High-end living is alive and well on the Country Club Plaza, said Drew Hood (above with his wife, Melissa), developer of The Villas on Plaza West, a seven-unit town house development at Roanoke Parkway and Jarboe Street. Hood, manager of Plaza West Development LLC, describes the new homes as incorporating “European, Old World design with modern amenities.” That means elevators, wine cellars, theater rooms, two-car garages and two laundry rooms in the homes that range from $1 to $2 million. “Everything is custom,” Hood said as he met with agents recently who are representing the property, including (below) Jim Gamble of the Gamble Realty Group and Tom Suther with Reece & Nichols.
Hood’s partner, Mike Dobbs, a builder from Springfield, Mo., oversaw construction, and the architect on the project was Jason Thompson. Hood also has built four homes just south of the townhomes (below, just left of the townhomes) that are about 3,000 square feet and in the $750,000-$900,000 price range. “This area just west of the Plaza is really quiet and you can walk just about anywhere,” Hood said.
Below, agents Liz Leschber, Lindsay Sullivan and Melissa Hood, all with Reece & Nichols, in one of the custom-designed kitchens.
Group offers tips on electronics for the home
Should I throw away my VCR? Should I create a home theater? Advice from the CEDIA, or Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, is geared toward the homeowner but also is beneficial to the builder, architect and interior designer. When building or remodeling, use this list as a reference for making recommendations in regards to home electronics.
1. Wire for everything now…even wireless – If you are building or remodeling a home, start with a plan for future wiring needs. Wire is necessary to support wireless applications.
2. Insist on integrated systems – Make sure the electronic equipment you are buying can be hooked up together and operated with one, easy to use control system. Systems that communicate simplify your life and offer peace of mind by “watching” over your home.
3. Integrate lighting and heating control – Going green meets convenience. Get the most out of your system with the least amount of energy consumption. System integration provides automatic energy-efficient adjustments saving you time and money.
4. Think with your wallet, but lead with your head – Quality and long-term dependability are the most cost effective attributes that you can build into a home.
5. Buy an experience, not a box – Find an electronic systems contractor that allows you to test drive the entire system or at least experience the thrill of a high performance system. Few people have the time to research and evaluate all the hardware choices. It’s smarter to focus on the end result and make your choices based upon overall performance and value.
6. Simplify your controls – Easy to use, all-in-one remote controls are available for any system. You can even have them custom programmed so they make perfect sense to you. New technologies offer control from other devices and even through Internet browsers anywhere in the world.
7. Increase your expectations – Your home electronics system is a big investment and you deserve to be satisfied with it.
8. Think “green” – By utilizing green practices, you can save money by having a more energy efficient system and help save the planet. Ask a professional about how you can “go green” in your home.
9. Ensure the experts work together for you – Maximize your home’s electronic systems capabilities by having the architect, builder or remodeler, and interior designer collaborate and partner with an electronic systems contractor from the beginning of the planning process.
10. Consult a professional – Today’s integrated electronic systems grow, evolve and change over time, constantly adding entertainment, comfort and security features. Select an electronic systems contractor you can trust and who will support your electronic integration needs for years. Having a long-term relationship with one professional will maximize the reliability and enjoyment of your home’s electronic systems.