Norton Commons includes two mixed-use neighborhoods and a hamlet with 2880 units on a 595-acre greenfield site in Louisville, Kentucky.  The master plan was prepared during a 1997 public design charrette led by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ).  While working for DPZ, Watkins began his tenure as Town Architect (and continues in that role today) and prepared the Design Code. Working in collaboration with Watkins and the developer, Placemakers prepared the Pattern Book.

Since the charrette, Watkins has served as the Town Architect, guiding the implementation of the master plan and reviewing much of the architecture for adherence with the Design Code and Pattern Book. Watkins has also worked with a number of the purchasers and their architects on homes, as well as commercial and civic buildings in the neighborhood, including the fire station, elementary school, YMCA, Catholic church and school, and child care center.

The first neighborhood is nearly complete and includes a full range of housing types, from single-family detached homes to apartments.  Multi-family and office buildings with ground-floor retail have been integrated into the neighborhood, and a central square is surrounded by mixed-use buildings with ground-floor retail and live/work units. The Town Founder, Traditional Towns, LLC, has done an excellent job programming the public realm to facilitate opportunities for the community to thrive.

The second neighborhood, also nearly complete, includes around 900 residences, 50,000 sq. ft. of commercial, a church, K-8 academy, post office, community pool, and pop-up market.

The hamlet is well underway.