Arizona Republic from Phoenix, Arizona • Page 100

realestate.azcentral.com realestate.azcentral.com NHA4 Friday, July 11, 2008 Friday, July 11, 2008 NHA5 Builder Profile 1st family moves into Toll Bros. at Litchfield Park HI a Paul Johnson lives and builds with family, civic values Ofcli mm Egg? i I Ji-C- A i I "Margaritaville" in Savino model at Montevista is perfect for homeowners who The.Timbers collection of homes ranges from The Granada, a smgle-level plan with three bedrooms to The Grande, a two-level home with up to five bedrooms and 2.5 baths. All plans offer fwo'i'car garages. for information call 480-850- 'j Pulte meets energy challenge Pulte Homes is the first production homebuilder to meet a challenge posed by the U.S. De- partment of Energy (DOE) to the home building industry for more high-performance, energy-efficient The initiative, called Builders Challenge, recognizes the best energy performance, quality, comfort, health and safety in home building.

The Builders Challenge requires homes to be Home Energy Rat Systems (HERS) 70 or less on' the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale). This tool allows home buyers to understand how the performance of a home compares to others, and it provides certification and a federally approved 'label for the energy performance of that home. Pulte's first homes to receive qualification under this initiative received HERS ratings ranging from 64 to 70 on the E-Scale are in its Timber Creek certified green community in Las Vegas and jCabrillo Point certified green community in Phoenix. Th.DOE's vision is for home-builders to build 220,000 high-perfgrmance homes by 2012. By usjng the E-Scale, home buyers and homeowners can make smart energy decisions when purchasing, renting or updating homes.

It is designed to provide clear, objective answers to basic ques- fw IL Win a high-tech This one lucky person will be awarded a Taylor Morrison home inspired by the cently unveiled Innoventioris Dream Home at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, The home builder is giving one winner the opportunity to choose a Taylor Morrison home with'? custom home technology package, home furnishings and i m-' dream vacation for four to Disneyland. The online-only contest runs, until Aug. 20. Visit www.t'm dreamhomegiveaway.com and enter once a day to win. The winner will play a pari In the home's design, selecting technology products to create tailored experience for the entire family.

For information, visit www.taylormornson.com. The Innoventions Dream Home opened in late June. The new attraction features a high-touch" experience withiri'Ji home that brings together the creative" forces of Disney, Microsoft, HP, Lifeware and Taylor The home showcases the jatest in mobile devices, PCs, digitaj music, entertainment and gaming technology in a connected environment that adjusts to the preferences of its occupants. Models open at Timbers D.R. Horton has opened models at The Timbers, a new munity at Power Ranch in Gilbert.

The commilhity is at Power and Germann roads. The collection of two models' and five floor plans are part of the builder's Urban Living Series and range from 1,574 to square feet. Homes are priced-'" from the low and are on private, pool-sized horiie sites. warranty information and pricing. For information, call 480-302-3333.

merz project cracks Skull Skull Valley Ranch is the latest project acquired by the architectural firm merzjproject. The group has entered the schematic design phase for the project and is looking to begin design finali-zation and documentation. Located between Wickenburg and Prescott, Skull Valley Ranch is in one of the most pristine high desert regions of Arizona. The 42-acre ranch is designed to showcase the 360 degrees of mountain and desert views, a response to the variety of layers that occur naturally in the immediate landscape. The home is designed to follow this layered approach, an extended procession through the natural ridges and low washes of the site.

Natural light and air are key components of the interior, uniting the variety of volumes that comprise Skull Valley Ranch, communicating the pristine nature of the surrounding environment. Visit merzproject at www.merzproject.com. 'Margaritaville' comes home Toll Brothers has one reason you'll want to stay in Arizona all season its Margaritaville backyard resort in the Savino model at Montevista, a new community at 56th Street and Dixileta in Phoenix. It's a truly an "at home" vacation destination for fun and sun, crystal blue waters, tropic-like delights and the ultimate in outdoor entertainment places. On one side of the backyard, there's an authentic Mexican-inspired, restaurant-sized outdoor kitchen, featuring indoor cooking conveniences.

Across from the kitchen is a swim-up bar with bar stools in the water and on land. The focal point is the tequila bar stocked with shelves of the finest blancos, oros, platas, repo-sados and aflejos. A big-screen television has been weather-proofed and designed for outdoor viewing with comfortable seating. Montevista features five collections of one- and two-story home designs ranging from 2,799 to 5,125 square feet. Six on-site models are open.

Prices start in the upper For information, call 480-595-2800 or visit www.TollBrothers.com. I I Toll Brothers love to entertain. that open to the main drive leading to an old-fashion clock tower and decorative fountain. Residents will enjoy a regulation-size lighted tennis court, manicured putting green and lush, park-like picnic area with a ramada. Via Homes is offering these commercial acre homesites on a build-to-suit basis.

For information call 480-830-2220 or visit www.viahomes.com. Fulton adds "re" center Fulton Homes has added to the business Fulton Interiors, its remodeling and redesign business 'aimed to serve existing Fulton Homeowners. Fulton's new design center in Tempe is where Fulton homeowners can browse through thousands of options to make their homes showpieces. Because Fulton Homes built all the homes, it knows what was used to build every house and the options selected, and it has blueprints of all floorplans. Fulton Interiors will offer new appliances by GE and yiking; granite countertops; carpeting, tile or wood flooring; cabinets; bathroom redesign; lighting fixtures; ceiling fans; and even fireplaces.

Fulton Homeowners can browse through their password-protected Web site and view options before they tour the design center. On the site, homeowners will see descriptions, pictures, product specifications, I i LTi nuiil ifii'iii ill Tlii 1 i 1 mm mnmm Rick O'Elia Former Phoenix Mayor, Paul Johnson is CEO of Old WorldBerkana Homes, which focuses on infill projects within Phoenix. His company recently launched a series of money-wise incentives to first-time buyers to purchase new, affordable homes close to downtown Phoenix. Compiled by Notllc Bowman It has been a good year for Robert and Gloria Pettis. They moved to Arizona, built a home and celebrated their 40th anniversary at the Wigwam Resort ft Golf Club.

The Pettises are the first residents of Toll Brothers at Litchfield Park; a golf community on one of Litchfield Park's last remaining residential land parcels. "We love our new home, and we had a wonderful experience building it," Gloria Pettis said. "Living here is the highlight of my life." The Pettises moved to Arizona from Seattle, where they lived for 15 years. When asked how they planned to survive their first summer in the Valley of the Sun, Gloria Pettis said, "Are you kidding? After years of darkness, I'm enjoying every single ray of sunshine. And the sunsets are magnificent." Toll Brothers at Litchfield Park offers 30 one- and two-story plans from 2,799 to more than 6,300 square feet.

Ten model homes are open. For information, visit www.tollbrothers.com. Toll Brothers Robert and Gloria Pettis are the first family to move into Toll Brothers at Litchfield Park. Move in for $750 Fulton Homes opened its first property with move-in costs that start as low as $750. The property, Ironwood Crossing, at Ironwood and Ocotillo roads in Queen Creek, features 2,107 homesites on a first-come-first-served basis.

The three new communities are priced from the mid $100s, and some of the homes feature super-sized garages with four bays. Sizes range from 1,302 to 4,065 square feet and from three to nine bedrooms. Ironwood Crossing will offer 20 parks, playgrounds, ramadas, basketball courts, an aquatic center and a K-6 elementary school scheduled to open in 2009. There will also be plenty of open spaces with large trails. Located 6 miles south of US 60, Ironwood Crossing will be at the center of shopping, groceiy stores, golf and theaters.

More than 1 million square feet of retail construction is underway. FHA financing is available, including the AmeriDream Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program. AmeriDream allows Fulton Homes to package up to 6 percent of the buyer's closing costs andor down payment into the loan. This means that buyers can move into Ironwood Crossing for approximately $750. For information, visit www 1 college tuition assistance.

Also included is credit for purchase price, upgrades up to $5,000 and standard benefits provided to other Berkana homebuyers. For information, visit www.MilitaiyFamilySupport Group.com and www.berkana homes.com. Via charms Gilbert In her 24 years of home building, Trudy Licano has seen trends come and go. As owner of Mesa-based Via Homes, this female home building executive is bringing a custom home project to the Valley with an emphasis on pri vacy and charm: The Enclave Via Bella. The 11 -acre gated community, in Gilbert at Higley and Houston roads, will feature 10 custom homesites in a setting reminiscent of European manors cloistered in the heart of the dynamic gateway community.

The property, a half-mile from the new Banner Gateway Medical Center and one mile from the Superstition Freeway, is the last of its kind available in this prime Gilbert neighborhood. Each of the 10 homes built at The Enclave will be situated on commercial acre homesites along private cul-devsacs. The community will feature a grand entrance with custom wrought-iron gates Trudy Licano By Joan Westlake Family values are part of everyday life and business for Paul Johnson, CEO of Old World Communities, parent company of Berkana Town-homes. The Arizona native grew up with nine brothers and sisters. "My dad taught me valuable trade and basic business skills, which I use today," he said.

"And, like my dad, I work with my son, brothers, mother, nephew, wife and other family members at Old World Communities. My sons are both grown now, and I am proud of the men they have both become. Justin and I work together in real estate development, which is a great experience for the two of us, and my son Paul gave' me the wonderful gift of a granddaughter. Both of the boys live at Berkana at Glenrosa with their families, so it's like we built our community for our family literally. I think that's cool." Along the road of his real estate developing career, Johnson served as a member of the Phoenix City Council and then as mayor.

People magazine profiled the young mayor for his boyish good looks and as one of the few heads of major cities under the age.of 30. After a decade in public office he said he wanted to continue to be involved in the long-term development of Phoenix. Because much of his family lived in the Prescott area, however, he joined in on a land development project up there and a telecommunications company with his brothers. When he ran for governor in 1998, they sold the communications firm and bought land in the far west Valley, which they began to sell for development around 2003. "I always felt a little bit guilty that I was building these projects out by these freeways that I think I had opposed as mayor," he said, laughing.

"I tried to convince some home builders to come back into the city to build affordable townhome projects that would bring families back into the inner city." He said he and his brothers decided they would have to make it happen. They bought up an inventory of infill property to build townhomes, which would be priced from 1 50,000 to $250,000 with design features and community amenities that families were going to the suburbs to find. "That was the start of Berkana homes," he said. "Berkana is a word that means to 'bring light Homes range from 1,300 to 2,100 square feet with two-car garages attached to the homes in cozy, gated-guarded communities. He pointed out the units are built like homes, not apartments or condominiums.

All have dual master bedrooms boasting Roman tubs, dual sinks and other luxuries usually associated with single-family houses or very expensive townhomes. All homes have patios and some have outside courtyards or backyards. All the communities exude a small I Jn this rendering of merz project's first desert home, large windows open to expansive views. merzlproject rounded interior corners where shown, and tile entryways. In addition to The Courtyards, K.

Hovnanian Homes has opened four decorated model homes at Ridgefield at Riverbend. Homes are also available at Heritage at Riverbend. For information, visit www.khov.com or call 877-KHOV-NOW. Laredo Ranch is supersized For buyers who enjoy outdoor entertainment space or require lots of room for recreational vehicles and gear, Taylor Morrison features five floor plans and three models on oversized home-sites in the all single-story Voyage Collection at Laredo Ranch. The collection is at 38467 N.

Nuevo Laredo Lane in Queen Creek, about 10 minutes from U.S. 60. Homes range from 1,328 to 2,010 square feet and start in the upper All three models feature four bedrooms, two baths and two-car garages. Standard features at Laredo Ranch include front yard landscaping with an irrigation system, finished garages and custom trowel textured walls and ceilings. All floor plans are available in three exterior elevations.

Among the amenities offered at Laredo Ranch are three centrally located parks with ramadas, soccer and baseball fields and a basketball court. The community is also near major shopping and schools. For information about Laredo Ranch, call 480-987-2699 or visit www.taylormorrison.com. Two communities sold! Despite the slower residential real estate climate, Standard Pacific Homes recently sold the last homes within two of its Valley communities. The Villages at Laveen Meadows in Phoenix and The Villages at Sonoran Mountain Ranch in Peoria have offi-cially'sold out.

Homes in the Villages at Laveen Meadows were from the high $100s. Homes at the Villages at Sonoran Mountain Ranch ranged from 1,270 to 2,740 square feet, and the models opened in late 2005. Standard Pacific Homes has 15 remaining communities in Arizona. For information, visit www.standardpacifichomes.com. "Hi 1 YMCA finds Power In an unusual partnership with the Chandler-Gilbert YMCA, Power Ranch has become the home of the nonprofit organization's first satellite family center within a master plan.

The YMCA Family Center at Power Ranch, which opened in May, is in the community's former information center. Payne Junior High in Queen Creek is the only other Chandler-Gilbert YMCA off-site location. Power Ranch is at Power and Germann roads in Gilbert. The family center is at 4546 E. Haven Crest.

It is open to Power Ranch homeowners, as well as residents of the immediate southeast Gilbert area, although Power Ranch residents will be given priority registration opportunities. The center has fitness equipment, a children's playroom and a massage treatment room. It also has a diverse selection of wellness and parent-child programs such as youth sports and backyard swim activities. For information, visit www. powerranch.com or www.ymca powerranch.org.

Builder honors soldiers Berkana Townhomes, founded by former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, is launching a partnership with the Military Family Support Group to collect supplies for troops in Iraq. Berkana Town-homes' Phoenix communities and corporate offices will serve as drop-off locations. It is looking for items such as canned goods, personal hygiene items, batteries, calling cards and DVDs and CDs. In addition to the care-package drive, Berkana Townhomes is extending its Community Champions program to veterans and active military by providing special incentives and discounts on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. The Community Champions program provides those working in or studying in the fields of education, healthcare, public safety and now the military with financial incentives to purchase a Berkana home.

Berkana Townhomes will cover closing costs, assist with down payments and provide payment buy-down assistance to help new homeowners. The Community Champions program offers no HOA fees for two years and Taylor Morrison The winner of Taylor Morrison's Dream Home Giveaway might choose the Discover Plan, which has 2,181 square feet, with a variety cf options to fit many lifestyles. tions like: Will this home help me save money on energy bills? How many "miles per gallon" does this home get? How does it compare to a typical new home? How close is it to the "ultimate" a Net-Zero Energy Home? For information, visit www.buildingamerica.gov. Vista joins Fireside Pulte Homes is introducing a new home collection at its Fireside at Norterra by Del Webb all-ages, master-planned community in North Phoenix. The new Vista at Fireside at Norterra offers af-fordably priced three- to five-bedroom single-family homes ranging from 1,779 to 2,654 square feet and priced from the $200s.

Residents can visit the community center that features an indoor rock climbing fitness center, aerobics facility and spa treatment rooms. The grounds of the community center include tennis and basketball courts and two pools -one for families and children and a lap-and-lounge pool for adults seeking poolside tranquility. Additionally, miles of hiking and biking trails weave through the community and into the adjacent Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Vista at Fireside at Norterra is at 1920 W. Blackhill Rd.

in Phoenix. For information, call 623-582-1588 or visit www.pulte.comphoenix. Riverbend grows Three new model homes are now open at The Courtyards at Riverbend, a K. Hovnanian Homes community at 51st Avenue and Broadway in Phoenix's Baseline Corridor. The Courtyards is one of three new-home neighborhoods" within Riverbend, a community featuring a neighborhood park, tot-lots and a playground.

Upon completion, Riverbend will include 300 Homes in The Courtyards series are all two-story with up to four bedrooms and three baths. Six floor plans ranging from 1,410 to 2,020 square feet are offered. Prices start from the low $130s. Buyers have a selection of exterior color schemes. Long-life, color-thru concrete tiles and block fence enclosing the backyard are included features.

Some plans include a covered patio. Standard interior features in clude GE appliances; a stainless-steel kitchen sink; oak cabinetry; aOn 1 ri iiSS anl 0 1 Models hit The Mark From the sophisticated first-floor lobby to the fifth-floor rooftop pool, amenities are complete and model homes open at The Mark, a cosmopolitan condominium community by Toll Brothers at Main and 69th streets in Scottsdale. The property was designed for those who desire a low-maintenance, luxurious lifestyle amid the culture of downtown Scottsdale. A welcoming, multitiered round fountain serves as the focal point of the circular entrance, leading to the lobby with a circular architectural style, high-end contemporary furnishings and cascading interior waterfalls. It has a concierge desk, two entertainment stations, a coffee bar and seating for mingling with friends or formal functions.

A business center includes a well-appointed conference room with etched-glass doors, pre neighborhood feel, the largest contains just 70 townhomes. "Our market niche targets police officers, teachers, firefighters, nurses, those service people who make $33,000 to $44,000 a year starting pay," he said. "I believe from a social standpoint that it is very important to provide housing back in the inner city that is affordable. The people who provide vital services to our community must have an opportunity to live in the community." He added that living near where you work in the city has become even more important with the rising cost of gasoline. For example, a couple recently came to Berkana looking to replace a home they bought in Buckeye for essentially the same price and size.

They were driving 80 miles a day to work and another 80 back. "At $3 per gallon, they were spending nearly $580 a month on gasoline," Johnson said. "That level of cost they never anticipated, and it has gone up to nearly $800 now." And commuting robs families of time together. An hour each way into work means 10 hours a week away from family and friends. "You can buy more efficient vehicles, take the bus and use the mass transit but the single largest way to improve the quality of life and decrease costs is to get closer to your job," he said.

"That's what Berkana does. We are building near the major employment corridors. "Our goal at Berkana is to be the premier in-the-city developer for average people." 7 480-782-7387 480-782-7387 sentation -capabilities and seating for 12. The fitness centetv with equipment rivaling the best athletic.clubs; is also on the first floor. The Mark includes 85 condominium homes ranging td 4,232 square feet with up to three bedrooms and 3.5 baths.

Two decorated model homes are available for viewing. In addition, quick, delivery homes at various stages of construction are being shown. Prices begin in the While many of The Mark's amenities are on the first flobr the fifttwfloor rooftop has a pool, barbecue and. entertainment area with magnificent views of.Camelback Mountain. The Mark is adjacent, to Hotel Valley Ho.

The sales office is. open JO a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For information, call.

480-675-9400 or visit www.LiveTJreMarkxomvi Snapshot Age: 48 Company: Berkana Town-homes, founded 2004 Family: Wife, Patty; sons, Paul and Justin; daughter-in-law, Lauren; granddaughter Riley Mae Hometown: Phoenix Community service: Phoenix mayor from 1990 to' 1994 and member of the Phoenix City Council from 1985 tol 990. Chair of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns and is currently on several regional planning committees. City of Phoenix bond chairman. Greater Phoenix Economic Council's executive committee. John C.

Lincoln expansion capital committee and adviser to the Genesis Academy capital initiative. Work in progress: Berkana on Bell Berkana at Hidden Mountain Berkana at Moon Valley Celebrity City, an entertainment district at 32nd Street and Van Buren Greatest accomplishment: "My boys are my greatest accomplishment. I love having them around, whether we are working on a project together or just hanging out at Bill Johnson's Big Apple at our weekly family breakfast." n' HoldingsDMB Community A Ml) Mark BoisclairToll Brothers Model home and amenity spaces are open at The Mark, a condominium project adjacent to Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale. iT.TjTI Will11 TTTirBrpf't tMMMM 71 1 s4 I 4 A ESS. open space family feel lots of activities an attractive lifestyle at power ranch .04 m.

JLmwiiimmmwrner-rtmf iA T.W. lewis The Willows Trend Homes Cypress Grove 480-850-3867. 480-457-8760 480-457-8760 ni D.R. Horton The Timbers Element Homes Harvest Homestead Richmond American Homes Colony Medallion Village award winning planning really great builders a diverse variety of homes the power of community Hawthorn Lane Juniper Ridge Sycamore Terrace 480-840-6576 480-279-3180 480-988-3913 powerranch.com germann roads A Sunbelt.