After graduating from Kent State University and a tour of duty in the U.S. Army, Barenholtz returned to his passionate endeavor – designing and building small homes for simple living. Constantly honing his skills with an appetite for innovation, Manny expanded his single home projects by developing streets, neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind custom homes. In 1970, he began his magnum opus, Walden, by applying his love of Frank Lloyd Wright’s concept of New Urbanism with his appreciation of nature and a total community concept. Purchasing adjoining Aurora farmland to assemble over 1,000 pristine acres, Manny built a modern community steeped in old-world neighborhood values. Working with residents to design and build signature custom homes that blend harmoniously into the Western Reserve landscape, Barenholtz continues to pioneer the lifestyle community with the addition of five diamond amenities and hospitality. Manny’s unique vision for a livable and sustainable community has now garnered national acclaim with the addition of the luxurious Inn Walden, Spa Walden and Club Walden.