Building a Sustainable Future Together in 2026

Villa Terra is being built the same way it was imagined: thoughtfully, in phases, and with the long view in mind. We’re not rushing to “finish” something just to call it done. We’re building strong, building smart, and documenting the process so others can learn from what works, what doesn’t, and what we’d do differently next time.

Phase One: Luna Verde (Community Garden Shed + Workshop)

Right now, we’re focused on the first structure on the site: Luna Verde, the new community garden shed and workshop. This building will support the day-to-day needs of the Benson Community Garden and serve as a practical hub for tools, organization, and hands-on projects.

The permit has been pulled, and foundation holes are being dug in January 2026. Our current estimate is that construction will be complete by April 2026. Luna Verde is the first big step, and it sets the tone for everything that comes next.

Phase Two: Villa Terra (Studio + Greenhouse)

Once Luna Verde is complete, we’ll shift into the next stage: pulling the permit and beginning foundation work for Villa Terra itself. The Villa Terra structure will be intentionally compact, eco-friendly, and flexible. It’s being designed to support creative work, small gatherings, hands-on learning, and the kind of comfortable, right-sized space that feels welcoming without being wasteful.

But the build is bigger than the building. The structure is only one part of the story. Villa Terra is about what the space makes possible, and how it helps people rethink what they can do with a regular city lot.

More Than a Structure: The Education Garden

In 2026, we’ll also be developing an Education Garden as part of the community garden, a place specifically designed for outreach and teaching. We want to introduce more people to native plants and other practical, resilient things you can grow right here in our region, often with less fuss than people assume.

A yard doesn’t have to be a decorative backdrop. A yard can be productive. A yard can teach. A yard can feed people. You can grow a full garden in a front yard or backyard, and still make it beautiful. That idea is a big part of what Villa Terra is here to prove.

Expanding the Pollinator Garden

We’ll also be expanding our pollinator garden in 2026, because healthy neighborhoods need healthy habitat. Pollinators are a cornerstone of local food systems and a clear way to make a visible impact on a small piece of land. This expansion is both ecological and educational. It’s one more way to show what’s possible when we choose living landscapes over empty grass.

Want to Help Build It?

Villa Terra has always been a community-rooted project, and we welcome help from people who want to be part of something practical and hopeful. If you’d like to get involved, we’re always grateful for:

• Donated new or reclaimed building materials (windows, doors, lumber, fixtures, hardware, and useful odds and ends)
• Support from experienced builders and tradespeople willing to share guidance or assistance
• Donated plants, especially native and pollinator-friendly varieties
• Helping hands for occasional work days as phases move forward

If you’d like to donate materials, offer expertise, contribute plants, or volunteer labor, reach out anytime at kurt@thevillaterra.com 
.

We’re building this one step at a time, and we’re glad you’re following along.

Open & Activate

Welcome community into the story.

• Soft opening for friends, supporters, and volunteers

• Host art nights, open studio events, or seasonal gatherings

• Offer stays or tours — share how Villa Terra inspires future builders