Monthly Archives: December 2018

There’s No Place Like Home

Written by: Joshua Perry, Realtor/Director of Business Development

When I made the tough decision to retire from the NFL late this July, the decision of where I wanted to go wasn’t tough. I knew that Lewis Center was going to be home for me. It is a place that is extremely familiar and somewhere that has always felt like home. Growing up across the lake in Galena, I went to school in Lewis Center, made some long-lasting friendships in Lewis Center, and as an athlete, I cemented the foundation of my career in Lewis Center.

Before I left for training camp this summer, I stopped into the Evans Farm sales center. I started to see some of the homes going up and like many people around, I was curious to see what it was all about. When I pulled up to the office in Old Lewis Center, I walked up the steps to a porch and when I entered, I took a look around and found a charming little office that felt more like a living room than a sales floor. I was welcomed in and was immediately introduced to what was happening. Krista, a sales consultant, explained to me the vision for Evans Farm- New Urbanism. New Urbanism is what so many of us have gotten away from, but still deeply desire. Its community living based off front porches, social town centers and open recreation. You can live, work and play all in the same neighborhood. It takes on functional design- sweeping streetscapes with no breaks in the curb due to alley loaded garages, sidewalks leading to amenities no further than a quarter of a mile away and mindfully constructed homes that take inspiration from classic architectural styles. I was a bit taken back. It is such a stark departure from what we’ve all gotten accustomed to. We’ve become used to spacious homes with rooms that sit bare, on at least 100 feet of lot frontage (which you can still get here) and so much privacy that you almost feel in danger because you don’t know your neighbors. Evans Farm brings back a sense of community. I was intrigued.

After retirement, I had to find work. I took real estate classes and eventually became a REALTOR for Buckeye National Realty. My next journey was just beginning. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from the folks at Evans Farm. The rumblings around town were that I was home and trying to make a name in real estate. They were interested in meeting with me to see what other plans I might have. After a few meetings, I decided to take on another role- Director of Business Development at Evans Farm. The game plan would be for me to help develop a rapport between local REALTORs, businesses and Evans Farm. As a kid who grew up here there was a unique opportunity to reach out to the community. But through the number of meetings I had at Evans Farm, I was sold on the vision. Having a neighborhood development that strengthens the community not only through economic infusion, but the tenets of New Urbanism, was something in which I wanted to be involved. I imagined how different my childhood would have been in a place like this. Instead of having to wait on a ride to the park or my friend’s house, it could have been a short walk away. The ability to walk with my brothers to an ice cream shop during the summer would have created lasting memories. Spending time by the pond with my dad would have been special. But even now, living in a home of just two people, the allure of Evans Farm is strong. The sense of community just outside my door would be valuable and being just a short walk away from social life and entertainment, while experiencing all the conveniences of the suburbs, is a game changer. Regardless of what walk of life you’re in, this place will make you feel at home. Evans Farm won’t just be a place to live, work and play- it will be a vehicle that provides infrastructure to keep Lewis Center strong via partnerships with Olentangy Local Schools and the Evans Farm Foundation, and that impact will be sure to last.

I’m excited to watch this project as it evolves. It’s as organic of a community project as I’ve been around and it’s just the thing that will keep Lewis Center the type of place it is.

First Residents

November brought our first residents into Evans Farm. Shortly after, the next family moved into their new home. The anxiously awaiting families were thrilled to move into their newly constructed houses prior to the busy holiday season! It is expected that a few more families will move into their homes before the end of the year.

There are still some spec homes that are available for purchase for those that wish to be in Evans Farm within the next few months. Please make sure to stop by our sales center for more information regarding spec homes or building your own custom home with one of our 12 approved builders.

BIA Parade of Homes Update

As the first half of December progresses towards Christmas, over half of the parade houses have started to be constructed. These larger houses that face towards a wooded park are beautifully constructed by 12 different builders. Many of these builders have participated in the BIA Parade of Homes events in the past. However, there are a few builders that are new to this exceptional showcase of Central Ohio homes. Among these 12 builders are:

• Cua Builders
• P&D Builders
• Guzzo & Garner
• Sierra Homes
• Maronda Homes
• Bob Webb Homes
• ALTA
• Coppertree
• Arthur Rutenberg
• 3 Pillar Homes
• Kenric Fine Homes
• Stonecliff Homes

Promotional Video

In early November, LP Smart Siding partnered with Evans Farm to create a promotional video. The video team flew in from Minnesota to obtain almost two days of footage of Evans Farm. This included two families that will be moving into Evans Farm, some of the Evans Farm staff, a few of the businesses, onsite footage and nearby footage to help share the image of what makes Evans Farm unique. The promotional video will be released to Evans Farm before the end of the year. Check our website in the upcoming weeks at EvansFarmOH.com to view this video.

Evans Farm Marketplace

Phase 1 of Evans Farm commercial is scheduled to start during the first quarter of 2019. The image to the left is a visual representation of the first building on the east side of Evans Farm Dr. and is expected to house a bank, ice cream parlor, restaurant with a brewery, and a wine and cheese bar. On the second story small business spaces are available and the third story will be apartments for those interested in living in the downtown area of Evans Farm.

Also included in Phase 1 of commercial, are condos. These will start on the east side of Evans Farm Dr., just north of the Phase 1 building, shown above. All of the condos are planned to be a townhouse-style, rather than a ranch-style.

Christmas Open House(s)

Three builders opened their houses to over 100 visitors on December 12 and offered them free beverages and hors d’ouerves. The Open House(s) Tour began at 5773 Piatt Road built by Custom Elite Homes. Guests were treated to a beautiful sunset over the west lake from the wrap-around porch of this Craftsman Farmhouse style home. The full-sized refrigeration and freezer pair along with the stainless farm sink received the most compliments.

A short walk past one of Evans Farm’s first residents led guests to the Stonecliff Homes offering. Amish cabinetry and exquisite multi-layer millwork were favorites. This home offers a first floor master suite and a flexible second floor layout that boasts more than 2,500 square feet.

The final home of the tour is being built by 3 Pillar Homes. Visitors were wowed by the wide-open main floor plan. The kitchen is truly the heart of this home located in the center of the action. The deep front porch will overlook the downtown district and a private covered rear porch will offer residents a quiet place to relax.