The bucolic farm utopia of Serenbe might look more like a booming pioneer village in the near future, but officials say it's all in the name of progress and strategic growth. Next month, Serenbe expects to break ground on its first apartment building, The Textile Lofts, with architecture that echoes Cabbagetown's former cotton mill. The 10,000 square-foot, ground-floor retail component to that project already has a tenant waiting list, officials said this week. Elsewhere, Serenbe's first standalone office building (pictured here) is expected to open next year as the headquarters for Southeastern Engineering Inc. "With the recession behind us and the growth and value of walk-up communities, we are excited to move forward with the first of 200,000 square feet of planned office space," Serenbe founder, Steve Nygren, said in press release. Officials say the varied segments of Serenbe office and commercial development — plus nearly 100 new homes under construction, in permitting or design — total more than $85 million in new construction expected for 2015.

Located about 40 minutes southwest of downtown Atlanta, Serenbe counts 400 residents and 180 homes, a self-sustaining organic farm, three farm-to-table restaurants and over 30 businesses. Each component is connected by 15 miles of nature trails on 1,000 acres of formerly rural land.

The Textile Lofts project promises "Loft Living. Redefined," with a mix of 23 residences. Expect studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom luxury apartments and condominiums, with architecture inspired by turn-of-the-century textile mills, and rents up to $2,400, officials have said.

At 625 square feet, the studios will rent for $990 per month or sell for $209,000. On the larger end, the 1,250 square-foot, two-bedroom units will rent for $2,400 and sell for $399,000. Which is probably a little more than a similar sized unit would go for in, say, Inman Park right now.

But wait, there's more! Another new development at Serenbe is a professional co-working space called The Hive. Its purpose, officials say, is to "provide efficient and inspiring work environments to the residents of Serenbe, Chattahoochee Hills and neighboring communities."

Also in the works: a 110-room hotel expected to be announced early next year.

· This Cottage Is 900 Square Feet — Serenbe Style [Curbed Atlanta]

· Atlanta's Rental Craze Extends To Serenbe. Seriously. [Curbed]