Archive for the 'New Construction' Category

Lake Martin Real Estate Spotlight: Bolton Cove Update

May 11th, 2007 categories: Developments, Investor Tips, Lake Martin, New Construction, Real Estate Tips

Lake Martin has a lot of development and new construction going on right now. One of the newest neighborhoods is called Bolton Cove. Below are some pictures of the construction progress, and how it compares to their plans.

Will the above be the site of the Bolton Cove Clubhouse?

The above is a rendering of the planned Bolton Cove Clubhouse per the developer.

To the left is an example of the “Tuscan inspired lake homes that will be the theme throughout Bolton Cove. I doubt you will be able to rent any of these.

Below is a pic, I assume of home sites, next to an existing Lake Martin home that is not part of the project.

The pic to the left was made standing on the south end of the cove, looking west to the back of that slough. I couldn’t easily tell by looking around how much waterfront the lots will have on Lake Martin. Maybe the next time I check I will be able to see some stakes or something.

Planned amenities of Bolton Cove:

The Bolton Cove Manor provides:

• A community meeting room
• Dressing areas
• Swimming pool
• Hot tub
• Covered pavilions
• Outdoor fireplace
• Lake side beach

Concierge services:

• Boat valet to the marina
• Private slips
• Lawn care
• Hosting for Manor events

Directions to Bolton Cove:

To find Bolton Cove by land, from Birmingham you take 280 east, then take a right on highway 9 south at Kellyton, Alabama. Then take a left on Coosa County Road 20 east. Take Coosa 20 east until you take a right on the second Bywater Road, Bolton Cove is immediately on your left. You can take a left on Kowaliga Cove Road, it borders some of Bolton Cove, too.

From Montgomery, take Alabama highway 9 north, take a right on 259 north at Equality, then a right on Coosa 20 east, see above.

From Auburn take 280 west, then take a left on 22 west in Alex City, then a left on 259 south, then left on Coosa 20 east, see above.

By water, you need to be on the Kowaliga side of Lake Martin. Go north towards Willow Point. Pass by Sand Island. Head towards Veazy’s Marina and Scrushy’s house. When you see the point across the water from Veazy’s, hang a left and go west. Bolton Cove is almost directly west of Veazy’s.

Related post:

Have You Heard About These 4 New Projects On Lake Martin?

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Lake Martin Builder Spotlight: Landmark Constr.

May 7th, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin Area Info, New Construction, Real Estate Tips

Lake Martin is bustling with developers, builders, sub contractors, and all types of people in the construction industry.  To shed some light on the life of one of the “good ones,” today we chat with Bradley Pemberton of Landmark Construction & Development, LLC:

1.  How do you get your sub contractors to show up on time? 

I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere.  Seriously, I think it has to do with a number of things. First you have to know what “on time” means - proper expectations. You have to know what their work schedule will be on each project, because it will be different depending on the sub and job location.  More importantly, I think if you’re honest, pay them quickly, and accept their bid without trying to beat them down, they will respect you more and work as hard and be as productive as they can.

2.  Where do you find sub contractors that will work on Lake Martin?

These days subs will come from all over to work on Lake Martin.  I like to deal with those whom I know best and already understand their schedules and quality of work. So I will first choose subs that I like to work with that are based closest to the area.  For me that means Wetumpka, Eclectic, and Montgomery.  However it is easy to find subs in Alexander City and Birmingham.

3.  You have built all over Alabama.  What is different about building around Lake Martin?

I like several things that have been different.  I like that Tallapoosa County issues building permits for all projects outside of the city limits. I think this helps legitimize the contractors and maintains a level of quality for all builders.  I have enjoyed working on lots with a little change in elevation.  It’s a challenge but a lot more exciting.  You know, Montgomery is not known for its beautiful mountain views; it’s pretty flat.

4.  How do you build a spec house that is attractive to many people yet not so “cookie cutter” or clone looking?

I think you have to really concentrate on the details and the exterior.  I think custom details that either come from ideas from previous custom homes or details specific to that house that present themselves as an opportunity to make a mark, are what you have to look for.  I think you have to do the same thing either in exterior details like the eave, you know, around the roof, or on the site with landscaping or railing details. The look these days at Lake Martin is exposed natural wood, tongue and groove, stone work, with the house done in earth tone type colors.  I like a lot of stone both inside and out, cedar beams, tongue and groove ceilings, that type thing.

5.  What question did I not ask that you thought I would have asked?

I thought you would ask what I like most about construction.  And the answer is that I love to solve problems and work out the small, (seemingly) inconsequential details.  More than that, I like to see something created from a combination of materials and people’s God given abilities.  It is so fun to ride by a project and be able to proudly say “I built that.”

 

 

Thanks, Bradley, for your time.  We wish you continued success in the future.  If you would like to know how Bradley can answer your Lake Martin construction questions, call him at (334)356–2259 or contact him at Landmark Construction and Development, LLC’s home page by clicking here.

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Free Boats At The Ridge Boat Show & Spring Home Tour

April 27th, 2007 categories: Buying Tips, Events, Lake Martin, Neighborhoods

Free boats Lake Martin!!

Russell Lands’ big event is the Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show and Spring Tour of Homes at The Ridge. It is scheduled for two weekends, April 28 & 29 and also May 5 & May 6.

For the past couple of years, Russell Lands has done a couple of the Tour of Homes deals per year at The Ridge. This year they are combining it with a Boat Show at the Ridge Marina, hence the lengthy title “Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show & Spring Tour of Homes.

Basically you can go out to the Ridge Marina and test drive some boats. I understand they will have ski boats, Hurricanes, pontoon boats, etc. Then, you hop in the car and go on the Spring Tour of Homes at the Ridge. Each of the featured homes will have a nice new boat parked out front.

Here it is - the payoff – the “free boat – : “if you buy one of the nine feature(d) homes you will also receive a brand new boat from Russell Marine.

Considering that the nine featured homes are all priced at over $1 million, the “free boat is a nice gesture, but it’s not like it’s worth 10% of the home’s value or anything.

But, if you or any of your loved ones need a house and a boat, and would like to buy one (or all!) nine homes, and would like to receive one or nine “free boats, just give me a call, I would be glad to arrange it!

Related Articles:

Lake Martin Real Estate Spotlight: The Ridge

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Lake Martin Real Estate Spotlight: The Ridge

April 16th, 2007 categories: Buying Tips, Developments, Lake Martin, Lake Martin Area Info, Lake Martin Living, New Construction

Russell Lands has developed neighborhoods on Lake Martin for over thirty years, but its newest, The Ridge, is vastly different from any one it has done before.

Russell Lands has gated communities like Willow Point, and the Ridge is near to its other developments of Windermere, Windermere West, and Windover.  But The Ridge is a totally new animal.  Here are 5 Things That Make The Ridge Different: 

1.  Heavy emphasis on selling through approved builders - Russell Lands started this Lake Martin trend a few years ago with Phase I of The Ridge, and continues it with Phase III.  They sell a certain number of lots to “approved” builders, who build spec houses and then turn around and sell them for the builders.  In prior developments, they sold almost 100% to the end homeowner.  The use of approved builders gives them much greater control over the quality of the homes.  They also get a lot of design consistency on the look of the homes by also having “approved” architects.  I think this also drives up the price so that their initial offering lot price to homeowners is pretty high.  As far as I can figure there is no real “pre-construction” pricing.

2.  The Ridge Marina - Russell Lands owns plenty of marinas around Lake Martin, but The Ridge Marina is the only one that is inside the gates of one of their developments.  It is a safe bet to say that The Ridge Marina is one of the largest marinas on the lake.  The marina is close to Chimney Rock by water.  They sell gas, they have a huge line of boats that they sell, and also sell boating and skiing accessories.  Another big part of their business is boat storage.  You can rent a wet slip (a parking spot at a dock), but they are more expensive and rare than dry storage.  Dry storage is where they stack your boat on a huge rack inside their warehouse.  When you are ready to go, they come pick it off the rack with a forklift and put it in the water.  No matter how many times I see that it still makes me nervous.  They are adding on to the dry storage.  A company official was quoted as saying the The Ridge Marina will have the “biggest dry storage east of the Mississippi.”  That’s big, friends.

3. The Ridge Club - Russell Lands is currently building a 9,000 square foot clubhouse called The Ridge Club.  While Willow Point has its Golf and Country Club, Willow Point residents are not necessarily members of the club, and vice versa.  In the Ridge, however, part of the homeowner association dues pays for membership to The Ridge Club.  Planned amenities include swimming pools, tennis courts, athletic fields, children’s play center, workout / cardio center, and a bar and grill.  From what I hear they have commercial lots set aside for possible restaurants, etc.  See the construction progress photos on the left.  It looks like it will be as nice as promised.

4.  Off water activities - Usually, in Lake Martin new construction developments, merely token emphasis is placed on off-water lots and properties.  At The Ridge, Russell Lands attempts to offer something to do off of the water, and (I assume) by association, raise the value of off-water residential lots.  They have designed sidewalks all through the Ridge, which is very different for the lake.  They also have cut in extensive walking trails through the woods around The Ridge.  I hear that the ultimate plan is to be able to walk, run, or bike on trails from The Ridge to Willow Point.  Look at a Lake Martin map to appreciate how huge of an area that is.  They also have plans for a town center located on highway 63, close to Windermere Road, that will have kitschy shops, a high end grocery store, and a gourmet restaurant.  (I will post more news as they confirm the details.)

5.  Marketing and Events - Russell Lands has promoted The Ridge like no other Lake Martin development.  If you haven’t received at least 3 mailers on it, you should have your feelings hurt, because they sent them to everyone in the area that pays taxes and has a pulse.  They also have been all over the home design type magazines.  Their homes have had multiple spotlights in Southern Living Magazine, and had tons of other regional media attention and write ups.  They also have really played up the Spring and Summer Tour of Homes.  This spring they have even tied the events in with a boat show at The Ridge Marina.  I have to hand it to them, it works. In the past ten years Lake Martin has gone from a regional treasure to getting attention on a national level.  This was due in large part to Russell Lands’ tirele$$ promotions.

If you wonder how long this will last, check the map.  They are selling Phase III now, with (I guess) a couple more phases left up the sleeve for The Ridge.  Then it’s on to the next big thing.  Does anyone have a guess on where the next one will be?  Comment below!

 

 

 

 

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Lake Martin Real Estate Spotlight: Willow Point

February 26th, 2007 categories: Developments, Lake Martin, Neighborhoods

Willow Point was the first Lake Martin neighborhood by developer Russell Lands.  After years of having only rental cabins, Russell Lands started a new era in Lake Martin real estate by developing and selling high end deeded lots in the early 1970s.

 

Willow Point is unique in that it is the only Russell Lands development that currently has a private golf and country club.  The Willow Point Golf and Country Club was founded in 1964.  It is truly a gated community, where you are stopped at the gate by a guard and you must show your ownership sticker or explain your business. 

Willow Point has a Championship Grade 18 hole, par 72 golf course that twists and turns and follows Lake Martin’s shores.  Eight holes are bordered by the Lake, and hole number 13 is a par three island green.  As you can imagine, the rest of the holes have plenty of water, too.  If your skill level is like mine, be prepared to lose some golf balls.  They also have tennis courts, rental villas for members, a restaurant, bar and grill, fitness center, and pool.  It is truly a beautiful club.

Real estate prices in Willow Point have historically been among the strongest on Lake Martin.  Vacant lots are rare since the development is almost built out.  Lots start in the 400s and go up from there.  Residences range from town homes to the biggest home on the lake, the mammoth compound of infamous (former) HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy.  If you have ever seen it by water, you know it.  It is the top attraction on the “big house” boat tour.

Willow Point has the benefit of being inside the city limits of Alexander City, which means it has all of the utilities and conveniences thereof.  This was once a huge benefit 30 years ago when almost no other area of Lake Martin had trash, phone, and cable services.  Now this is not such an advantage, but Willow Point does boast another unmatched amenity: a paved, lighted airstrip.  The Russell Airfield is 4,500 feet long, so you plane owners should know if you can land there or not.

With all of the benefits listed above, Willow Point will likely continue to have a strong position in the real estate market on Lake Martin. 

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Heard About These 4 New Projects On Lake Martin?

February 5th, 2007 categories: Developments, Lake Martin, Neighborhoods, New Construction

Psssst .. There are 4 new construction projects on Lake Martin that might be news to you. Everyone loves a juicy piece of gossip, and the only thing growing faster than the Lake Martin real estate market is the grapevine that spreads the news about it. Are any of the new construction projects below going to be near your lake place, or the one you plan to buy?

1. 1. The Bluffs at Copper Creek

• Location – Off of Centerport Road and Highway 50
• Concept – Condominiums
• Density – 8 buildings – 3 stories each, 10 units per building or 80 total
• Price Range – looks like the first phase is $341,000 to $431,000
• Available – First buildings to be ready by “late Summer 07
• Lowdown – This is on the Cooper Branch of Blue Creek. How they got from Cooper to Copper I do not know. Maybe there is a Copper Creek in Cooper Branch. They’re still working out details such as boat slips and amenities.

2. Waterstone

• Location – Near Nero’s Rock Road off of Elmore County Road 80 and Highway 63
• Concept – turn key homes, community waterfront
• Density – there are 93 lots for sale on the master plan
• Price Range – 4 different house plans from $289,900 – $319,900
• Available – taking reservations, no construction is apparent right now
• Lowdown – 93 homes on about 12 acres (per tax map). None of them will own waterfront. There will be a zone along the shoreline that apparently will be owned by the Homeowners’ Association. The 8 planned docks will be community property as well.

3. Crowne Pointe

• Location – Take Highway 50 to Centerport Road to Silverhill Road, all the way at the end of the peninsula
• Concept – Condominiums
• Density – 5 buildings, 3 stories each, 18 units per building or 90 total
• Price Range – resales are priced from $375,000 to $610,000
• Available – all 5 buildings still under construction, buildings 1 & 2 – Spring 2007, 17 for sale on MLS now (you can search it by clicking “MLS Listing Search” on the right margin, no strings attached)
• Lowdown – These units were the priciest until the Ledges at the Ridge and The Pointe in Stillwaters. They took a long time to get going, but they’re closing in on being ready. Big water views abound.

4. Bolton Cove

• Location – Take Highway 9 to Highway 259 to Coosa County Road 20
• Concept – 25 Tuscan villas based around and sharing a Manor, pool, beach, and various concierge services
• Density – 25 home sites
• Price Range – according to the website $700,000 to over $1 million
• Available – taking reservations, construction is not apparent right now
• Lowdown – I guess if the Maestro has Tuscany locked down, Jerry Seinfeld can get a villa here on Lake Martin

Click here for Bolton Cove Update

Do you see any corrections that I need to make? What about construction updates? Has anyone heard of any other new developments? Break the news here by writing a comment below.

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When does the Water Level go down on Lake Martin?

January 30th, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Regulations and Red Tape

When does the water go down?  Does this house have water year round?  

I hear this a lot.  When people are looking for homes or a lot on Lake Martin, they soon learn that the lake’s water level fluctuates.  Depending on your preferences, this might affect where on the lake you choose to be.  If you are not aware of the lake level’s changes, it may affect how happy you are with your purchase.  If you want to be able to take a New Year’s Eve boat ride, you will be disappointed if you are high and dry with no water in the winter.  Or, maybe you prefer a quiet cove off of the main thoroughfare.  In that case, don’t over pay for a place that doesn’t fit your needs.  You need to learn a little about Lake Martin in order to make the right decision. 

Why does the lake level go up and down?  First, you need to know that Lake Martin was created back in then 1920s when the company that is now Alabama Power dammed the Tallapoosa River.  The Tallapoosa River joins the Coosa River to form the Alabama River near Montgomery.  The Alabama flows all the way to Mobile Bay, and is a navigable river. The Alabama River must maintain a certain level so that barges can move up and down it.   

So, part of the reason the Martin Dam exists is to ensure that the Alabama has a certain amount of water flow.  Since Alabama Power owns the dam, they (with permission of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) decide how to regulate the water level.  So how does this affect your lake house?

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