Building Nevada - December 2001

Christopher Hits a Homer,

Reno Celebrates BANN-er Homes

by Stephanie Beck

In Nevada, promoting excellence is a common theme throughout all industries. In a state that relies so heavily on growth, it is a natural assumption that building quality homes to accommodate the influx of people should be high on the list of industries worthy of recognition. Whether you live in Northern or Southern Nevada, the expectations for excellence are the same, and homebuilders are recognized accordingly for their efforts.

The Southern Nevada Home Builders Association (SNHMA) held its annual Homer Awards banquet on October 13 at the MGM Grand Conference Center. It presented its highest recognition for quality and excellence in homebuilding, the 2001 "Home of the Year" award, to Christopher Homes for its Da Vinci model. This winning home is part of The Christopher Collection subdivision in the master-planned community of Southern Highlands in southwest Las Vegas. It was praised by the judges for, "Flawless execution. Quality job all around. Strong personality. Totally livable – not just for show."

After 17 homebuilders submitted 122 entries in 18 categories for review, the panel of four judges spent three days reviewing information at the SNHBA office, and then toured finalists’ models before making their determination. The panel praised the Da Vinci for its integration of interior and exterior space. The 5,016-square-foot, two-story home has five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths with a three-car garage. The home wraps around a spacious exterior central courtyard, which includes a covered porch off the entry foyer and a large covered patio between the family room and the separate guest suite.

"This home has been very successful for two reasons," said J. Christopher Stuhmer, chairman of Christopher Homes. "It introduces new types of spaces, such as the covered loggia off the master bedroom, and it also accommodates the needs of different kinds of families by offering three separate flex rooms that can be used as guest quarters, home offices, bedrooms for adult children, or other uses. About one-third of the home is flex space. This model is also popular because the central courtyard offers a measure of privacy not found in models where the courtyard is located between the front door and the curb. By having to go through the front door to enter the courtyard, people feel they are in a more private, indoor/outdoor area." The architect for the Da Vinci model was Scheurer Architects and the interior designer was Design Techniques. The home’s base sales price is $659,000 with a typical lot size of 85 feet by 160 feet. Christopher Homes won a total of five Homer Awards for its residential project in Southern Highlands.

The SNHBA developed the Homer Awards program 18 years ago to honor the efforts of builders who are enhancing the community through their commitment to quality and responsible planning. According to SNHBA President Mark Doppe, chief executive of Carina, the Homer Awards are the "Oscars" for the thousands of professionals in the homebuilding industry. "On behalf of the board of directors of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, thanks to all of you for the outstanding housing you are producing in our community," Doppe told the assembled homebuilders at the awards dinner.

2001 Homer Award Winners

(name of winning company – name of winning model home – name of subdivision)

2001 Home of the Year

Christopher Homes – Da Vinci – The Christopher Collection

Del Webb Corp. – Hancock, Cottage Series – Sun City Anthem by Del Webb

Del Webb Corp. – Andove, Casual Series – Sun City Anthem by Del Webb

R/S Development Co. – Cypress – Ivy Glen

Del Webb Corp. – Arietta – Anthem Country Club

Del Webb Corp. – Lexington, Estate Series – Sun City Anthem by Del Webb

Westmark Homes – Falling Water – Canyon Terrace

Del Webb Corp.- Monticello, Estate Series – Sun City Anthem by Del Webb

Sunrise Colony – 8120 – Siena

Christopher Homes – Da Vinci – The Christopher Collection

200-square-foot and under

Astoria Homes – Residence 162/Plan 162 – Auburn Hills

201-square-foot and over

Pacific Southwest Development – The Bellasera – the Foothills Tuscany Series at Southern Highlands

$18.00 per square-foot and under

Astoria Homes – Residence 480/Plan 480 – Silverado Lane

$18.01 - $22.00 per square-foot

Trophy Homes – Tranquility – Interlude

$22.01 per square-foot and over

Christopher Homes – Da Vinci – The Christopher Collection

Sunrise Colony – Siena

Sunrise Colony – Red Rock Country Club

Christopher Homes – The Christopher Collection

601-square-foot and over

Christopher Homes – Southern Highlands

The Builders Association of Northern Nevada announced its fifth Annual BANN-ER Award winners in the "Carnival of Homes" competition on November 2 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Set against a backdrop of beads and masks at the Mardi Gras-themed celebration, the "best of the best" in homebuilding in Northern Nevada was unveiled to over 900 participants.

A panel of industry professionals, with levels of expertise ranging from architecture to marketing to interior design, was recruited from across the United States to judge the competition. Entries were reviewed based on the exhibits supplied by the competitors. After the first round of eliminations, the judges visited each remaining entry before making the final decisions.

The Dean residence was recognized as the Judge’s Choice Best in Show at the BANN-er Awards. Altmann Construction combined the Craftsman style with old Lake Tahoe architecture to create the home, which combines "a lot of rock work on the outside and intense details in the woodworking on the inside," according to builder Fred Altmann. The bungalow-style home can be found in the Arrowcreek and Caughlin Ranch areas.

The BANN-ER Awards, created to showcase the great homes designed and built in the Truckee Meadows, feature 30 competing categories. Entrants outdid last year’s numbers by submitting over 300 entries.

Ryder Homes Silverado Hills Plan 4

HomeCrafters – The Cedar at Pinehaven

HomeCrafters – Eaglesnest

Sylvia Rossi – Neuffer Homes

Kevin Burr – Tanamera Homes

David Palladino – Reynan & Bardis

Lynn Kantor – Barker Coleman

Shamrock Jenamar Communities – Toscana

LakeCrest Homes Genevea Residence

Landmark Homes – Heritage plan

Ryder Homes Silverado hills Plan 3

Lakemont Homes – The Collectors Edition

Centex Homes – Liberty Hill Estates

Tanamera Homes of Nevada – "Real Reno"

Shamrock Jenamar Communities – Toscana

Sierra Sage – The Meritage

Pacific West Builders