Atlanta based builder H&G Construction Concepts, LLC is this year’s recipient of the Residential Project of the Year and the Residential General Contractor of the Year “Compadres de la Construcción Awards” from the Hispanic Contractors Association of Georgia (HCAG) for its astounding work at The Bricks II one of the oldest buildings standing in Metro Atlanta and one of the nation’s oldest brick apartment buildings. The company received the award during the HCAG annual banquet in Atlanta, Ga.
 
The HCAG’s Residential Project of the Year is an annual award that recognizes an assessment of a project’s commercial success, contribution to meeting market needs, location, architectural merits, efficiency of design, quality of materials employed and durability of the building, construction processes in relation to costs, environmental concerns and accessibility. The HCAG’s Residential General Contractor of the Year is awarded for outstanding achievement in multiple general contracting projects, recognition of industry piers, programs which create a welcoming work environment for employees, education programs that allow employees to advance, and commitment to safety programs.
 
The Bricks II was built around 1839 by Scottish masons under Roswell King’s orders who owned the mill at that time and needed the apartment building to provide housing for some of its employees and their families, a concept that was completely new for the time, making The Bricks II the oldest factory worker housing in the entire region.
 
The project, designed by the renowned urbanist Lew Oliver, consisted on the historic renovation of the original building that transformed it into comfortable and modern townhouses full of history. Several pieces of the original building as well as from other similar buildings were reused at the project.

—Robert Burke

HydroPoint Data Systems, Inc., a Smart Water Management company, recently announced the results of its annual Green Leaders Survey.  Environmental leaders from various companies were surveyed on their green programs and practices. They also revealed some insight into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to corporate sustainability programs during these tough economic times.

The findings reveal that nearly 77 percent of respondents think that environmental issues pose an economic threat to their businesses. As a result, 86 percent are implementing green practices, while 75 percent already use green products. 

A majority of those surveyed expect that financial and environmental gains can be achieved through the implementation of green practices and products and 35 percent expect a return on investment within 24 months.

The survey also suggests that the government sector is leading the sustainability charge with 100 percent of respondents working in the government sector reporting dedication to environmental responsibility.

For more information on the survey results visit Hydropoint 

—Shari Barbanel

The Florida Association of Realtors reports that Florida home sales in September 2008 increased by 24 percent from sales in September 2007. Condo sales also saw an increase of 11 percent in September 2008, up from September 2007.

But what is driving this market? The increase in real estate sales can be attributed to deal breakers—such as foreclosures and short sales. While foreclosures and short sales are signs of a devastating market, developer Jorge Pérez of The Related Group sees this as a great opportunity to buy. “There is no question in my mind that within some time—I don’t know if that’s two, three or four years—people are going to look back and say: ‘These units were bought for how little!’” Pérez told the Wall Street Journal.

More evidence that now is the time to buy lies in Pérez’s portfolio. The Journal reports that he has teamed with Philadelphia private-equity firm Lubert-Adler Partners LP to gain roughly $100 million in Florida condos. One-third of that investment can be found in his own project, 50 Biscayne. When the market turns over—as it is bound to do—Pérez will be in a position to see a marginal profit.

Icon Brickell, a three-tower construction located between downtown Miami, Brickell Avenue and Biscayne Bay, is an example of a Related Group project that will soon take residents. Buyers will get the amenities of a five-star resort while living in studio apartments or up to three-bedroom, two-bath residences.

—Lauren Varga

With an initial investment of $7,500, Henry and Elizabeth Hough purchased a small body of water and wide fields in hopes they could preserve land from potential development. With this investment, the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation was born, and was formally chartered in 1959. For more than four decades, this vineyard land trust in Massachusetts has acquired conservation land through gifts and landowner arrangements, with 2,637 acres conserved between owned property and that with conservation restrictions.

Contributing to ecological advancement and offering visitors the opportunity to engage in self-guided nature walks, the foundation works diligently to preserve Martha’s Vineyard.

But with all of the positive contributions of the foundation—what happens when the foundation violates state laws designed to protect the very land donated for conservation? That question is creating quite a stir for residents of this pristine island community.

The billionaire and his bushes
When huckleberry bushes and viburn shrubs were uprooted from the preserve, the commonwealth of Massachusetts began an investigation, finding the shrubs comfortably replanted on the 12-acre estate of Dirk Ziff, heir to the Ziff publishing fortune and founder of Ziff Brothers Investments. Fingers quickly pointed to Ziff, but the low-key philanthropist—who has contributed to the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation—kept himself away from the shrubbery scandal and trusted his landscaper, John Hoff, obtained the trees in a proper manner.

Hoff said an informal barter deal with the foundation was in place, wherein contractors would take certain greenery in exchange for services. If Hoff had not taken the trees, he said they would have been cut down. While no charges have been filed against Ziff or Hoff, a settlement is underway between the state and the foundation.

Massachusetts has strict governance over landscape preservation, including the Historic Landscape Preservation Initiative and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.

If you’d like to read more information on this real estate news story, The Wall Street Journal offers up an article on this conservation crisis—and tell us what you think—are Massachusetts preservation laws too steep? And put yourself in Ziff’s shoes—if you’re trusting your contractor to provide shrubs for your property, how liable are you?

—Holly Marie Busacca

Situated on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore, this recently constructed 3,866 square foot home redefines high-elevation luxury living. With 85 feet of shoreline, the master-crafted five bedroom, five bath abode blends only the finest materials and textures that complement its dramatic natural surroundings perfectly. Beautifully furnished, this turn-key estate exemplifies the true essence of Lake Tahoe living. Registration is required to be eligible to bid on Auction Day. All bidders are required to be pre-qualified with Seller’s preferred lender.

A minimum selling price has been set and no bid below the minimum selling price will be accepted. Any bids submitted prior to the Auction date will be considered. Broker participation is encouraged.

Please go to: www.laketahoeauction.com for complete details or call 1-877-695-2542.

—Lauren Varga

No matter where you turn it’s hard not to hear some report about real estate but it seems that at least 200 agents and brokers failed to get the message that we are in a down market according to the “The Real Estate Top 200,” a national ranking sponsored by the Wall Street Journal, lore Magazine and REAL Trends.

Garnering top honors among more than 1.2 million Realtors is Santa Barbara’s Suzanne Perkins with more than $275 million in sales volume. In 2007, Perkins, who is with Sotheby’s International Realty, spearheaded the largest non-commercial real estate transaction in California history:  the EL Cojo and Jalama ranches were which were listed at a combined $155 million. Taking second place for individual sales was Mary Gullixson of Alain Pinel in Menlo Park, Calif.

Among teams, the John McMonigle Group once again came in first with more than $435 million in sales. In addition to high end properties near his Newport Beach, Calif. base, McMonigle’s far flung menu of luxury listings includes Cabo San Lucas, France, Vail and the Hamptons.  The Creig Northrop Team at Long & Foster Real Estate in Clarksville, Md. took second place honors for team sales volume.

Congratulations to everyone who made this very select group. Check out everyone on the list by clicking here.

—Camilla McLaughlin

The Associated Press is reporting that pop star Michael Jackson has transferred the deed to his Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, Calif., to a company he partly owns. Jackson had gone into default on the $24.5 million he owes on the property and had faced foreclosure before Colony Capital LLC bailed him out earlier this year by purchasing his loan. On Monday, Jackson transferred the title of the ranch to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC. But Jackson may effectively still own the property, since Sycamore Valley Ranch is a joint venture between Jackson and an affiliate of Colony Capital. See the AP story here.

Chicago’s North Shore is a great place to live for a number of reasons, ranging from the proximity to the city and cultural events to activities on or around Lake Michigan. But for many families, it comes down to community and schools. And it might be tough to find a place that better exemplifies the ideals of a close-knit society and values of education than Winnetka.

Winnetka’s role in progressively advancing school curriculum dates back more than a half century. Carleton Washburne, the district’s superintendent from 1919 to 1943, was the architect of innovative programs that focused on individualized instruction, hands-on learning and social development. His work was known as “The Winnetka Plan,” but has been widely incorporated by schools across the nation. Winnetka also was home to one of the country’s first nursery schools in 1929.

The community’s commitment to its young people can also be found in the nonprofit Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood Development, which promotes the healthy growth and development of children up to age eight. Its member organizations include public, private and parochial schools in addition to childcare programs.

Nearly 50 percent of the households in Winnetka have kids under the age of 18, with the majority of children being in grades one through eight. It is a “Leave It to Beaver”-type community, where youngsters can get to school on their own. 

Winnetka gets its name from an American Indian word for “beautiful land.” It is that, and much more. Just ask any family that lives here.

—Steve Hudson, The Hudson Company

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Carlisle, Lincoln and Concord—located amidst the picturesque landscape that inspired Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau—continue to be among the most desirable upscale communities in Greater Boston, just northwest of the city. All of the attributes that contributed to this area’s prominence—traditional architecture, a strong sense of community, highly ranked schools, and quaint commercial districts—continue to drive the luxury market today.

As gas prices rise and people become more environmentally conscious, close-in locations are becoming increasingly popular. Buyers also love to be able to move right in without enduring lengthy renovations, so when you pair new construction with proximity to shopping, dining and commuter train stations, it is a winning combination. Currently offered are some newly constructed homes with 3,500 to 4,500 square feet of high-end finishes close to Concord’s town center, priced at less than $1.5 million. Lot sizes are more modest than the area’s typical half-acre minimums, but the benefits of having so many amenities within walking distance more than compensate for the concession.

These homes are designed with the same New England Colonial architecture that is a trademark of the region, and the charm of Concord’s downtown is a major draw. Although our market has fared better than most of America, this is the perfect time to be looking for any luxury home in the area, because inventory remains plentiful and sellers are motivated to accommodate buyers’ needs.

—Laurie Cadigan, Barrett & Company Real Estate

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The picturesque and quintessential New England coastal towns of Cohasset and Hingham are best known for the natural beauty of their ocean- and harbor-front properties, and for their well-kept Colonial and Victorian-style historical homes, which share space with modern architectural styles. These towns provide year-round vacation living 19 miles from Boston.

The Cohasset and Hingham real estate markets have not suffered to the extent that the national and state markets have. These are upscale communities and there have been few foreclosures. It’s a great time to buy, and if you’re willing to accept the realities of the new marketplace and price your home accordingly, it’s good time to sell.

Well-advised sellers have readjusted their asking prices to a level that is probably 15 to 20 percent lower than where they were on average two years ago. This presents a remarkable opportunity for the savvy buyer. In other words, if you are selling your $700,000 house for $600,000, but you’re then buying a $2.8 million home for only $2.3 million, your proportionate savings are substantial. You’re getting $100,000 less for your $700,000 house, but you’re also saving about $450,000 on your $2.8 million purchase, so it’s a significant benefit for people who are moving up. People that have owned their houses for more than three years are not going to be able to sell them for as much as they might like, but they will be able to sell them, make some profit and then trade up at a large savings. 

Two recent oceanfront examples: a home on Atlantic Avenue came on the market at $3.5 million and sold for $2.2 million; similarly, a $3.9 million home on Jerusalem Road sold for $2.3 million.

—Tom Hamilton, Dean & Hamilton Realtors

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