Who Owns the View?
A battle is being waged among preservationists, private landowners and developers over who owns scenic views. Landowners want to preserve their rights to do whatever they please with their property, while environmentalists seek to protect viewsheds — a term that describes the scene viewed from a certain location — for future generations. Compromises have been made involving the Gaviota Coast in California and the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, which are among the first viewsheds to make Scenic America's annual Last Chance Landscapes list. A beachfront resort and an upscale housing development are in the works for nearly 500 acres of the Gaviota Coast, and some believe developers' plans to plant trees to camouflage the homes will be enough to preserve the area's scenery. Meanwhile, a clustered design, trees and a wildflower meadow will be employed by developer Steve Musselwhite to protect a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway along which he will build 100 homes. The loss of undeveloped parcels in these regions can be attributed to demand among second-home buyers, but some landowners believe public access is also a major problem in terms of litter and fires. Harvard University landscape architect professor Niall Kirkwood believes that renewed interest in already developed locales would simultaneously permit growth and protect views. (www.csmonitor.com)
Christian Science Monitor Online (10/01/03) P. 12; Mendez, Teresa
[ Go to Top ]
Family Trees Grow in Master-Planned Communities
A growing number of people are moving closer to their families; and in Northeast Florida, many are moving into the same neighborhood. Master-planned communities are often the developments of choice for these families because of the numerous housing types and amenities they offer, as well as the sense of community they foster. The 6,400-acre OakLeaf Plantation in Duval and Clay counties, for instance, is using a combination of single-family dwellings and condominiums to capture a wide range of buyers. According to The Hutson Cos. President Don Hinson, "We wanted to create a true hometown. We think it's important to weave multiple generations into the fabric of the community." Builders aim to attract buyers, as well as their family and friends, says Ryland Homes' Jacksonville President Jeff Agar of the trend. (www.jacksonville.bcentral.com)
Jacksonville Business Journal Online (09/29/03) Penland, Dolly
[ Go to Top ]
Home Is Where the Yoga Class Is
Following in the footsteps of the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International Inc., and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. — all of which have extended their pampered lodging to include homeownership options — Canyon Ranch Health Resorts will build 467 condominiums on Miami Beach featuring fitness and spa amenities. Canyon Ranch founder Mel Zuckerman says the project aims to eliminate slippage, or the retreat of many spa-goers back to their previous, unhealthy lifestyles after they leave; and he believes that there will be a demand for luxury housing that incorporates healthy living. The units at Canyon Ranch Living in Miami Beach will command purchase prices from $400,000 to $3 million, depending on the view. Residents will receive $100 vouchers each month for use in the development's restaurant and another $100 per month for massages or visits with nutritionists. Other amenities include fitness classes; medical services; smart cards to monitor the number of calories burned during workouts; access to nutritional information at the restaurant via handheld devices; and room service. Canyon Ranch hopes to build similar condo developments in New York, Boston and other metropolitan areas as well as planned single-family communities like Celebration, FL, if the concept is successful in Miami. (www.wsj.com)
Wall Street Journal (09/30/03) P. D1; Petersen, Andrea
[ Go to Top ]
Steel-Framed Homes Growing in Popularity
Steel-framed homes are gaining in popularity because they are rust-free, energy-efficient, fire-resistant and can withstand hurricanes and tornadoes. These structures can cost as much as stick-built dwellings, but the greatest influence on price is the design. Excalibur Steel, a Tennessee-based company that offers custom steel-frame packages, has seen its nationwide residential clientele rise from two to 156 since its inception in 1996. "We had to convince home owners to do this seven years ago," notes owner Guy Millard. "Some people don't like change, but it's becoming a big industry." (www.timesfreepress.com)
Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) (09/28/03) P. H1; Starks, Kimberly
[ Go to Top ]
Inside Oasis; Conservatories Bring Nature Indoors Year-Round
With a growing number of Americans traveling less, looking to enhance the architecture of their home and desiring additional space for entertaining and relaxing, it is not surprising that the British conservatory is becoming popular in the United States. Conservatories, or sunroom-like additions with glass cathedral-style roofs, are commonly used as family rooms, dining rooms, greenhouses or places to gather with friends. They can be equipped with ceiling fans, air conditioning, columns and other customized features; and they now range in color from traditional white to bronze and burgundy. The rooms also are designed to handle winds and snow, and special glass can be installed to block the sun's rays and keep the room warm at the same time. Experts say conservatories are most popular among empty-nesters, but home owners of all ages are building them. There is no data on how much of a conservatory's cost is recouped when the home is sold. However, home owners can expect a property reassessment and a higher tax bill once the conservatory is completed. (www.newsday.com)
New York Newsday (09/26/03) P. C8; Mitchell, Ellen
[ Go to Top ]
Monster Garage
In order to use space more effectively, many home owners are transforming their garages into storage areas, home theaters, hobby suites and playrooms. Some are even installing high-gloss floors, electricity, cabinets and organizational systems. Rubbermaid and Whirlpool are among the companies capitalizing on the garage makeover craze by offering everything from a tiny refrigerator-freezer, or "beer box," to shelves, wall-mounted bike racks and catch-alls for sporting equipment. A basic garage project can cost just a few thousand dollars, while more extensive upgrades can reach $25,000 or more. (www.uniontrib.com)
San Diego Union-Tribune (09/25/03) P. 21; Larsen, Carl
[ Go to Top ]
Sheds: Housing Works
In California, many home owners are building sheds for use as home offices, art studios, hobby rooms, extra bedrooms and guest rooms, rather than deal with the hassles of traditional room additions. The average shed is erected in just a couple days and costs $3,100. Once the shed is up, insulation, drywall, carpeting, electricity and even air conditioning, vaulted ceilings and skylights can be installed. Building codes typically prevent home owners from adding plumbing systems or sleeping in the structures overnight, but Albany planning manager David Dowswell says the latter is a common occurrence. (www.newsweek.com)
Newsweek (09/29/03) P. 10; McGinn, Daniel
[ Go to Top ]
Browse Model Homes Without Kids in Tow
Home buyers with children should contemplate hiring a babysitter when they tour model homes. Without their kids tagging along, they can visit more models and not have to worry about keeping the kids occupied. Moreover, meetings with the builder regarding floor plans and options can be lengthy, and it is difficult for parents to make decisions if they are constantly looking after children. However, buyers with no choice but to bring their children should avoid touring too many properties in one day and make sure all visits take place outside naptime hours, when the kids are wide awake instead of sleepy and cranky. Most builders do not offer activities to entertain young children, but some have agents to baby-sit while the parents look around. Others offer home theaters with children's movies; playgrounds; and play rooms with windows that allow parents to keep an eye on the kids at all times. (www.inman.com)
Inman News Features Online (09/26/03) Salant, Katherine
[ Go to Top ]
Construction Climbs to Highest Level of Year
The Commerce Department reports that construction spending rose in August to the highest level since January. According to the agency's research, the total value of building projects under way that month amounted to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $882.7 billion, a gain of 0.2% from the previous month. The value of all construction projects being worked on by private developers inched up 0.1% during August to a $665.4 million rate. Private builders scaled down spending on such projects as office buildings and health-care facilities, but they continued to invest heavily in new residential developments as the housing market continued to buoy the U.S. economy. (www.chron.com)
Houston Chronicle Online (10/01/03)
[ Go to Top ]
Toasty Floors for Tootsies — for $500
The cost of radiant heating for tile and stone floors, a process that dates back to the ancient Romans, is falling. With the cost of installation hovering as low as $500 during home construction or remodeling, the popularity of the technique is on the rise — particularly in bathrooms. Warming up the walking surface is the next logical step for pampered home owners who already enjoy heated towel racks. Nearly 50,000 homes are equipped with floors marketed by the industry leader, Nuheat. (www.usatoday.com)
USA Today (09/26/03) P. 1D; Puente, Maria
[ Go to Top ]
Center Stage
Orlando, Windermere, Winter Park and other resort destinations in Central Florida are attracting year-round residents with theme parks, a multitude of recreational activities, open space, the accessible Orlando International Airport and a plethora of housing types. Affluent buyers seeking a gated community on the waterfront may want to consider Isleworth in Windermere, while those interested in the golf-course lifestyle should look to nearby Lake Nona. In Winter Park, luxury buyers become part of the small-town atmosphere and can enjoy the golf course, restaurants and shops in the town center. In Orlando, meanwhile, most of the 119 high-end homes up for sale in the greater metropolitan market were built after 1996, meaning that they typically are equipped with all of the modern-day conveniences and comforts along with optimal design. (www.uniquehomes.com)
Unique Homes (09/03) Vol. 32, No. 5, P. 88; Burke, Robert
[ Go to Top ]
Resorting to the Good Life
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the struggling stock market and demand among aging baby boomers has fueled vacation-home sales nationwide. These buyers may desire the security of a small town or seek refuge in the vacation haven of their childhood, and they are particularly interested in recreational activities and proximity to major airports or metropolitan areas. According to Prudential California Realty owner Alan Heoney, "Each resort market is a micro-market and they are a little different, appealing to a different type of client based on finances, the activities and the homes." Vacation-home buyers, many of whom are looking ultimately to make the retreat their year-round residence, are purchasing spacious dwellings so that extended family can be together. A growing number of these properties are even more upscale than the buyer's permanent home. (www.uniquehomes.com)
Unique Homes (09/03) Vol. 32, No. 5, P. 119; McLaughlin, Camilla
[ Go to Top ]
Construction Quarrels
Many construction-management software vendors promise fewer disputes and lawsuits due to the fast turnaround, controls and accountability afforded by Web-based applications. However, a recent survey of 350 construction industry executives by Deloitte & Touche LLP reveals that these software programs do not live up to those claims. In fact, the number of disputes remained unchanged for 71% of the software's users. Just 24% of respondents saw disputes decline, and disagreements reportedly rose for 5% of users. Since most problems stem from design errors, numerous change orders, contractor interference and subcontractor nonperformance, Deloitte & Touche senior manager Mark Blumkin speculates that the software should focus on the design process as well as document management and scheduling. (www.wsj.com)
Wall Street Journal (10/01/03) P. B8; Muto, Sheila
[ Go to Top ]
Computer Maintenance Essentials
Unlike larger corporations that have the resources to study business continuity and test disaster recovery plans, small businesses that depend on computers for a large part of their business can lose valuable information and productivity if their systems fail or they become the victims of a network attack. For these reasons, small businesses would do well to invest their time and energy into backup systems, virus protections and other things that can help them bounce back from an attack or system failure. Building a good relationship with a reputable and reliable vendor is key to small businesses' ability to get their systems back on track after a disaster. By backing up their systems and essential files, and testing those backups, small businesses can ensure they will be able to bring their business back online if disaster strikes. In addition to installing and updating virus protections and firewalls, small businesses should also invest in some alternative Internet connectivity that will allow them to have access to the Internet if their network fails. Having alternative e-mail addresses and backup Web sites is also a good idea for small businesses, since it will help them stay in touch with clients if their main site is down. To help ensure they will be able to recover from a disaster, small businesses should also keep good records of their installed applications, and they should consider outsourcing their external facing services to an outside supported data center company. (www.sbcmag.net)
Small Business Computing (09/29/03) Cohen, Beth
[ Go to Top ]
|