Kiplinger media chief may build a small town in Martin County

Knight Kiplinger is proposing a mixed-use development with 4,200 residences on a 5.3-square-mile site — roughly the same size as nearby Hobe Sound

Knight Kiplinger at the proposed site of Pineland Prairie
Knight Kiplinger at the proposed site of Pineland Prairie

The leader of the Kiplinger financial media company in Washington, D.C., is proposing a 5.3-square-mile, mixed-use development in southern Martin County.

Knight Kiplinger, whose family owns the land, will submit plans this week to Martin County for the proposed development, called Pineland Prairie. Kiplinger’s company publishes business forecasts and advice on personal finance.

Under his proposal, about 30 percent of the Kiplinger family’s 3,375 acres west of Palm City would be occupied by 4,200 residences and 230,000 square feet of retail-store space, plus 90,000 square feet of office space and approximately 300 acres of light industrial property.

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Kiplinger would set aside about 70 percent of the land, or approximately 2,400 acres, for open public-preserve space as well as farms, parks, playgrounds and sports fields.

Martin County rarely approves major real estate developments, but Kiplinger hopes the design of Pineland Prairie will get a good reception from the county.

The proposed development, roughly the same size as nearby Hobe Sound, has been designed to appeal to young people by emulating small towns where residents can live, work and play. [TCPalm.com] — Mike Seemuth