Lake Wylie Residential Community First in World to Receive Highest Designation by Audubon International.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Crescent Communities new community on Lake Wylie, the Sanctuary, became the first in the world to receive the Three Diamond designation from Audubon International, it was announced today by Nancy Richardson, director of Audubon International's Gold Signature Program. the Sanctuary is a nature reserve community with less than 200 homesites, called Private Preserves, on 1,300 acres in Mecklenburg County. Audubon International's Three Diamond designation is its highest level of certification within its Gold Signature Program and indicates a superlative project based on protection of wildlife, water quality and native flora and fauna, as well as green building practices and site design. The certification comes following a thorough daylong inspection of the Sanctuary Tuesday.

"We fully anticipate the Sanctuary to be an international model for sustainable development," said Ron Dodson, president of Audubon International. "Now and for future generations, the Sanctuary will be as protective of nature as it is welcoming to the human spirit. It is a jewel in Charlotte's metropolitan area because its future has been secured in perpetuity as a genuinely, ecologically sustainable community."

the Sanctuary's Private Preserves range in size from more than two acres to 13 acres, with the average being more than five acres. Approximately 80 percent of the property at the Sanctuary will remain undisturbed, and there will be a 200-foot conservation corridor along the waterfront. As a result, all homes will be at least 200 feet from the shoreline -- four times the county requirement of a 50-foot setback. the Sanctuary, with mature hardwood forests, rolling topography and nearly seven miles of shoreline, is the first application of the multiple-acre homesite concept in a master-planned community within Charlotte's metro area.

Crescent has improved existing roads through the property; designed building envelopes that guide where structures - such as guesthouses, work-at-home offices and art studios - can be built; and created stringent tree removal restrictions. Much has happened at the Sanctuary, but in most ways, the land remains the same.

"The result is a nature reserve community of exceptionally large homesites unlike any other in the Charlotte region," said Art Raymond, senior vice president of residential development for Crescent Resources. "the Sanctuary is completely focused on nature and the natural attributes of the property."

More than 20 miles of nature trails wind through the Sanctuary. Special meditation areas and wilderness parks are destinations along the trails. Recreational parks with natural playgrounds for children are featured throughout the community. Approximately 215 acres on the property are devoted to common open space and parks.

Audubon International has, for the first time in its history, engaged a full-time naturalist to be located at the Sanctuary. Sarah Anderson will provide onsite conservation assistance, environmental educational programs for residents and the development team, and manage aquatic and terrestrial resources. She'll also plan nature hikes, bird watching, organic gardening seminars and other programming for residents. Anderson is certified by the International Society of Arborists (ISA), and she most recently served the city of Charlotte as an urban forester. Anderson's previous experience also includes serving as a horticulture specialist for Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and working as customer service manager at a Pineville, N.C., nursery. Anderson graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in agriculture.

the Sanctuary, located off Shopton Road West, three miles from the I-485/Hwy. 160 exit (Exit #4 off I-485), is already winning international acclaim. In addition to the designation from Audubon International, the Sanctuary is a part of the National Arbor Day Foundation's Building With Trees program. Crescent will open sales of Private Preserves on Sept. 25.

Crescent Resources, LLC is a land management and real estate development company. Formed more than 30 years ago by Duke Energy, the company has land interests in nine states in the southeastern and southwestern United States. Crescent creates award-winning country club communities, neighborhoods, apartment and condominium communities, Class A office space, business and industrial parks and shopping centers.

Crescent is the recipient of numerous awards for environmental stewardship. Crescent was recently recognized for creating the Community of the Year by the National Arbor Day Foundation and named 2001 Industrial Conservationist of the Year by the S.C. Wildlife Federation. Its community, The Point on Lake Norman, was a finalist for the Urban Land Institute's Award of Excellence this year.

Audubon International administers, coordinates and conducts scientific research, education initiatives and demonstration projects throughout the world.

More information about the Sanctuary is available at www.thesanctuary-crescent.com