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Picture-Perfect: West End Craftsman property is first 'infill' Parade Association Home

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

Richard Alexander loves a challenge. A Clemson graduate with a degree in construction science, Alexander has been building homes in the Triad ever since he graduated, and his latest project — the 2008 Home Builders Association Parade Association Home — is one that is going to generate a lot of conversation.

"I'm excited about a bunch of things with this house," Alexander said during an interview at the homesite. "I have wanted to do a house like this for a while, and doing it for HBA is just perfect. I have a strong desire to do in-town projects, and I have always loved Craftsman-style homes, so when my agent, Claire Fader of Leonard Ryden Burr, found the lot, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the Parade house."

Alexander said that his objective with the 2008 Parade house is to "create a new home that is energy-efficient and fits with the character of the neighborhood." Part of the historic West End neighborhood, the home will meet architectural guidelines for the community and provide amenities that are almost unparalleled in new construction.

"This will be an Energy Star home with four bedrooms, and four and a half baths," Alexander said. "It's going to be very liveable, and what I love about it is that it follows the 'build what you need' philosophy. It's about 2,850 square feet, and all of the space has been designed to be used everyday."

People familiar with the annual Parade Association home know that local vendors contribute upscale,

cutting-edge products to the project, resulting in a home with amenities that far exceed the list price. Although construction has just gotten under way on the 2008 home, Alexander said that there will be lots of extras, including locally milled floors, an Insulated Concrete Form foundation, spray-foam insulation and a Tech Shield radiant barrier that keeps the upper level of the home comfortable even on the hottest days.

"We've spread the square footage out nicely," Alexander said. "We have 1,200 square feet on the main level, 800 finished square feet in the basement and 750 square feet on the upper floor. Each upstairs bedroom also has its own private bath, so the rooms are more like suites, and people with frequent guests will enjoy the separation from the master."

Over the next few months, thousands of people will see the Association home, and many might wonder if the project can be reproduced in other areas. Alexander said the answer is "yes."

"There are still infill lots here and there," he said. "We can definitely replicate this project in other areas."

Listed for $444,900, the 2008 Parade Association home is already attracting attention even though construction is still in the early stages. Alexander hopes that as work continues, people will realize that infill projects are a great option for new construction.

"This is a challenging site, but the street is part of a really neat neighborhood," he said. "I think people will be surprised when they see what is possible."

The 2008 Parade Association home will be open to the public during the Parade of Homes in October. For more information on the Parade of Homes, call HBA at 336-768-5942. For more information on the Parade Association home, call Claire Fader at Leonard Ryden Burr at 336-779-9200.