Urban Living in California

Builder and Developer Magazine Honors Local Homebuilder

IRVINE, CALIF. – Spearheading the development and opening of four new communities, site acquisition for future properties and community outreach initiatives, MBK Homes Southern California president Tim Kane has been named Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer magazine.

A key member of the MBK Homes team since its inception in 1995, Kane began his career building bridges in Alaska while attending college. After receiving his degree in Finance, Kane moved to Southern California and enrolled at Orange Coast College, focusing his efforts on the school’s Construction Management courses. His education and experience working for Barratt American Homes led him to the Birtcher Group, which later became MBK Homes.

In 2007, MBK Homes unveiled four communities throughout the Southland: Ravello, a collection of 114 luxury townhomes in Whittier; Eton, a collection of 44 courtyard homes in Chino; Celamonte, a collection of 119 townhomes in Chino Hills; and Greenbrier, a collection of 104 luxury homes in Yorba Linda. Ranging in price from the high $200,000s to $1 million, homes built by MBK are geared towards first time and move up homebuyers.

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And Split A Cool $5,000 With A Friend

PLAYA VISTA, CA – With only 10 great residences remaining above terrific street-level retail, Tempo at Playa Vista by Standard Pacific Homes is offering a $5,000 reward when people “Talk Up Tempo.” All it takes to claim that reward is to tell a friend or family member about the exceptional value of Tempo and accompany them on their first visit to the community. When they close escrow, the $5,000 will be split between the home buyer and the person who referred them.

“It definitely pays to Talk Up Tempo,” stated Alison Banks, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Standard Pacific Homes’ Los Angeles Division. “We’ve sold over 50 homes in the last few months and with so few homes remaining, not to mention our generous incentive package attracting a steady stream of buyers, anyone who wishes to earn our referral bonus should talk fast.” The remaining homes at Tempo include two designer-furnished models and a selection of single-level flats and two-story townhomes that encompass an office/den, a study, a day room and additional living, family or dining spaces in select plans. Stylish floor plans, each with a spacious view balcony, all feature designer-selected flooring and window coverings, as well as a complete appliance package. Smart pricing starts in the low $500,000s, and all buyers will also receive a generous $20,000 financing incentive as well as other great extras. Tempo’s two remaining furnished models are expected to be snapped up quickly. Priced at a great value, these homes are highlighted by custom paint, upgraded flooring and window coverings, custom built-in furniture and bookcases as well as stylish, turnkey furniture and accessories. One model even includes three flat-screen televisions and an iMac computer.

Every residence is enhanced by such outstanding included features as granite kitchen countertops with decorative tile backsplashes, a full package of stainless steel Whirlpool appliances and a Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer. Technological advancements include Category 5 multimedia wiring for high-speed data connections, pre-wiring for home automation opportunities and an in-home alarm system. Read the rest of this entry »

The Latest on the 157 Projects Transforming Downtown

by Evan George, Andrew Haas-Roche, Kathryn Maese, Jon Regardie And Anna Scott

Development Map Reality of the Downtown Los Angeles development scene part 1: Several lofty projects have died before they were born, the victims of poor planning, a lack of funding or something else.

Vista Hermosa. Photo by Gary Leonard.

Reality of the Downtown development scene part 2: For seemingly every project that has failed, at least two are moving forward. Just look, well, anywhere in Downtown. From City West to Little Tokyo to the Historic Core to South Park, old buildings are being refurbished and new ones are rising out of the ground. Thousands of construction workers are laboring on scores of projects worth billions of dollars. About a dozen cranes dot the skyline.

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Marina del Rey is arguably one of the best locations for any urban resident. The city is close to Santa Monica and other Westside destinations while far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle (not to mention traffic) that comes with living in such areas. LAX is just around the corner as is the beach. Such amenities as restaurants, shopping boutiques, grocery stores, and pharmacies are all easily accessible. It’s no wonder that new developments are springing up left and right in this city. One such development is the soon to open Esprit. Slated to open in Spring 2008, Esprit will feature 437 apartment homes and 227 boat slips, no doubt a convenient provision for those serious marine enthusiasts who wish to keep their boat close by. Located right on the marina, most of the apartments are multi-level and boast wide panoramic views of the ocean. They range from one bedroom apartments to four bedrooms and Esprit offers more than 25 different spacious floor plans to choose from. Sustainable design is also incorporated into their homes in their use of energy efficient windows, individual tank-less water heaters, and independently controlled air conditioning and heating. The new development also offers its residents membership to the Fairwind Yacht Club, a great advantage for those who enjoy the marine life or are interested in learning more about it. Esprit’s promenades also appeal to the avid walker/jogger/runner while their spas and sundecks invite residents to indulge in a little pampering (and honestly, who would resist?). And forget about being hungry! Abbott Kinney is practically a skip, hop, and a step away giving you a wide variety of dining choices. Living on the waterside provides residents with a calm and serene environment to come home to. At the same time, Esprit’s proximity to every Westside hot spot makes going out and finding a myriad of activities to occupy your day a simple task. To find out more visit their website www.espritmdr.com