In the Know
McMillin Homes is launching two new-home neighborhoods in San Diego County.
Jacaranda at McMillin Lomas Verdes opened last month, bringing a planned 109 single-family homes to Chula Vista. The two-story homes range from three to five bedrooms, while the master-planned community boasts five parks totaling 14 acres and a swim club.
McMillin's Morning View neighborhood will bring 46 single-family homes to Santee. Grand opening is slated for October for the single- or two-story home designs, which come in both three- and four-bedroom models.
A builder of more than 30,000 homes during a 50-year run in Southern California, the McMillin family is confident in its timing.
"McMillin's success in the home-building industry did not come from waiting on the sidelines for the economy to improve," said president and CEO Mark McMillin. "Call it a bullish take on the local real estate market, but we believe now is the time for homebuyers to get back into the game."
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Phoenix-based Alliance Residential Company has moved into northern California for the first time with its acquisition of Montessa at Whitney Ranch, a 171-unit condominium community in Rocklin.
Montessa at Whitney Ranch was originally developed as a condominium property; however, the property was converted to a rental community in 2008. The community offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that feature attached and detached garages, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, upgraded plumbing and lighting fixtures, and 9-foot ceilings.
Alliance intends improve the common areas and rebrand the property as an Alliance-owned asset under the Broadstone community name. Alliance will also manage the property.
Montessa is Alliance’s fourth acquisition in California over the past nine months, said CFO Jay Hiemenz
“Alliance continues to pursue multifamily acquisitions and land across the U.S., in areas where we see good value, above-market return opportunities and solid growth from improving fundamentals,” Hiemenz said.
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Toll Brothers has partnered with SunRun and Petersen Dean to launch a pilot program to build new homes with solar photovoltaic panels pre-installed at no additional cost to the homebuyer.
The program will begin in Yorba Linda at The Preserve, a community of 90 luxury homes located within the Vista Del Verde master plan.
The partnership between Toll Brothers and SunRun gives buyers the opportunity to participate in a solar leasing program allowing use of SunRun’s state-of-the-art solar equipment at The Preserve for $42 per month with no upfront cost.
“Our new solar program allows homeowners to enjoy renewable energy and significant cost savings, all without sacrificing their lifestyle,” said Jim Boyd, Toll Brothers regional president. “And our ability to use The Preserve’s solar leasing program as a model for our other communities means that in the future more homeowners will be able to access and afford solar power than ever before.”
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Urban Housing Communities has broken ground on its newest development, The Crossings at Escondido.
The Crossings will feature 38 two-bedroom townhomes, 15 three-bedroom flats, and two four-bedroom flats. Apartment sizes average 1,200 square feet.
“This will be a beautiful project for the community that will bring change to the Mission Park neighborhood in a positive way,” Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler said in a press release.
Designed by Irvine-based KTGY Group, the development of The Crossings at Escondido marks the transformation of a street plagued by deterioration, poverty, gangs, drugs and overcrowding into a safe, family-friendly community.
“The Crossings at Escondido represents more than just another development by UHC,” said COO John Bigley. “Today we see work beginning — buildings being demolished and dirt being turned — to make life better not just for the people who will one day live here, but for the entire community. This project is just one component of the City of Escondido’s overall plans for revitalization.”
The Crossings at Escondido is a partnership between UHC and the City of Escondido Community Development Commission. The City committed funding by partnering with UHC to acquire the land. Subsequently, UHC secured initial financing through the highly competitive 9 percent tax credit program.
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BIA Cares, the charitable foundation of the BIA of San Diego, has awarded $9,500 to four local charities.
Voices for Children received $4,000 to support its Court Appointed Advocate program (CASA), to provide court advocacy and mentoring assistance for foster children in San Diego.
Big Animals for Little Kids has been awarded $2,500 to support its program of volunteers who dress in animal costumes and visit at-risk children in homeless shelters, hospitals, convalescent homes and residential facilities. Additionally, their new Teen Mentoring program puts at-risk teens into costumes to assist in entertaining the children.
Emelio Nares Foundation, which helps underprivileged children with cancer in San Diego and Orange counties, received $2,000 to aid in accessing treatments, programs and services.
YMCA Youth and Family Services received $1,000 for its “Oz San Diego” emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth, ages 12-17.
BIA Cares has raised more than $2.9 million for local charities over the past 20 years. For more information or to submit a funding request, visit www.biacares.org.
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Five multifamily residential communities designed by Irvine-based KTGY Group are among the finalists for NAHB’s annual Pillars of the Industry Awards program.
Finalists were announced in June for the Pillars, which honor excellence in apartment design, development, management and marketing. Marketing awards will be presented in October, with builder award winners announced in December.
KTGY’s nominees include:
• The Lofts at Promenade in Long Beach nominated is in two categories: Best Rental Community (non-garden 5 stories or less) and Best Multifamily Community Site Plan.
• The Bond in Oakland is a finalist for Best New Loft Apartment Community.
• 555 YVR in Walnut Creek is in the running for Best Mid-Rise Condominium Community.
• The Crossing in Anaheim is a finalist in several categories: Best Clubhouse at a Multifamily Community, Best Leasing or Sales Center, Best Interior Merchandising at a Multifamily Community and Best Brochure for a Rental Apartment Community.
• Villaggio on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga is up for Best Affordable Apartment Community.
A complete list of finalists can be found here.
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Bayside at the Embarcadero by Bosa continues to add to its sales total, with sales of more than 50 units in 2010 alone.
The sales totals have made it downtown San Diego’s fastest selling project, according to MarketPointe Realty Advisors.
Bayside at the Embarcadero is a 36-story, 232-home tower located two blocks from the San Diego harbor. The units feature Italian-made Snaidero cabinetry, CaesarStone quartz countertops, stainless steel Viking and Miele appliances, and premium Kohler fixtures.
A collection of 12 model homes with a variety of floor plans are available for touring.
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Pardee Homes is offering a special “Summer of Solar” opportunity for purchasers of a new home in two of their Southern California communities.
Buyers at Cherry Hill in Moorpark Highlands in Moorpark, and Laurel Park and Oak Crest in Fair Oaks Ranch in the Santa Clarita Valley, can take advantage of a solar package giveaway.
“Buyers gain a premium, price-included solar package, adding to the pleasures of having a stylish, high-quality new home,” said Joyce Mason, vice president of marketing for Pardee Homes.
This special offer applies only to new homes that are just starting construction at the designated communities. The offer features the high-efficiency 1.4 kilowatt, roof-integrated SunTile system, designed and installed by SunPower Corp.
Mason said that buyers with solar power in their new home can expect significant savings on energy bills during peak summer months as a key benefit of the “Summer of Solar” package. Additionally, they may qualify for a federal tax credit equal to 30 percent of the value of their new solar power system.
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ENGEO was one of three top finalists among more than 12,000 Deltek customers nationwide for the Business Impact Award, which honors outstanding Deltek customer and partner success in improving business processes and performance, increasing profitability and winning new business.
ENGEO’s staff has implemented and customized the Deltek Vision project database and accounting program to streamline processes, improve workflow capabilities, and maximize efficiencies resulting in more than $300,000 in annual operational savings.
Founded in 1971, ENGEO is an employee-owned firm of geotechnical and civil engineers, geologists, hydrologists, environmental professionals and construction services technicians. ENGEO has offices located in San Ramon, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Ripon, Rocklin and Santa Clarita.
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Cali Bamboo, a San Diego-based manufacturer of green building materials made entirely from bamboo, was named the Surfrider San Diego Clean Water Award business recipient at the 10th Annual Art Gala. The company was selected for its contributions toward helping the local chapter fulfill its mission of protecting and preserving the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.
“Surfrider Foundation San Diego is an incredible organization with a mission that’s hard not to support,” said Cali Bamboo CEO and president Jeff Goldberg. “We’re strong proponents of reducing our carbon footprint, and protecting the earth’s waters is part of that.”
Surfrider Foundation San Diego Clean Water Awards honor a local individual, business and community official that made a direct and positive impact on local water issues. Other recipients acknowledged for their support were musician Jason Mraz and Encinitas Deputy Mayor Maggie Houlihan.
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Trestle Glen, a transit-oriented apartment community located in the unincorporated area of San Mateo County, has opened.
Designed by KTGY Group and developed by Bridge Housing Corporation, Trestle Glen is an eco- and pedestrian-friendly development located adjacent to the Colma BART station.
Bridge Housing Corporation is a leading nonprofit developer of affordable homes in California. Trestle Glen is available to families earning between 20 percent and 50 percent of the area median income. It features 119 one- , two- and three-bedroom units.
The five-story development offers a number of green features such as solar panels to preheat domestic hot water, bio-swales that naturally filter rainwater and a community recycling program.
“Trestle Glen provides a positive example to the community of quality, affordable housing and is a stepping stone for family advancement,” said Bridge Housing president and CEO Cynthia Parker. “Affordable homes integrated with services give residents more opportunities to increase their education, build skills for better jobs, and plan for homeownership. Children can have more stability in their lives and do better in school.”
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NAHB has named Pardee Homes as Green Building Corporate Advocate of the Year. The honor recognizes green leadership in a variety of areas, including bringing green and sustainable building practices to the mainstream; direct impact on the number of green homes constructed; educational and marketing efforts; and grassroots activities that aim to help transform the home building industry.
“Pardee Homes was among the first production homebuilders to see the need and the value of a green building program, and its achievements in this regard now span more than a decade,” said Eric Borsting, chair of NAHB’s Green Building Subcommittee. “They have found a niche in their markets and we commend them for helping to further green while educating the consumer on the value green offers.”
Since 1998, Pardee Homes has built new homes that exceed prevailing codes for energy efficiency. It has steadily incorporated additional green and sustainable measures in its new homes, particularly with its award-winning LivingSmart program, introduced in 2001 in San Diego. In 2009, Pardee Homes made a company-wide commitment to building LivingSmart homes.
“The LivingSmart brand is core to our success as a builder of green homes, and as a green advocate,” said Joyce Mason, Pardee Homes vice president of marketing. “Its features are viable, practical and understandable, enabling us to deliver green measures that are within buyers’ means while adding to their awareness and knowledge of the many benefits of green.”
President and CEO Mike McGee said Pardee takes progressive approaches to community planning and development. This translates to preserved trees and open space, habitat restoration and indigenous, drought tolerant landscaping.
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Cooper Lighting has announced a call for entries for its 34th Annual SOURCE Awards national lighting design competition. The competition, which focuses on furthering the understanding, knowledge and function of lighting as a primary element in design, is open to all lighting designers, architects, engineers, professional designers and consultants who use Cooper Lighting fixtures in an interior or exterior design project.
The competition requires the primary and predominant use of any or all of the Cooper Lighting brands.
Projects will be judged on the blending of aesthetics, creative achievement and technical performance and to the degree which the lighting met project constraints and design concept goals.
Entries must be postmarked on or before Jan. 31, 2011. Winners will be announced in May, 2011. Over the competition's 33-year history, winners have been awarded more than $600,000.To download a list of rules, visit www.cooperlighting.com.
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Professional Community Management of California, Inc., one of the nation’s largest managers of homeowner associations, helped gather 180,000 items for HomeAid’s Essentials for Young Life charity drive.
The benefit supported HomeAid Orange County service partners providing supplies to homeless families and children. PCM was selected as a public drop for the drive and as a partner to assist HomeAid Orange County.
“Since our company was launched 35 years ago, its founders have placed a high value on contributing both time and financial support to charitable efforts in the communities where we work,” said PCM CEO Donny Disbro. “Supporting organizations serving our local communities is a central value in our corporate culture.”
Disbro serves on the board of directors for the BIA of Orange County, a partner to HomeAid Orange County.
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New Jersey-based Artistic Tile has added a West Coast presence, opening an architectural and design studio in San Francisco.
"Artistic Tile is honored to join the collection of luxury companies in San Francisco providing tile and stone to the trade and consumers,” said Artistic Tile president Lauren Cherkas. “Our unique ability to deliver custom sizes, patterns and finishes in a timely manner as well as offering an enormous breadth of product will be a fresh surprise to architects, designers and homeowners alike who have become accustomed to lengthy lead times in our industry."
The new studio, located at 111 Rhode Island St., includes extensive samples of Artistic Tile's 2,500-plus stocked products in stone, glass, ceramic and metal. The library includes hundreds of examples of Artistic Tile's selection of custom patterns manufactured in its Secaucus, N.J. production facility.
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San Diego-based EcoDog was selected as one of five startups to present business plans to venture capitalists at the CONNECT Cleantech Venture Roundtable in San Diego last month.
During the roundtable evaluations, EcoDog’s staff showcased its hardware and software tools that enable homeowners to lower utility bills while contributing to overall reduction in demand for electricity. The company's FIDO Home Energy Watchdog System shows users exactly how and where they are consuming electricity on a real-time basis with room-by-room.
“CONNECT’s programs are a real asset to cultivating innovation in San Diego, and we’ve benefitted greatly from the collective expertise of their members as we’ve developed our business plan,” said EcoDog CEO Ron Pitt. “We know that the clean-tech space is very competitive and were honored to be selected as one of the winners of this event.”
Other firms to present plans were AER Sustainable Energy, Diomede Storage, Lightwave Photonics and PCN Technology.
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Horton Homes has added Whirlpool Corporation as the exclusive appliance partner for the privately held leader in the manufactured housing industry.
As part of the agreement, Whirlpool Corporation will provide Whirlpool and Maytag brand appliances for the kitchen and laundry areas to Horton Home’s modular and manufactured homes.
“We are impressed with Whirlpool Corporation’s excellent reputation in the industry and with consumers, and are confident that its appliance delivery and in-the-field support is exactly what we need,” said Steve Gregory, vice president of purchasing for Horton Homes.
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Author Steven Solomon and natural capitalism advocate Hunter Lovins will be keynote speakers at the third WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition, slated for Oct. 6-8 in Las Vegas.
Lovins, president and founder of Natural Capitalism Solutions and co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute and California Conservation Society, will keynote the conference’s opening session Wednesday, Oct. 6.
Solomon, author of the best-selling book Water: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power and Civilization, will keynote the conference’s luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 7.
More information is available at www.WaterSmartInnovations.com.
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In the Know is compiled by California Builder editor Greg Robertson. News, awards and honors about California companies in the homebuilding industry can be sent to grobertson@cbia.org.
