The Spectrum, September 6, 2003

Parade of Homes awards stunning homes
by Ed Kocelia

CEDAR CITY — As the Iron County Home Builder's Parade of Homes enters its last two days, visitors can compare notes with judges who overwhelmingly bestowed honors on The Venetian entry in the over-$300,000 price category and Red Hills Vista, which took most top honors in the under-$300,000 price category.

The Parade of Homes. which continues from 10 a.m. to S p.m. today and from 1 to S p.m. Sunday, features 11 homes spread throughout Iron County.

"We take surveys and the No. 1 reason people say they attend is for decorating ideas," said June Sewing of the ICHBA. "It doesn't take a lot of money to do some of the things that are shown in the homes."

While all of the homes offer new decorating and construction ideas, the judges gave the nod — in the over-S300,000 price category — to Nate Blake's The Venetian for best architecture and design, best kitchen, best master suite, best interior design and best landscaping. It also won the judge's choice award. Sunrise from Beacon's Crest, built by XL Builders, tied Blake for best quality and craftsmanship. Red Hills Vista, built by Robert A. Bulloch, took first plave in the under-$300,000 category for best architecture and design, best quality and craftsmanship, best master suite and design, best quality and craftsmanship, best master-suite and interior decorating. It also won the judge's choice award in its category. The Veranda, built by Kurt Lefevre, took first place in that category for best kitchen and landscaping.


"This is a great program," said Blake. "It-gives builders an opportunity to show different features they've come up with."

It can also help contractors line up new customers, Sewing said.

"We've had many builders tell us that if the home they entered in the Parade was a spec home, not only do they sell the home, but they get orders for future builds. In fact last year, one of the builders told me that he sold his house to the very first person who walked through the door,"

Sewing said the ICHBA also awarded its second community enrichment award, honoring the Cedar City Disability Action Team for its efforts. CDAT members were presented with custom paperweights in recognition of their efforts on behalf of the entire community, she said.

First Place in Every Single Category

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
The Venetian, Nate Blake Construction; Sunrise from Beacon's Crest, XL Builders; Equestrian Acres, Southern Rim Homes

QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
(tie for first place) Sunrise from Beacon's Crest, XL Builders and The Venetian, Nate Blake Construction; Equestrian Acres, Southern Rim Homes.

BEST KITCHEN
The Venetian, Nate Blake Construction; Sunrise from Beacon's Crest, XL Builders; Equestrian Acres, Southern Rim Homes.

BEST MASTER SUITE
The Venetian, Nate Blake Construction; Sunrise from Beacon's Crest, XL Builders; Equestrian Acres, Southern Rim Homes.

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN/DECORATING
The Venetian, Nato Blake, Construction and Melissa Blake and Kathy Van Gildor; Sunrise from Beacon's Crest, XL Builders and Carol Oliver and Joyce Collins; Equestrian Acres. Southern Rim Homes nnd JoAnn Munson and Boulevard Furnishings.

BEST LANDSCAPING
The Venetian, Nate BInke Construction and Baxter Landscape; Sunrise from Beacon's Crest, XL Builders and Shape and Scan; Equestrian Acres, Southern Rim Homes and The Hansen Family.

SPECIAL FEATURE
Pulmeria, KDT Construction for kitchen, living area, patio, pizza oven view and for innovative product use and energy efficiency.