The Vision Behind Lennar’s Homes: A Conversation with Mitch Newman and Lisa Higgins

As the hosts of Humans of the World, we, Marco and Erica, have the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals who are shaping the world in their unique ways. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mitch Newman, Vice President of Land for Lennar’s New Jersey-New York Division, and Lisa Higgins, Director of Forward Planning, to our show. What unfolded was a lively, insightful, and often humorous discussion about their groundbreaking work and the vision driving their projects.

The Journey to Our Conversation

Mitch and Lisa made the trip from their office in Central New Jersey to join us, a testament to their dedication not just to their work but to sharing their story. Mitch, returning for his second appearance, was eager to address something he felt was missing from our last chat—recognizing the invaluable teammates and collaborators who contribute to their success.

We began with warm welcomes and light banter (we had to compliment Mitch on his sharp fashion choices!). It was clear from the start that Mitch and Lisa are more than colleagues; they’re a team in the truest sense, complementing each other’s expertise and sharing a mutual respect for their roles.

Recognizing the Team

Mitch didn’t hold back in expressing his gratitude. First, he acknowledged the community leaders and supervisors at Tuxedo Reserve, the ambitious Lennar development in the Gem of New York. Then, he gave a shoutout to Greg and Dylan from the Related Companies Lennar acquired the property from, emphasizing how crucial their ongoing collaboration is.

Next, Mitch highlighted his colleagues at Lennar: division leaders like Anthony, Tom, Bob, and Debbie, who play pivotal roles behind the scenes. And finally, he turned to Lisa, praising her for her technical expertise and the partnership that has made their work a success.

Lisa, humble and quick to interject with humour, made it clear that her contributions extend far beyond technicalities—she’s an integral part of the team’s vision for creating vibrant, sustainable communities.

Shaping Tuxedo Reserve in the Gem of New York, the Town of Tuxedo

Our conversation dove deep into the specifics of their work. Lisa explained her role in rewriting zoning ordinances to align with the needs of Tuxedo Reserve’s diverse housing types—single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and even age-restricted housing. Balancing technical details like driveway dimensions and street parking with broader considerations for livability was no small feat.

Mitch and Lisa both emphasized the importance of crafting a community where residents would genuinely want to live. The focus wasn’t just on meeting standards but exceeding them to create homes that are energy-efficient, sustainable, and built for the future.

Sustainability at the Forefront

One of the most exciting aspects of Tuxedo Reserve is its all-electric design—a first for Lennar. This bold step aligns with the growing demand for sustainable housing solutions. Lisa elaborated on how they’re integrating Energy Star appliances, effective insulation, and other energy-saving measures to ensure homes are efficient and environmentally friendly.

While challenges arose—like opting for tanked water heaters instead of tankless electric ones due to performance considerations—Mitch and Lisa worked together to navigate these complexities. Their commitment to minimizing the community’s environmental impact extended to stormwater management and other eco-conscious measures.

Of course, no episode of Humans of the World would be complete without a touch of humour and spontaneity. From debating the best way to check if a stove is off to marveling at modern home apps that provide peace of mind, our conversation was as personal as it was professional. Mitch even brought along Lennar gifts, sparking a few jokes about how to snag a new house in addition to the thoughtful keepsakes.

Looking Ahead

As Mitch and Lisa shared their vision, it was clear that their work is more than building homes; it’s about creating communities that are sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking. They left us inspired by their dedication to balancing innovation with care for the environment and the people they serve.

If you’re considering a Lennar home—or just want to learn more about the incredible projects shaping our world—Mitch and Lisa are the ones to call. And who knows? You might even get one of those exclusive Lennar bags!

Stay tuned for more extraordinary stories on Humans of the World. Until next time!

with Love
Marco and Erica