By Alicia Kelso
An expanded version of the BIA’s annual Parade of Homes is coming to Dublin this summer.
The parade of 11 homes at Tartan Ridge features a unique development with a mixture of housing choices, ample protected green space and some retail outlets.
Tartan Ridge hosts a variety of architectural styles – from traditional arts and crafts to French eclectic and classic Georgian – as well as townhouses and villa homes.
The community plan entails a commitment to at least 40 percent green space. Tartan Ridge is adjacent to Glacier Ridge Metro Park, miles of bike trails and Glacier Ridge Elementary School.
Despite a gloomy economic forecast, this year’s tour is bigger than last year’s event, with four more homes than in 2008. In comparison, Cleveland’s Parade of Homes was canceled, and in Cincinnati it was scaled back. Susan Weil, Parade spokesperson, attributes the Columbus event’s success to the location.
“This is the only Parade of Homes event in Ohio that hasn’t been affected by the current market. That is because the BIA chose the right location,” she says. “Dublin is an area of growth and of job growth and this community plan is different than anything else that is out there, which has a broad appeal.”
Builders on this year’s tour include: Compass Homes; Coppertree Homes; Dani Homes; Duffy Homes; Gossing Construction; Kevin Knight & Company; Lakewood Builders; M/I Homes; New England, with Garth’s; Romanelli & Hughes; and The Stafford Group. Points of interest for each home include:
• The “Foundation House” by Compass Homes includes many design elements that add safety and convenience. For example, the second level includes built-in fire-escape safety ladders, and there are sun tunnels for natural light in dark spaces such as closets.
• Coppertree Homes showcases a guest retreat with full bath on the first floor, and columned openings to the study and formal dining room.
• Dani Homes features a master suite on the first floor with three additional second-floor bedroom suites, each with their own bath.
• Duffy Homes showcases a private antiques collection from Paris, Provence and Southern France, and also features a dramatic interior stone wall with brick archways separating the great room from the kitchen.
• Gossing Construction’s entry foyer is highlighted by a giant fireplace, and the home is heated by an energy-saving geothermal system.
• The Kevin Knight & Company home includes a first floor garden room with an 18-foot door that folds and disappears, allowing the space to flow into an enclosed back garden. It is also heated by a geothermal system.
• Lakewood Builders’ lower level includes a sports bar and home theater.
• The M/I Homes model comes with three fireplaces, creating a dramatic focal point from the grand entrance foyer.
• New England & Garth’s includes Whirlpool tubs in two master suites and is adorned with antiques by Garth’s Auctioneers and Appraisers in Delaware.
• Romanelli & Hughes built a wine vault on the first floor. The master retreat includes a three-sided fireplace and coffee bar.
• The Stafford Group’s two-story gourmet kitchen provides a view of the outdoor living space with bar and kitchen.
Homes on the tour are priced between $600,000 and $900,000. Several of the 11 homes have already sold. A Parade Preview Party will be held from 6-10 p.m. July 10 and will include the annual BIA Parade Awards Ceremony. Proceeds from the event will go toward Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
For more information, including tickets for the parade and the preview party, directions and more details from each home, visit www.biaparade.com.
Alicia Kelso is editor of Dublin Life.
BIA Parade of Homes at Tartan Ridge
July 11-26
12 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday
No admittance 1 hour prior to closing
Cost: $12
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.
(Strollers are not allowed in the houses.)
www.biaparade.com
THE FOUNDATION HOUSE:
Compass Homes built this year's "Foundation House," which means the proceeds from the sale of the house are given to the BIA Parade to have a charitable component, and for Compass Homes - this year's Foundation House builder - it is an opportunity to give back to the community. Many of the subcontractors and suppliers who work on the house give the builder a deep discount or donate materials. The tradition started in 1983 and, since then, the BIA has donated more than $1.6 million to designated charities such as Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Columbus Housing Partnership, Habitat for Humanity and The Community Shelter Board.