A Vision for Urban Living
Nestled in the heart of Issaquah Highlands, Crofton Springs is more than a collection of homes—it’s a thoughtfully planned community where sustainability, architecture and landscape design come together to create a unified whole.
Envisioned as a bold departure from traditional single-family neighborhoods, Crofton Springs challenged suburban norms with its higher-density, community-centered design—and succeeded. This forward-thinking vision garnered national recognition, including the 2006 Builder’s Choice Merit Award for innovation in design.
Housing Variety, Unified Aesthetic
Crofton Springs features 121 residences across seven distinct architectural styles—garden cottages, townhomes, row houses, hillside cottages, garden flats, suburban lofts and carriage houses. The variety of housing styles adds to the neighborhood’s distinctive character and prevents a cookie-cutter appearance.
Despite the diversity in architecture, a cohesive visual identity unites the neighborhood. Front porches, stoops and decks, along with inviting color palettes inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty—sunrises and sunsets, western red cedar, forest greens, winter grays and summer skies—create a welcoming, unified streetscape.
Walkways and Spaces
Minimizing vehicle presence and impervious surfaces, the community prioritizes people and connections. Rear alley access and discreet parking courts reduce visual clutter, while public walkways and shared green spaces encourage spontaneous meetings among neighbors.
Built Green-certified homes highlight the neighborhood’s commitment to sustainability. A dry stream bed, fed by seasonal rains, winds through the neighborhood, promoting a sense of connectivity and enhancing the community’s shared open space.
Celebrating Community
At the heart of Crofton Springs, a central gazebo serves as a gathering place for potlucks, meetings and casual get-togethers. To ensure connection is not just a design feature, the Crofton Springs Committee fosters neighborhood spirit through ongoing collaboration with the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) as well as social gatherings for residents.
The committee is currently brainstorming the following ideas for the 2025 event calendar:
- Fourth of July—Porch and stoop decorating contest, followed by a barbecue picnic
- Back to School Game Day (August)—Fun and games to wrap up summer
- Friendsgiving Buffet (November)—A neighborly feast of gratitude
- Holiday Cookie Exchange (December)—Sweet treats and holiday cheer
Through social gatherings and a dog-walking group, Crofton Springs brings neighbors together.
For New Neighbors
If you’re new to Crofton Springs, welcome! Here are a few tips to get connected:
- Say hello and introduce yourselves—friendly faces are everywhere.
- Join the neighborhood Facebook group to stay in the loop on events and updates.
- Get involved! Whether you attend a social gathering, volunteer at an event or suggest ideas to enhance the community, there’s a place for everyone.
2025 Spring Fling Eggstravaganza Recap
Crofton Springs celebrated the arrival of spring this year with an Egg Hunt and Neighborhood Social on Sunday, April 6. Despite the signature springtime drizzle of the Pacific Northwest, neighbors of all ages gathered for an afternoon of fun and friendship.
Children dashed through the community in search of 250 brightly colored eggs, while adults enjoyed a potluck feast, sharing food, stories and laughter. Rain or shine, Crofton Springs celebrates what matters most—neighbors coming together.
Final Thoughts
Crofton Springs was visionary from its inception, proving that higher-density living can be aesthetically appealing and deeply rooted in a sense of community. Nearly two decades later, its founding vision endures. As the neighborhood continues to evolve and welcome new residents, its core values of intentional design, environmental stewardship and community connection remain strong.
It takes engaged neighbors, vibrant traditions and a collaborative spirit to realize a model of what’s possible in urban living. The Crofton Springs Committee, working diligently to partner with the IHCA, is committed to ensuring the neighborhood continues to be a beacon of what’s possible into the future.
Crofton Springs neighbors come together through social gatherings and opportunities for connection. Photos courtesy of Crofton Springs residents.
Written by Crofton Springs residents Azmeena Hasham, Michelle Palm, Anne Simpson and Debbie Zimmerman.
As published in the spring issue of Community Connect magazine >>>
