Cashiers Lake Advances Vision for an Ecologically Responsible Mountain Community

Project embraces lake restoration, watershed stewardship, walkable design and wellness-focused living

CASHIERS, N.C., (Aug. 20, 2026) — Cashiers Lake is moving into a new phase, building on two decades of work to restore its namesake lake, protect the headwaters of the Chattooga River system, and shape a connected mountain community rooted in stewardship.

Located at Cashiers Crossroads, the intersection of U.S. 64 and N.C. 107, the new 100-acre community has created access to extend the Cashiers Greenway Ramble and connect the trail network more directly to the village core.

As Cashiers Lake continues to develop, the project is pairing substantial environmental investment with a thoughtful land plan that emphasizes conservation, wellness, walkability, and long-term community benefits. The goal is to show how responsible growth and ecological stewardship can move forward together.

The Greenway Ramble extension marks a significant milestone in the community-wide effort to create a safer, healthier, and more walkable Cashiers. It advances the original vision of Cashiers Lake founders, Marvin and Helene Gralnick, whose long-term commitment has restored a treasured natural resource.

“Throughout our travels, Helene and I have always gravitated to smaller, intimate and charming villages not dominated by cars, traffic, noise and pollution,” Marvin Gralnick said. “They were typified by local merchants, a bakery, farm stands and coffee shops, without having to drive and park at each location. That is our vision for the Cashiers community.”

Cashiers Lake is being developed by Silverwing Partners in collaboration with Daniel Communities. The first phase includes 54 home sites, private amenities and the greenway connection, extending Cashiers village character southward while preserving the natural qualities that make the area distinctive.

“For us, speed of development is not the priority — getting it right is,” said Turner Inscoe, managing partner at Silverwing Partners. “Our decisions are guided by a long-term commitment to the land, the lake, and the Cashiers community. We believe in creating the Cashiers Lake community in the best way possible. Stewardship of the land and thoughtful development can and should go hand-in-hand.” 

Restoring the Lake and Protecting the Watershed

Planning for Cashiers Lake began with land acquisition and assembly in 2006, followed by years of engineering, environmental study, and collaboration with technical advisers. The lake sits within a 671-acre watershed that receives water from across the Cashiers Plateau, making watershed protection central to every stage of planning.

Lake restoration work addressed decades of sediment accumulation, unmanaged stormwater runoff, and shoreline degradation while establishing a framework for responsible long-term use.

Improvements included dredging, drainage upgrades, biofilters, retention ponds, basins, and littoral shelves to reduce sediment, manage runoff on-site, and improve water quality over time. A forebay was also constructed to capture sediment before it enters the Chattooga River.

Designing Around the Landscape

The stewardship approach extends beyond the lake. Every home and community building will connect to an integrated stormwater system that captures and redirects water before it reaches downstream rivers and streams. The community’s architectural guidelines call for drainage systems to feed into community cisterns and catch basins.

Landscape plans prioritize water conservation by grouping plants according to irrigation needs and emphasizing native and regional, drought-tolerant species. Greenway paths, stream and forest buffers, open spaces and walkable connections are designed to encourage engagement with the village and surrounding landscape while reducing reliance on automobiles.

Wellness is also central to the plan, with trails, lake views, outdoor recreation and planned fitness, hospitality and social amenities designed to connect residents with nature and to one another.

“We understand the timeless appeal of western North Carolina and are dedicated to creating a community supported by thoughtfully curated amenities that enhance residents’ lifestyles,” said Scott Jenkins, partner at Daniel Communities.

First Completed Home to Debut During Cashiers Designer Showhouse

From Friday, August 28 through Saturday, September 5, the first completed home in the new community will open to the public as the 2026 Cashiers Designer Showhouse. The event will showcase Creekside Cottage, a 3200-square-foot home designed by an exceptional roster of interior designers from across the Southeast. Blending regional character with contemporary design, each space within the cottage will offer fresh inspiration while honoring the natural beauty and spirit of the mountains. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Cashiers Historical Society and its mission to preserve the history, heritage, and culture of the region.

For more community information, visit www.cashierslakenc.com.