The most high-profile attendee at this year’s BIA Parade of Homes will be Mother Nature.
“Naturally Inviting. Awe Inspiring.” is the theme of the 2013 Parade, scheduled for June 15-30. This year’s parade, organized by the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio, takes place in Jerome Village.
Jerome Village is situated in Jerome Township, in southeastern Union County, and is within the Dublin City School District. Nature is a key part of the neighborhood – green space is abundant throughout, as are walking and bike paths and tree-lined streets, and Glacier Ridge Metro Park isn’t far away – so the BIA asked homebuilders to incorporate natural elements into their plans.
Wood, stone, bark and other natural materials are popular right now, as are large French doors to outdoor areas and upholstered patio furniture, and all are examples of efforts to bring the outdoors in, says Amy Weirick of Weirick Communications, which is providing communications services for the Parade.
“We looked at what was happening with home décor right now,” Weirick says. “You’re seeing a lot of natural elements.”
Natural elements in Parade houses range from terrariums and vegetable gardens to a petrified wood accent table and a room decorated to resemble a ski lodge.
The schools, including a site within the development that is set aside for a school; the amenities, including a clubhouse and a fitness center; the proximity to highlights such as Glacier Ridge; the community master plan; and the size, 2,200 lots when complete, all contributed to the BIA’s decision to feature Jerome Village. The neighborhood is being developed by Nationwide Realty Investors.
“Jerome Village has been talked about for five or six years,” says Jim Hilz, executive director of the BIA of Central Ohio. “There was a lot of excitement around Jerome Village from the day it was anticipated it was going to be developed.”
Preview Party
Those interested in getting a peek at the Parade houses before the rest of the general public can get it at the BIA/First Federal Lending Preview Party.
The party will run from 6-10 p.m. June 14.
This year’s preview features a progressive dinner with matched specialty wines, all put together by the Cameron Mitchell Catering Company.
Tickets are $75 and include admission, food and beverages. They can be obtained on the Parade website, www.biaparade.com.
Proceeds from the party benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation and other BIA Foundation charities.
2013 Parade Map
1) Builder: 3 Pillar Homes
Highlight: Custom-built on-site stairwell with panel wall treatment from floor to ceiling
2) Builder: Memmer Homes
Highlight: Modern floor plan and hardwood floors for first floor, including custom
Amish-built kitchen
3) Builder: Prism Construction
Highlight: Multi-screen immersive video/gaming rig and collection of arcade cabinets on lower level
4) Builder: New England Homes
Highlight: Urban industrial style, including painted stone and a pool
5) Builder: Rockford Homes
Highlight: Owners’ retreat with one-of-a-kind walk-in shower, including jetted soaker tub
6) Builder: Truberry Custom Homes
Highlight: Open-air covered porch with stone fireplace, flat-screen TV and clear glass panels in lieu of standard railing
7) Builder: Manor Homes
Highlight: Home office specifically designed with the working woman in mind
8) Builder: Bob Webb Group
Highlight: Den with walls made of art glass, allowing visibility of much of the first floor
9) Builder: Romanelli & Hughes
Highlight: Home theater with the latest technology and custom starry night ceiling
10) Builder: Coppertree Homes
Highlight: Lower-level wine cellar with built-ins and refrigerator that can story as many as 700 bottles
11) Builder: New England Homes
Highlight: Formal dining room with tray ceiling and wainscoting
12) Builder: 3 Pillar Homes
Highlight: Generous mud hall with custom lockers and bench
13) Builder: Compass Homes
Highlight: Countless pieces of original art and photography by local artists
Garth Bishop is editor of CityScene Magazine. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
