In the heart of Texas, far from the shores of the Adriatic Sea, lies a unique community that evokes the charm of a Dalmatian town. Adriatica Village, located near McKinney, approximately half an hour from Dallas, has become a replica of the picturesque Supetar on the island of Brač. This ambitious project, valued at $350 million, was conceived by American developer Jeff Blackard, who sought to create a space where people could live, work, and socialize without relying heavily on cars. The village features stone-paved streets, a small lake, Mediterranean-style architecture, and a tall bell tower rising above the water, creating an illusion of stepping into a coastal Croatian town.
The vision behind Adriatica Village was not merely aesthetic but deeply rooted in fostering a sense of community and connection among its residents. Blackard, after years of constructing typical American suburbs, felt a profound shift following the tragic plane crash in 1999 that claimed the life of his business partner, golfer Payne Stewart. This event prompted him to seek solace and reflection, leading him to Croatia, where he fell in love with Supetar. Observing the deep ties between locals and their homes, Blackard realized how differently people lived there compared to the United States, where job-related relocation was common. He spent two years studying life in Supetar, understanding how each house, street, and square contributed to natural human connections. Today, Adriatica Village stands as a successful community offering diverse housing options, from regular apartments to luxury family homes worth over a million dollars, all situated just meters apart from one another.
Life in Adriatica offers a truly unique experience; residents can literally walk to restaurants, boutiques, medical offices, or fitness centers. Two of the most recognizable symbols are the Bella Donna chapel, located on a small island in the lake and a popular wedding venue, and the bell tower nearly 40 meters high. Interestingly, at the top of the bell tower, behind a hidden bookshelf that opens to reveal a spiral staircase, is Blackard's office, from which he observes his vision come to life. The architectural design includes elements such as fountains designed by Claudio Solano, adding to the village’s authenticity and appeal.
Adriatica Village has become a gathering place for the Croatian diaspora in the area, drawing together families from Dallas and surrounding regions. On Sunday evening, around 50 members of Croatian households came together in this picturesque setting to support their national team ahead of World Cup matches. The atmosphere was lively, with people cheering for "vatrene" (fiery) performances and socializing in a Mediterranean-inspired environment. Organized by Klementina Mikus, the event brought together individuals who might otherwise remain strangers, united by their love for their homeland and football.
The presence of Adriatica Village has sparked interest beyond just the Croatian community. Local businesses have thrived due to the influx of residents seeking a more connected lifestyle. The village includes over 60,000 square meters of retail space and 144,000 square meters of office space, indicating its potential as a hub for commerce and culture. Residents enjoy a blend of traditional and modern living, with amenities that cater to both daily needs and leisure activities.
As the community continues to grow, Adriatica Village serves as a testament to the power of vision and cultural inspiration. It reflects the aspirations of many who seek a balance between urban convenience and the warmth of close-knit neighborhoods. With ongoing developments and increasing recognition, Adriatica Village is poised to become a model for future communities that prioritize human interaction and environmental harmony. Its success highlights the enduring appeal of Mediterranean aesthetics and the universal desire for a more connected way of life.
2 reports
Večernji listIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8023 days agoA group of Croatian families from Dallas gathered at the Adriatica Village, a luxury development inspired by the architecture of Supetar on the island of Brač, Croatia. The village, located in McKinney near Dallas, features Mediterranean-style buildings, cobblestone streets, a small lake, and a bell tower, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal Dalmatian town. The project was designed to foster community and connection among residents, offering a car-free environment where people can live, work, and socialize together.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a descriptive overview of a cultural and architectural project without overtly favoring any political perspective. It focuses on the design and purpose of the village, highlighting its aesthetic and communal aspects rather than making political judgments or emphasizing partisan,
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): This article provides detailed information about the project, including its cost, purpose, and the personal story of Jeff Blackard. It mentions the Croatian diaspora gathering there and gives more background on the inspiration from Brač. The tone remains mostly neutral but has a slightly celebratory
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7519 days agoIn McKinney, Texas, approximately 50 kilometers from Dallas, there is a residential complex called Adriatica Village, which is modeled after the Croatian town of Supetar on Brač. The development was inspired by the aesthetics and architecture of Supetar, featuring elements such as stone pathways, bells, chapels, and dry stone walls typical of the Dalmatian coast. The complex includes urban villas, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and flower shops, with Croatian flags on building facades and a chessboard on the staircase. Properties in this area are selling for millions.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual description of a residential development in Texas inspired by a Croatian town. It does not take a stance on any political issue, nor does it present biased language or selective information. The content focuses on cultural and architectural aspects without leaning left
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article accurately describes the Adriatica Village as a replica of Supetar on Brač, citing developer Jeff Blackard's inspiration. It includes specific details like the location near Dallas and features of the complex. However, it lacks some contextual depth regarding the development process or c
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