Build common ground. (Williamsburg Commons, Fairfax County, Virginia) (Land Use/Land Planning)

Builder David Talton looked to Colonial Williamsburg for inspiration in designing an exclusive infill enclave near Washington, D.C. Williamsburg Commons will have 38 homes on 9.5 acres at build out. The average lot size is 6,000 square feet; the houses (all with faithfully replicated Williamsburg exteriors) range from 2,700 to 5,200 square feet and sell from $560,000. Sales have averaged one a month since April 1992.

The surrounding community of Vienna, Va., has many big, new brick houses on small lots. What makes Talton's project unique is the land plan. Every house fronts on common ground; rear garages are reached via alleys that run along the edge of the site. …