Designing a Place Where Independence Can Grow

Located in Owasso, OK, on a 50-acre agrarian site, The Village at A New Leaf is a new community for adults with developmental disabilities and autism run by the non-profit, A New Leaf. Its mission is to provide job training, life skills, and residential services to elevate confident independence and self-sufficiency for these amazing individuals. Most importantly, the Village is a safe and affordable pathway to independence with a multitude of housing options offering consistency of care while maximizing personal choice.

The recently completed Phase I represents 40,970 SF of conditioned building area. As the first of its kind in the region, the Village is a celebration of community. Outside visitors are first welcomed into the Village by the retail center and greenhouse, where plant and garden sales support the residents and provide much-needed employment in a market where 85% of adults with disabilities are unemployed.

A New Leaf is all about promoting and fostering connections in the wider community. As such, in addition to the horticultural endeavors on site, residents of the Village are also paired with work in settings outside the Village to ensure they are well-integrated into local life and the economy. What they come home to is a place of safety and welcome like no other.

Learn more about A New Leaf here.

An Agrihood Rooted in Opportunity

Designed as an “agrihood” which integrates agriculture into residential living, the community is rooted in horticultural therapy with farming at its heart. Nestled in an extraordinary landscape, cars are secondary to the pedestrian setting, which offers an array of interconnected walking paths and trails weaving together recreational areas, gardens, scenic lookouts, ponds, and building amenities. Neighborliness and porch-front life are celebrated as the residential buildings intentionally frame a central 2-acre farming plot.

With housing for 62 clients, Phase I of the Village (completed in November 2022) is now home to:
– Administrative offices
– Horticultural training and retail center with greenhouse
– 8-bedroom community home
– Transition Academy
– Dining hall
– Maintenance barn
– Five residential apartment buildings offering a variety of unit types

Altogether, there are 24 fully accessible units. Among the offerings, the transition academy provides a new experience for young adults to have a two-year comprehensive college-style program. Future phases will include additional residential buildings, a community center, a horse barn, and additional farm plots and greenhouses.

FAQ: The Village at A New Leaf Phase I

Q: What is The Village at A New Leaf?

A: The Village at A New Leaf is a residential community in Owasso, OK, designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Operated by the nonprofit A New Leaf, the campus provides housing, job training, and life skills programs that support independence and self-sufficiency.

Q: What makes the Village unique?

A: The Village is designed as an “agrihood,” a community that integrates agriculture into daily residential life. Residents participate in horticultural programs, gardening, and agricultural activities that provide meaningful work opportunities, therapeutic benefits, and community engagement.

Q: Where is the Village located?

A: The Village sits on a 50-acre rural site in Owasso, OK, designed to preserve the natural landscape while creating a walkable, community-oriented campus. Trails, gardens, and outdoor gathering spaces connect the buildings and encourage interaction among residents and visitors.

Q: What facilities are included in Phase I?

A: Phase I includes approximately 40,970 square feet of building space supporting residential and programmatic needs. The first phase of the Village includes:

– Administrative offices

– A horticultural training and retail center with greenhouse

– A Transition Academy

– An 8-bedroom community home

– A dining hall

– A maintenance barn

– Five apartment buildings with multiple unit types

Together, these facilities support housing, employment training, and daily life for residents.

Q: How many residents does Phase I support?

A: Phase I provides housing for 62 residents, offering a variety of living options that balance independence with consistent access to support and services.

Q: How does the Village support employment opportunities?

A: Employment is an important part of the Village model. The on-site greenhouse and retail center allow residents to grow and sell plants while gaining job skills. Residents are also paired with work opportunities in the surrounding community, helping them build experience and connections beyond the campus.

Q: How does the design encourage community?

A: The campus prioritizes walkability and shared outdoor spaces. Residential buildings frame a central farming plot, while porches, trails, gardens, and gathering areas create opportunities for neighbors to connect and spend time outdoors together.

Q: How does sustainability play a role in the project?

A: The Village links agriculture and housing to support a more sustainable lifestyle. The design preserves much of the site’s natural character while integrating working farm plots, gardens, and landscape features that encourage environmental stewardship and learning.

Q: What was Narrate Design’s role in the project?

A: Narrate Design partnered with A New Leaf to translate the organization’s mission into a built environment that supports independence, safety, and community. The design balances residential comfort with program spaces for training, work, and gathering—creating a campus that feels like a neighborhood rather than an institution.