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Parade of Homes celebrates 11th year

Customization becoming a must

The 11th annual Durango Area Parade of Homes kicks off Sept. 26 as an exceptionally busy summer for builders draws to a close.

The three-day event highlights 15 homes constructed by local builders. The Parade of Homes is also an important annual event on the social calendar for many in building, real estate and related industries.

For a $15 ticket, anyone can tour newly built private homes to see the latest trends.

“The public gets to see what’s new,” said Janet Enge, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Southwest Colorado, which organizes the event. “They get to see what’s new with building science and building technology and also what’s new with decor and decorating.”

The Parade of Homes also acts as a showcase for local builders, many of whom primarily build high-end, custom homes.

“These (builders) are artisans in what they do,” Enge said.

The Parade caps a busy summer for builders. Because of low market inventory, there’s strong demand for new homes in the Durango area.

“It’s screamingly busy,” Enge said. “Our builders are overworked and overtired. They’ve been hard pressed to keep up with the demand.”

The city of Durango issued 34 building permits for single-family residences through June, up from 29 during the same period in 2013.

As recently as 2010, the city issued only 10 single-family building permits during the first half of the year.

Statewide, single-family building permits were up 13 percent for the first six months of the year, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Homes taking part in the Parade are nominated by builders. Last year, the Parade showcased 22 homes. Enge said some builders don’t have inventory sitting around to show.

“Some of the builders that usually like to have homes in the Parade, they’re flat too busy,” she said.

A disclosure: The Durango Herald is among the Parade’s sponsors.

Many homes in the Parade feature detailed customization. Buyers are no longer satisfied with stock homes.

One home in the Parade was designed by Durango architect Steve Eccher for Emil Wanatka, co-owner of Timberline Group. It is Wanatka’s personal home.

The house at 15 Eagle Ridge Road, off of Florida Road (County Road 240), has livable space of just over 4,000 square feet, a three-car garage and a wine cellar. Wanatka’s motorcycle collection is integrated into the home.

The house is thoughtfully situated on a steep grade with a view down the Animas Valley. Despite its location on the edge of the city, “it’s remarkably private,” Eccher said.

Another home in the Parade is at 240 Copper Rim Trail in Edgemont Highlands. The neighborhood has been a busy site for builders this summer.

“This is where the action is,” Enge said. “This is where the lots are.”

The Edgemont home has a large rear patio and open living space. The master bedroom connects to a spacious bathroom and walk-in closet.

Another home in the Parade, at 15 La Questa Drive in SkyRidge, is still under construction. The approximately 4,750-square foot house owned by Will and Jennifer McConnell will have six bedrooms and five bathrooms.

General contractor Shane Ferris of Ferris Woodwork is working to put the finishing touches on the home before Parade weekend.

“It’s not as easy as it looks on the (TV) shows,” he said.

The Parade of Homes has several new events this year. A Parade Poker Run will win someone a new washer and dryer. A Kids Building Contest with Legos will be Sept. 28. And a Container Gardening Contest will offer first-, second- and third-place prizes.

For more information, visit www.durangopoh.com online.

cslothower@durangoherald.com



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