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Tella Firma Solid Earth Foundations (www.tellafirma.com) announced today that it has signed an exclusive deal with Lennar Homes that officially brings an affordable elevated slab foundation to volume builders for the first time.  Lennar currently includes this foundation design in its standard building process for homes in Parkside in Irving.

“Tella Firma is essentially a commercial foundation implemented in a residential application,” said Jim Fontaine, President and CEO of Tella Firma. “Lennar Homes is the number three builder in the country, and the first production builder to recognize the need for revolutionizing the way home foundations are built. We are excited to work with Lennar and provide its home buyers with the peace of mind they need to feel confident in their investment.” 

 Until recently, most elevated slab foundations were used only for commercial buildings or expensive custom homes.  Tella Firma is the first company to bring the product to the production home market at an affordable price.

 “The residential building industry has needed an economic way to create elevated foundations and minimize the risk associated with soil volatility and recent earthquakes,” said Stewart Parker, Division President of Lennar, Dallas-Fort Worth.  “Tella Firma is efficient, economical and easy to use.  We’ve created additional value for our residents in Parkside by offering this foundation, and we’ve had a very positive response from our buyers.” 

By using a field-tested, patented process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation, Tella Firma creates a protective void between the ground and the home itself.  This application isolates the slab and guards it from damaging soil swells, contractions and unexpected movement caused by light earthquakes.  Most foundation damage results from soil movement that can be caused by expansion and contraction of clay soils due to moisture change or by seismic activity. A time lapse video of how an elevated slab foundation works can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/ozrus4u.

The Tella Firma foundation system is based on commercial engineering principles that have been in practice for over 50 years. The system provides the strength and protection of a pier-and-beam foundation yet is much more affordable and takes less time to install when compared to most traditional suspended foundations.  Tella Firma foundations also utilize a green installation process, to avoid the need to use any type of chemical or water injection into the soil under the home.

Parkside is located off Highway 114 and Beltline in Irving.  Homes are priced from $439,000 with square footage from 2,450 to 3,450.  The master-planned community will have a 22-acre park with water features, over two miles of trails and a dog park, as well as five pocket parks. Children living in Parkside will attend Coppell ISD.

Dallas-based Tella Firma is revolutionizing the way home foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin “strong home.”  Foundations with the company's product have been installed throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, and Tella Firma has plans to expand into new residential and commercial developments throughout the area.  For more information, go to tellafirma.com.

Since 1954, Lennar Homes had the privilege of helping hundreds of thousands of families across America move into the next stage of their lives with a new home.  Lennar builds homes in some of the most desirable cities in the nation and for all stages of your life: first home, move-up home or a multigenerational home to accommodate your changing family needs and lifestyles.

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It was all fun and games at Trinity Falls in McKinney with the opening of new model homes and the state of the art amenity center, named “The Club.”

Realtors, residents, builders and guests celebrated with food trucks from downtown McKinney’s Spoons Café, Ruthie’s Rollin’ Café and The Cupcake Garden.  Activities included tricycle races,  zip lines, a rock wall, face painting, a balloon artist and a sail board regatta. World-renowned magician and unicyclist, Trigg Watson, also performed his amazing magic show.

The Club is where residents can take a swim, catch a dive-in movie while floating in the pool, take a cooking class or enjoy a parents' night out. Features include a spacious clubhouse, open-air pavilion with oversized fireplace, resort-style beach entry pool and children’s splash area all equipped with wifi capabilities.  The first phase of the 300-acre Trinity Falls B.B. Owen Park will be opening alongside The Club, and includes multiple opportunities for exploring, learning and outdoor fitness via the tricycle race track, council ring, butterfly benches and rope challenge.

Phase I of Trinity Falls includes 238 single-family residential homes.  A new 70-foot section with model homes by Emerald Homes and Ashton Woods Homes are available for touring, in addition to existing model homes by Beazer Homes and Ashton Woods Homes.  Gehan Homes recently began pre-sales while their model is under construction.  Prices across all product types range from the mid $200s to upper $400s.

Trinity Falls is situated along the East Fork of the Trinity River, which runs the entire length of the site’s eastern edge.  With nearly two miles of frontage on the river and over 450 acres of open space, the community features a park system unrivaled by any other Master Plan in the DFW market. Backed by an $11 million endowment from the BB Owen Trust, amenities planned for the Trinity Falls B.B. Owen Park include miles of nature and interpretive trails; hike and bike facilities; an amphitheater; athletic fields; multiple outdoor gathering spaces as well as playgrounds, picnic areas and a series of recreational lakes for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.

Plans also include up to four McKinney ISD elementary schools on-site as well as retail and commercial components.  At full build-out Trinity Falls will feature approximately 4,200 home sites.

Located just north of the DFW Metroplex and only minutes north of the intersection of Central Expressway and Highway 380, Trinity Falls is one of the largest master-planned developments in McKinney, Texas. To visit the community, go north on 75, Exit Bloomdale to FM 543/Laud Howell Parkway turn left (West) to Trinity Falls Parkway.

Castle Hill Partners (www.castlehillco.com) (CHP) is a private investment firm based in Austin, Texas.  Each principal has more than 25 years of experience in his or her respective area of expertise. Collectively, CHP has acquired and developed over 25,000 acres of commercial and residential land, over 10,000 units of multifamily housing, and more than 6 million square feet of office and industrial space. To learn more about CHP, visit http://www.castlehillco.com.

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Sachse was recently ranked as one of the fastest growing cities in North Texas.  The closest city on the list to Dallas, Sachse grew at more than twice the rate of Dallas at 16.5 percent.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the growth of small and medium-size cities across the Dallas region is not slowing.

“We see all of the economic growth in the counties north of Dallas driving the demand for more housing,” said Leslyn Blake, CEO of Sachse Economic Development Corporation.  “Housing is hot in Sachse and has been for the past year.  It’s common place to receive multiple offers on homes here before they officially list.”

Located at Highway 78, 1.5 miles from the Bush Turnpike, Sachse has a population of 23,000.  Once a bedroom community, the booming city now has over 120,000 vehicles a day on the main arteries of Hwy. 78 and the President George Bush Turnpike and more than 7,000 households with an average income of $105,000.

Retail development along Woodbridge Parkway and Highway 78 has been spurred by the Walmart Supercenter, which opened last year, leading the way for more retailers to locate near the well-known anchor.  The groundbreaking of the Woodbridge Commons retail development across from Walmart, a newly designed LA Fitness and The Mansions of Woodbridge luxury apartment homes are all underway.  Sachse also welcomed Laguna Madre Traders in March and is in talks with several more retail tenants interested in joining the rapidly developing Woodbridge corners. 

Along 190, Sachse is investing in the necessary infrastructure to make it shovel ready for the businesses that are buying sites along the frontage.  The city has committed funds to have the remaining infrastructure in early next year and ready for a major developer. 

A beautification plan is also underway for Highway 78 and the city is looking at possibly rezoning industrial land for a signature development in the heart of the city.

“Sachse is located in a prime location for growth.  We are minutes from 75 and the new City Line and State Farm campus.  We’re one mile from Firewheel Town Center, and next door neighbors with Richardson.  The Bush Turnpike has been a gateway for Sachse and has been the primary contributor to our phenomenal residential growth,” said Blake. “Direct access to major transportation arteries, our abundance of housing opportunities, and the charm of our small town are the reasons I believe that we are experiencing the growth that is garnering national attention.”

The Sachse Economic Development Corporation acts on behalf of the City of Sachse in promoting and developing authorized projects, while supporting economic development activities to retain, expand and attract businesses for the purpose of diversifying the tax base and improving the quality of life of the citizens of Sachse.  For more information, go to www.sachseedc.com.

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Demand for homes in Windsong Ranch has resulted in developer Terra Verde Group adding more builders.  David Weekley Homes, Huntington Homes and Chesmar Homes will grand open new models on June 27 with prices from the mid $300s to $900s. The community also features models from Highland Homes, Drees Custom Homes and a new second model from Darling Homes.  Grenadier Homes will grand open their model in late 2015.

It’s been a year since Windsong Ranch opened and the 2,000-acre development in Prosper has sold half of the first phase of homes.

“Buyers want choices and we will have 3,100 homes here at build out so there is plenty of space for quality builders and lots of options,” said developer Craig Martin.  “The right builders are very important but we were also very intentional about creating a great mix of residential offerings while providing a healthy, active lifestyle for growing families,” said developer Craig Martin.   

It’s that family-friendly lifestyle that is bringing new residents to the popular community.  Neighbors are connecting and developing friendships and a full time lifestyle director keeps the calendar full with fun events.  Residents can also take a more relaxed approach and explore the 600 acres of parks, creeks, ponds and miles of trails.

The relaxed retreat places an emphasis on reconnecting with nature but Martin spared no expense on the community’s amenities, making it feel more like a resort than a neighborhood.  Extra touches are visible from the moment you drive through the magnificent Brad Oldham-designed entry.  The stainless steel sculpture, titled Windsong, is 85 feet long and 25 feet high.

“It’s a representation of the natural environment,” said Oldham, who is renowned globally as a sculptor and artist.  “The wind blowing through the trees, the variety of birds, rolling hills, ponds, lakes, beautiful grass.  The design and the material of this sculpture literally play with light in a way that is joyful to me.”

As you continue on through the neighborhood, the relaxed vibe is definitely at work.  The next view is the Windsong Ranch Amenity Center, called The Commons.  Designed by Good Fulton & Farrell Architects, The Commons uses a material palette of locally quarried natural limestone, Brazilian Ipe wood, steel and glass.

“We focused on materials that provide richness, strength and durability while still conveying a modern feel,” said Martin.  “The design was inspired by authentic Texas vernacular but with a contemporary interpretation that is reflected in the abundance of clean lines, glass and light.  The architecture reflects historical Texas prairie design, which had dog runs and low roofs for natural cooling.”

The Commons sits on a beautiful hilltop overlooking a two-acre lake with an amphitheater and stage that also serves as a fishing platform and is adjacent to the event lawn for community gatherings and events.  There is a lap pool, resort pool, cabanas and a kids spray park, fitness facilities and a covered outdoor living room with an over-sized fireplace.  Amenities include a Welcome Center and Windsong Café, which is run by McKinney favorite Snug on the Square and features fresh cooked food with locally sourced ingredients.  Tennis courts are under construction and will be open late summer.

Named 2015 Community of the Year for DFW, Windsong Ranch is located 2.5 miles west of the Dallas North Tollway and north of Highway 380. For more information on Windsong Ranch, please visit http://www.windsongranchliving.com.

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Sachse was named fifth in the “50 Safest Cities in Texas” by the SafeWise Report.  SafeWise uses the most recent FBI crime data from 2013 to analyze and rank cities, which all have a minimum population of 10,000 people.

“Safety is a top priority in Sachse,” said Leslyn Blake, CEO of Sachse Economic Development Corporation.  “We know that families and businesses look for cities that have low crime and we welcome those looking for a safe place to move to in Texas.”

The FBI Crime Report states there were 216 property crimes and two robberies reported to law enforcement in Sachse for 2011. 

“Over half of these cities are making their second showing on our list, which really points out the commitment these conscientious, aware communities have to keeping their streets and neighborhoods safe,” SafeWise security analyst Rebecca Edwards said.

SafeWise is a community-focused security organization committed to increasing safety education, awareness and preparedness.  Safe-Wise helps users compare security options in an informative and pressure-free environment so they can make the choice that’s right for their family. 

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Plano-based Highland Homes was named People’s Choice Builder of the Year at the 36th Annual McSAM Awards presented by the Dallas Builders Association (DBA).  This is the fourth year that Highland has ranked highest in customer satisfaction, winning this award every year since the People’s Choice Builder of the Year Award was added to the home building industry’s award show.

“It is an honor for us to once again be the builder of choice for home buyers in North Texas,” said Rod Sanders, co-founder of Highland Homes.  “Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction never wavers, and we remain dedicated to providing the best possible homebuilding and home buying experience.”

Highland Homes celebrates its 30th year as a homebuilder in Texas this year and has built 50,000 homes to date.  Founded in 1985 by brother and sister team Rod Sanders and Jean Ann Brock, Highland builds in Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio under the brand names Highland Homes, Horizon Homes, Huntington Homes and Sanders Custom Builder.  

“We built our company on a solid foundation of core values and guiding principles,” said Jean Anne Brock, co-founder of Highland Homes.  “That approach has kept us in business for 30 years and through considerable real estate fluctuations.  Our philosophy is to ensure that we always do the right thing for our employees, customers and partners.”

The DBA’s People’s Choice competition rewards builders for excelling in customer service and is based on consumer voting.  To identify the People’s Choice winners, the DBA enlisted the help of a market research firm to survey thousands of homebuyers, asking for feedback on their builder on everything from home design, sales experience, customer service, community lifestyle and overall satisfaction.  Respondents were also asked to rate, on a scale from zero to 10, how likely they would be to recommend a particular builder to a friend or family member, which is considered the gold standard in customer satisfaction surveying. 

Highland has also received numerous other industry awards for customer satisfaction including seven JD Power & Associates awards; D Magazine’s “The Best List” for Builders in 2012; Texas Monthly’s 2006 “Best Companies to Work for in Texas.”

The Dallas Builders Association (dallasbuilders.com), chartered in 1944, is a non-profit trade association representing all segments of the residential building industry in the Dallas Metropolitan area. Its mission is to enhance its members’ ability to provide safe, affordable, quality housing to the citizens of the local communities by promoting positive public policy through active participation in the legislative and regulatory processes; providing industry information and education to the members and the public; enhancing the positive image of the industry and the members through training and encouraging ethical behavior and professional standards; and making membership in the Association an essential element of a successful residential building industry company.

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When Leslyn Blake began her position as the new CEO of the Sachse Economic Development Corporation in March of 2014, there were four major initiatives she wanted to accomplish. In just one year, the feisty promoter of Sachse's business scene has made significant strides in every area.

The first goal was developing retail along Woodbridge Parkway and Highway 78. Walmart Supercenter on Woodridge Parkway answered the call, leading the way for more retailers to locate near the well-known anchor.  Next came the groundbreaking of the Woodbridge Commons retail development across from Walmart, a newly designed LA Fitness and The Mansions of Woodbridge luxury apartment homes.  Sachse also welcomed Laguna Madre Traders in March and is in talks with several more retail tenants interested in joining the rapidly developing Woodbridge corners.

"We're preparing the way for explosive growth," said Blake.  “The North Dallas Corridor is expanding our way along the Bush Turnpike and what we're seeing is a trickle-down effect from State Farm, City Line and Toyota.  The Tech Corridor is bringing everything in this direction and it's virgin territory.

“We see a pattern developing in Sachse very much like what happened in Frisco 10 years ago.  We're anticipating a surge of retail development that could set us on a similar path that Frisco, Allen and McKinney have all experienced." 

Blake's next initiative was to create a new advertising campaign to gain traction with retailers and businesses looking to relocate. The campaign, called "The Next Cool Place to Be," emphasizes Sachse’s new cache to retailers and businesses in an upbeat and memorable way. 

“We’re advertising to brokers, the real estate community and regional businesses that we are open for business and we have plenty of room to accommodate them,” said Blake. 

Once a bedroom community located at Hwy 78 and 1.5 miles from the Bush Turnpike, Sachse has over 120,000 vehicles a day passing by some of the most lucrative retail space in North Texas.  Add to that the more than 7,000 households with an average income of $105,000 and the result is the perfect scenario for success.

Sachse’s infrastructure is another initiative that Blake and the SEDC Board of Directors has taken on to get the city ready for future demand.  

“We’re investing in the necessary infrastructure along 190 to make it shovel ready for the businesses that are lining up and buying up sites along the frontage,” said Blake.  “We are ready to turn dirt on the northwestern portion now, and have committed funds to have the remaining frontage infrastructure in early next year and ready for a major developer.”

A beautification plan is underway for Highway 78 and the city is looking at possibly rezoning industrial land for a signature development in the heart of the city. 

Ambitious? Yes.  Doable?  Absolutely.  It is the same kind of visionary thinking and leadership that successful cities like Frisco and McKinney put into place years before their cities boomed.

“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished but there is still a lot of work ahead of us to put Sachse on the map,” said Blake. 

The Sachse Economic Development Corporation acts on behalf of the City of Sachse in promoting and developing authorized projects, while supporting economic development activities to retain, expand and attract businesses for the purpose of diversifying the tax base and improving the quality of life of the citizens of Sachse.  For more information, go to www.sachseedc.com.

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Newly formed Tella Firma Solid Earth Foundations (www.tellafirma.com) is revolutionizing the way home foundations are built in and around North Texas.  The company was formed to take advantage of a proven technology patented in 2011.  The Tella Firma patented system offers a solution for North Texas homeowners worried about active soils and the increase in earthquakes in the area and what these problems might do to their home’s foundations. 
 
“Buying a new home can be the biggest investment you make,” said Jim Fontaine, Tella Firma CEO and President. “A Tella Firma foundation will give new homebuyers the peace of mind they need to feel confident in their investment, not just today, but for years to come.  Our foundations are designed to withstand the area’s notorious soil volatility and give homebuyers a foundation they can trust.”
 
By using a field-tested, patented process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation, Tella Firma is able to create a protective void between the ground and the home itself.  This application isolates the slab and guards it from damaging soil swells, contractions and unexpected movement caused by light earthquakes.  Most foundation damage results from soil movement that can be caused by expansion and contraction of clay soils due to moisture change or by seismic activity.
 
“Tella Firma is the long-awaited answer to the need for an economic way to create structurally suspended slabs,” said Fred Marshall, President, Structural Repair LLC and General Partner of Advanced Foundation Repair, LP.  “When compared to the use of carton forms, Tella Firma is a faster, more convenient and less costly way to create a suspended slab.  We at Advanced Foundation Repair are delighted to be working with Tella Firma to lift slabs.”
 
The Tella Firma foundation system is based on commercial engineering principles that have been in practice for over 50 years. The system provides the strength and protection of a pier-and-beam foundation, yet is much more affordable and takes less time to install when compared to most traditional suspended foundations. Tella Firma foundations also utilize a green installation process, as to avoid the need to use any type of chemical or water injection into the soil under the home.
 
“Every year, homeowners spend tens of millions of dollars on foundation repairs,” said Fontaine.  “The key for Tella Firma is to give North Texas homebuyers a foundation that significantly reduces the risk of failure, and do so in the face of the soil movement we encounter here.  The need in DFW is immediate, of course, but we plan to expand throughout Texas.”  
 
Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin “strong home.”  Foundations with the company's product have been installed throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, with plans to expand into new residential and commercial developments throughout the area.  For more information, go to tellafirma.com.
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Enclave at Hidden Creek in McKinney is one of Drees Custom Homes’ most popular new communities selling 14 homes in just three months since the grand opening of their new Brendan model. With 10 stunning designs priced from $332,900 to $459,990, families and empty nesters are finding Enclave at Hidden Creek to be the perfect fit.

Drees now has five homes nearing completion and ready for move-in between late June and early September to accommodate those who don’t want to wait to build a new home.  Special pricing is available on this selection of new one and two story home designs.

Families are drawn to the outstanding McKinney school district and empty nesters are finding homes from ranging from 2,064-3,638 that offer the customization and luxurious amenities they want in their new home.  With their kids grown and gone, empty nesters are willing to spend a little more on creating a home exactly like they want it. In addition, anyone who has lived in their current home for over five years will save up to 40% on monthly utility bills with the DreeSmart Conservation Innovations.

Enclave at Hidden Creek also has wonderful amenities including beautiful creek side home sites in a serene setting that is ideal for outdoor living.  Wooded walking trails, a pool, playground, sports court and volleyball court support an active, healthy lifestyle as well as provide a great place to meet your neighbors.

“People love living in McKinney with its great accessibility, good schools and exceptional lifestyle that has gained the city the #1 Rank for Best Place to Live by Money magazine in 2015,” said Missy Trees, Drees Market Manager.  “It is a very family-oriented city with a historic downtown area that features fine and casual dining, boutique shopping, events and a weekly farmer’s market in a small town setting.”

Prime shopping is also nearby with Stonebriar Centre and Village at Allen and Fairview. Nearby parks include the Gabe Nesbitt Community Park and the Al Ruschaupt Soccer Complex for youth soccer and sports and recreation for all ages.

Visit our new, fully furnished Brendan Model home at 3816 King’s Hollow Lane in McKinney and see these beautiful new homes. From 75 North, turn left on W. Eldorado Parkway. Turn right on Orchid Lane and the entrance is on the right in approximately one mile. Turn right on King’s Hollow Lane. Model is open   Mon-Fri 10-7p, Sat 10-6p, Sun 10-7p. For more information, go to www.dreeshomes.com.

 

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The Dallas Home Builders Association announced today that Windsong Ranch was named Master Planned Community of the Year –over 600 acres, at the 36th Annual McSAM Awards.  The awards are held each spring to recognize “maximum creativity in sales and marketing.”  More than 300 entries were received this year and winners were named in 52 categories.

“We continue to set the new standard for residential development in North Texas,” said Craig Martin, Founding Partner of Terra Verde Group, the developer of Windsong Ranch.  “Windsong Ranch has exceeded all of our expectations and these industry awards reemphasize why our residents love this community.”

Windsong Ranch also received McSAM awards for Best Welcome Center and Best Signage Program.  Industry experts from around the country including builders, architects, interior designers and new home marketing professionals judged the awards.

Windsong Ranch was developed by Terra Verde Group.  The design team includes Good, Fulton and Farrell as architect; TBG as Master Planners and Landscape Architect; Creative License International for interior design & Welcome Center concept; Anderson Hanson Blanton as the advertising agency and sign design.

Other awards recognition includes The Nationals Silver Award winner for Best Signage, Best Welcome Center and Best Master-planned Community of the Year at the NAHB International Builders Show in 2015; and Best Single-Family/Planned Community Land Deal by the Dallas Business Journal as well as being DBJ’s People’s Choice Winner for the same category this year.  WIndsong Ranch also won Best Logo Design and Best Master-planned Community Concept at the 2013 McSam Awards. 

The 2,030-acre development promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and a strong sense of community.  There are 600 acres of green space woven throughout the community that include parks, creeks, ponds and miles of hike and bike trails.  The Commons area is the heart of the neighborhood where residents enjoy fresh food cooked to order at the Windsong Café, an outdoor living room, resort-style pools with cabanas and grilling areas, an event lawn, amphitheater, state-of-the-art fitness center and kids play areas.  Future amenities will include a tennis complex and a championship disc golf course.

Upon a projected 10- to 12-year build-out, the $1.2 billion Windsong Ranch, located 2.5 miles west of the Dallas North Tollway on Highway 380, will consist of 3,100 single-family residential lots; 150 acres of mixed-use development along U.S Highway 380; and 600 acres of open space with native preserves, trails and parks.   

Windsong Ranch Homes range from the mid-$300s to the $900s.  Model homes for Highland Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Darling Homes and Huntington Homes are currently open.   Pre-sales are underway for Weekley Homes and Chesmar Homes, with their models scheduled to open in June. Grenadier Homes will Grand Open their model in late 2015. For more information on Windsong Ranch, please visit http://www.windsongranchliving.com.

The Dallas Builders Association (dallasbuilders.com), chartered in 1944, is a non-profit trade association representing all segments of the residential building industry in the Dallas Metropolitan area. Its mission is to enhance its members’ ability to provide safe, affordable, quality housing to the citizens of the local communities by promoting positive public policy through active participation in the legislative and regulatory processes; providing industry information and education to the members and the public; enhancing the positive image of the industry and the members through training and encouraging ethical behavior and professional standards; and making membership in the Association an essential element of a successful residential building industry company.