The Milwaukee Post

August 16, 2013 • Milwaukee Post • 15 Parade of Homes models offer up-close viewing of unique amenities Developers put their best foot forward for annual showcase By KEVIN PASSON Special to The Post MILWAUKEE – Building a home can be intimidating, overwhelming and downright confusing at times. Help reduce the headaches before you begin to build by touring the 17 homes that are part of the 2013 Metropolitan Builders Association Parade of Homes. The homes are spread across two subdivisions – Quail Haven in Menomonee Falls and The Glen at Blackstone Creek in Germantown. Tim O'Brien Homes of Pewaukee has a pair of homes featured in The Glen at Blackstone Creek. "The Kendall, a traditional ranch, is our best-selling ranch style," owner Tim O'Brien said. "Our two-story design (the Birchwood) is a brand-new design. We created a two-story atrium with a skylight that naturally ventilates the house, and the blown-in insulation we use has a rating of R-15 that we've discovered greatly reduces sound." The Birchwood was so impressive, Chuck Wierschem decided to buy it. "We were already going to build a home in the same subdivision, but when they showed us the design for this, we jumped at it," he said. "I love the open concept in the family area and the atrium with the angled roof with the wooden beams." Wierschem and his wife, Michelle, have a daughter, Madysen, 6. A second child is due in August. They have lived in Wauwatosa the past seven years, and Chuck Wierschem works in downtown Milwaukee. Even though the new home means a longer drive time to and from work, he said it's worth it. "It's a better neighborhood, especially for the kids," he said. "We originally decided to move for church and school purposes and a more suburban neighborhood." Another two-story home, The Woodmont, built by Aspen Homes Inc. of Pewaukee, also is a new project for the developer. It is located in the Quail Haven subdivision. "It was designed from another twostory that we have, and a few of our clients wanted a master on the first floor," said Sally Basso, who established Aspen Homes in 1993. "It is unique because we have incorporated a nice open area for entertaining. There are unique sitting areas, cozy nooks, wood beams and a large eat-in kitchen island." Also borrowing from previous plans is the design for The Harrison, another Quail Haven project, this one developed by Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling in Menomonee Falls. "The Harrison is an older design with a whole new look. We've recreated the look of the front of the home to give a more modern look. The inside has been adorned with cabinets by Brookhaven in partnership with the design team from Timothy J. Kitchen & Bath," Sales Manager Mike Bauman said. "The home was not only created for the Parade of Homes but also for the new owners who will move in shortly after. "Their needs and wants were designed into every facet of the home – from the lower-level bar and recreation area to the luxurious master suite. The main living area is an open concept design with a well-designed kitchen and very high-quality cabinetry. The island is large and functional and is the highlights the kitchen well." The character of the 62 acres at The Glen at Blackstone Creek offers homeowners the choice of purchasing a movein-ready condominium or the option of purchasing a single-family lot and building their own home. It features a clubhouse with a pool table, a swimming pool, grilling area and a big-screen TV. Walking trails also traverse the subdivision. Adjacent to Blackstone Creek Golf Club and across the street from Germantown High School, The Glen at Blackstone Creek is in a prime location, just a half mile away from Highways 41 and 45. Quail Haven is a premier residential community offering single-family lots. Every Menomonee Falls lot includes municipal water and sewer, curb and gutter, underground electric, telephone, cable and natural gas service. O'Brien said that when designing model homes, builders have many resources. They include customer feedback, national and regional trends, mod- Artist's rendering The Woodmont in Quail Haven was designed by Aspen Homes of Pewaukee. The two-story home features four bedrooms and 2,701 square feet. Enjoy the view from the wall of windows in the two-story great room. The fireplace features one-of-a-kind wood and stone surround. Artist's rendering The Kendall at The Glen at Blackstone Creek is designed by Tim O'Brien Homes of Pewaukee. The ranch-style home features three bedrooms and 2,070 square feet. els used by other developers from around the nation and tips picked up from national conferences, seminars and workshops. "The atrium (in the Birchwood) was on our minds for three years before we designed a home it would fit in," he said. "It's always a trade-off. If we do this, we can't do that. "I think having different builders in a subdivision is a good thing. It adds variety. It provides architectural texture. A home is the last great handmade product in the world."

• Cover