Contender America Announces Master Planned Community in Smithfield, NC

Successful Rezoning and Annexation Approval

Contender America is pleased to announce another successful rezoning and annexation approval for a large Master Planned Community consisting of 1,327 homesites in the Town of Smithfield, Johnston County, NC. The Town Council unanimously approved the community on August 5, 2025.

Mallard Crossing will be located just 30 minutes from Downtown Raleigh, with easy access to Interstate 95. This rezoning effort was recently showcased in the Triangle Business Journal. With the influx of new families and retirees—grandparents following their grandchildren—locating to the Tarheel State, Mallard Crossing’s thoughtfully planned design will offer a variety of product types and price points.

Community Design and Features

There will be a Traditional/Conventional side of the community, combined with an Age Targeted area. These two distinct areas will be connected by trails and sidewalks, promoting a sense of community and accessibility.

The previous zoning approval in 2022 called for a 2,005-unit residential subdivision. However, due to the high density and lack of product diversity, the original plan presented a less-than-favorable design. Contender America took action to reduce the previous density by almost 700 lots, from 4.3 DUA to 2.8 DUA, including the elimination of 824 apartments.

The new community design proposed by Contender America emphasizes affordable quality homes and the advantages of a walkable-friendly community. It features an abundance of internal connectivity and ease of access to the charm of Downtown Smithfield.

Construction Phases and Neighborhoods

Construction will span five phases, with seven distinct neighborhoods being developed simultaneously. This approach allows for all product types to be available for sale at the same time. The product offering will include a mix of single-family detached homes and two townhome products: a first-time buyer townhome and Age Targeted townhomes featuring first-floor primary suites.

The community will be situated on an expansive 468-acre site, which consists of an assemblage of six parcels. Each side of the community will have its own distinct amenity areas. These amenities will include two pools and clubhouses, open-air pavilions, playgrounds, pickleball courts, gazebos, and dog parks scattered throughout the community.

Commitment to Quality and Community

At Contender America, we are dedicated to creating long-term value across multiple asset classes, including land development and infrastructure, hospitality, storage, and more. Our capability to manage every phase of land asset development—from acquisition and infrastructure planning to community design and residential construction—enables us to offer end-to-end solutions that transform raw land into thriving and valuable real estate assets.

We believe that Mallard Crossing will not only meet the housing needs of the growing population in Smithfield but will also enhance the community's overall quality of life. The thoughtful integration of amenities and diverse housing options reflects our commitment to creating spaces where families can thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mallard Crossing project represents a significant step forward for Contender America and the Town of Smithfield. We are excited about the opportunities this community will bring and look forward to seeing it flourish. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality developments that foster community connections and provide lasting value.