All-in-one package helps developer cut down on cost of homes
by Devan Jackson
Land for home construction in Alpine, Utah, is virtually impossible to come by, says Mark Cressler of Pride Homes of Utah. That's why Alpine Chateau, situated high on Alpine's north bench is so special. What's more, the exclusive subdivision offers spectacular views of the mountains and is close to main commuter arteries.
"Alpine Chateau is conveniently located between Provo and Salt Lake City, and it's one of the closest communities in Alpine to Interstate 15," Cressler says.
Yet, he maintains, it is the homes themselves that make Alpine Chateau one of a kind.
"Our architects have won more awards than anyone I know of, including The Salt Lake Tribune Parade of Homes Best of Show and Best Design awards, just to name a few," Cressler says.
The T-square in Pride Homes' back pocket is Landforms Design, a team that's produced a series of striking contemporary European designs that complement the pristine woodlands of Alpine.
"All the homes at Alpine Chateau are custom quality," Cressler says. "There are rounded corners, granite countertops, marble floors, jetted tubs, upgraded windows, front-yard landscaping, you name it."
Landforms Desing has developed 10 model home plans upon which home buyers can alter and add onto. And with each desing, the architects have mastered the ever-elusive effect of fusing form and function, of combining spacious, functional living space without compromising aesthetics.
Take the Mirablla model, for example. Spacious interior abounds.
There's a three-car garage, a private master suite, an open kitchen, a covered deck and an open spacious basement. Yet all that space contained within does not elbow out the European lines that accentuate the exterior. The outside is elegant, not gargantuan and clumsy.
Other models in the collection include the Hidden Chateau, the Summerwood, the Madaline and the Windsor, each as stylish and functional as the next.
These models can be altered at the drafting table and catered to the individual tastes and needs of the home buyer, according to Ryan Fenton, Pride homes director of marketing.
"When we say custom, we really mean custom," he says.
Price is another factor that sets Pride Homes apart from other developers, according to Cressler. He compares Pride's structure to the verticle business configuration championed by steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie, where contractors merge into one profit-sharing block. Indeed, at Pride Homes, professionals from all areas of the home-selling field come together.
The engineers, contruction contractors, real estate agents, mortgage company and marketing firm are all part of one package. And with the exception of Landforms Design, each is housed in the same Sandy office building.
"Our system cuts down on time. For example, I literally walk across the hall if I need to talk to someone from construction," Cressler says. "I don't know of any other home-building company that has this kind of structure."
The structure is also an advantage to the home buyer, as Pride Homes is able to cut down on costs. In other words, there aren't five different entities standing by to get their cut on each deal.
So, while other houses of comparable quality in the
neighborhood are selling for between $730,000 and $750,000, houses by Pride Homes compare at $550,000, according to Cressler.
"It all goes back to our vertical structure," he says. "We're able to cut costs that much."
Cressler and Fenton are excited about seeing more and more of their homes rraised at Alpine Chateau. After all, it has all the hallmarks of a safe and thriving community.
Well-lit monuments will stand sentinel at the entrance. And of course, there's the "smart-home" option -- buyers can have any of the Pride Homes models rigged with a bevy of high-tech security and convenience features.
According to cressler, "There will be no exterior door handles on the model. Access will be by fingerprints. The house runs everything -- the lights, phones and sprinklers."
One of the larger plots is slated to become a cummunity center, with tennis courts, a swimming pool and clubhouse. And the proximity to the mountains can't be beat.
"The subdivision is connected to riding trails in the surrounding mountains. Theoretically, you could ride all the way to Park City," Cressler says.
Pride Homes has another burgeoning cummunity situated less than a mile away fom Alpine Chateau. Their Alpine Cottages offers the privacy and secluded woodland feel of its sister subdivision.
"We have some great European-contemporary homes on Matisse Lane [at Alpine Cottages] starting in the high $200,000 range," Cressler says
Two of Pride's owners will eventually be living at Alpine Chateau. Cressler is one of them.
"Hey, [Alpine Chateau] is the best I can find fro my family, and I'm in the business," he says. "That's a good sign."
