Land Subdividers and Developers, Except Cemeteries - Research and Technology

Research and Technology

In Houston, Texas, the Land Tejas Company, in collaboration with IBM Corporation, made bold strides into the age of computers by creating "intelligent neighborhoods." In developing new communities such as its Stone Gate development, Land Tejas and IBM took technology one step farther than simple prewired Internet access for the new homes. Instead, the development partners designed the building specifications to include the installation of Category 5 telephone wire and RG6 cabling at the subdivision, in order to connect the homes via a professionally architected community intranet. The intranet at Stone Gate, scheduled to go live early in 1999, provides homebuyers with on-line access to immediate traffic conditions for their neighborhood, as well as with weather and communications links to local school administrations. After work and school, and during inclement weather, Stone Gate residents "camp in" with video-on-demand and Internet access through their neighborhood backbone cable. Home owners at Stone Gate make restaurant reservations online, collect electronic coupons for use at local retailers, and enjoy other conveniences at an estimated cost of $1,000 per home for the cabling, plus an additional $1,000 per home for the IBM Internet connector center.