This study explored the influence of New Urbanist design features on sense of community in the State of Michigan by employing Cherry Hill Village, a major New Urbanist development in Canton, Michigan, as its case study. Using a quantitative survey method, online surveys were utilized to procure data. A total of 136 surveys were collected for data analysis and analyzed using multiple regression, one-way ANOVA and t-test analyses.The variables investigated within this study, derived from the theoretical foundations and previous empirical studies of New Urbanism and sense of community, include New Urbanist architectural design features, New Urbanist community design features, walkability, and socio-demographic variables. Utilizing Skjaeveland, Garling, and Maeland's (1996) 14-item Multidimensional Measure of Neighboring to conceptualize sense of community, the findings indicate that specific design features, as well as walkability and some socio-demographic characteristics, have a significant effect on sense of community.In light of the increasing popularity of New Urbanist developments in the State of Michigan, this study suggests the importance of physical design features in promoting sense of community and gives guidelines for future design.
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