Smithterra

I just did a renovation on the eyesore mini-storage, and am a sub on the new project next door. Morgan Construction/Residential is building an upscale apartment complex identical to the one at Washington & Waugh.

http://www.thecoreapts.com

lockmat said:

So those are old pipes? I thought they were new.

Our properties are all away from the tracks, and are unaffected. We personally live near them, and thought we'd just get accustomed to the noise, and were very wrong.

So no, not the reason. The best thing a proactive developer can do is improve the areas in which they build. Being involved in a quiet zone coalition would not only provide me a full nights rest, but being involved personally looks good as far as being an area developer. This action also can drastically improve property values to the area.

Sleep+Community Involvement+Marketing=Progress

Ah...thanks nmain.....guess he's having problems selling homes due to the noise. There's always more risk in building in industrial areas but the payoff can be more. I've looked at several models in the area. Nothing special particularly for the price. could that be the reason?

Beware as there is a group of "investors" trying to buy builders inventory at a substantial discount. They are tying up builders inventory with contracts that are pulled prior to their earnest money going hard. As far as my knowledge goes, they have not closed on one property. They are in the mortgage fraud business, and a few of them went to jail last week.

http://www.mortgagefraudblog.com/index.php/C14/

West End, Washington, & Center Street

We live in Memorial Heights, and have not had a full nights sleep since we moved here 9 months ago. From 1am - 4:15 am, the trains run by in high frequency, sometimes blowing the horn from the moment they pass Shepherd until they get in to downtown. I can't imagine the people living in HHN's homes on Center Street get a solid hours rest. Whatever it takes to enact a quiet zone for this area, I will assist. Based on the immediate population and residential density, this should be possible.

Lets hear your thoughts

Jordan Smith

I am a local developer with contracts on 3 lots, for a total of 52,650sf, all on 14th St, and possibly an additional 22,000sf along Turkey Gully. We are in the due diligence process reviewing restrictions, and are looking for the best layout for our tracts. As this pocket of the Heights area is most definitely the most desirable, and downright inviting, I want to build within the existing look and feel of the immediate area.

My purpose in this post is to get everyones ideas and feelings on our projects in order to keep the neighborhood the way it is. Yes, I am a developer and my job requires maximizing use of land, but there are ways to go about that without destroying the street, and hopefully pleasing everyone around us.

I have yet to obtain a copy of the deed restrictions, but am fairly sure I am not going to be able to place our typical courtyard style project within these boundaries. If so, I personally do not think it flows with the rest of the street. K Hovnanian is a national builder that recently purchased Brighton Homes & Parkside Homes for an obscene amount of cash. They aren't worried about the neighbors, or the whole area for that matter. Turntime & margins are their only concern.

I plan on designing a Hill Country style traditional 3 story (sorry y'all) 1900-2100sf finished in stucco, TX stone, and some hardie wrapped around the back.

Please voice your concerns or ideas, as they are all appreciated.

I can be reached directly at jordan@smithterra.com

I am purchasing lots and undervalued remodel properties in the Heights area.

As new development in the Heights can be a touchy subject, I want to give y'all a chance to determine what is in the area's best interest.

I am starting construction on multiple types of projects.

We have density 3 story attached homes, following a ranch/craftsman type design. All density units will utilize high end construction methods, ornate design characteristics, and will maintain a "Heights Area" feel to them.

We are also purchasing bungalows and adding liveable area on all, and an additional story on some.

A single unit new construction multi-story custom home will be built here and there.

Feel free to give me your input.

Thank you

Can anyone recommend a good mortgage lender?

Betty Anderson at Network Funding. She is the most genuine person around, and that's very odd being a mortgage broker.

She is honestly on the lookout for your best interests, not her wallets.

bba@networkfundingusa.com

And no, I am not her