approving Lennar’s project toward a scaled-down vision for one of the largest remaining parcels of open space in Hyannis.

“We always advocate for land conservation where possible, but with the parcel already under agreement, we saw an opportunity to explore the potential of new and innovative solutions that protect open space and natural resources, provide needed housing, and support local revitalization efforts,” said Barnstable Land Trust Executive Director Janet Milkman in a statement. 

“While this is a new direction for our organization, we believe it is important to engage the community in helping to define how this rare parcel of green space can be more thoughtfully developed and preserved,” she added.

Barnstable Land Trust, with Utile, will offer multiple opportunities for input on the plans from residents, employers and others, according to the news release. Community forum sessions are scheduled to begin in October.

Utile is expected to finish its work in four to five months.

Matthew Littell, a founding principal of Utile, said the firm has worked on several projects in Hyannis.

But this one is unique,” he said in the release. “With a specialty in affordable and sustainable housing development, this is a rare opportunity to work with a respected local land trust who is championing the development of a community-supported concept that includes open space and natural resource conservation. We are excited to be part of this important partnership and collaborative effort.”

Contact Jeannette Hinkle at jhinkle@capecodonline.com.