Golden Avenue Estates, at 3216-3224 Golden Avenue in Columbia Tusculum, is providing five new sites for upscale homes.
Rob Fritzsch Custom Builders and Randy Travis of RLT Design have developed plans for four half-acre lots and one one-acre lot.
Two units are listed: 3216 Golden Avenue, a 12-room ranch listed for $995,000; and 3224 Golden Avenue, an 11-room two-story listed for $799,900.
All of the development plans have been approved by the City and by the financer, but Fritzsch will not start construction until there is a buyer.
Among the available options are:
- a pool (optional)
- geothermal (optional)
- a covered terrace with wood burning fireplace
- hardwood/bamboo floors
- great rooms
- gourmet kitchens
- a media room
- guest suites and master suites
But, because of the economy, the margins have been cut – requiring LEED upgrades to cost extra for the buyer.
"The extra expense lies in all the additional material expense of Energy Star products for insulation, windows, foundations, roofing, et cetera," says Denise Guiducci, broker and owner of RE/MAX Citywide. "In addition they can put in geothermal HVAC systems which pay for themselves within a couple years in energy savings, which is an additional cost on top of LEED. You also get Federal money for that system."
The City offers up to a $500,000, 15-year tax abatement on LEED new construction."It is really worth doing and pays for itself within two years from the abatement alone, much less the energy and federal rebate benefits," Guiducci says.
As a custom builder, Fritzsch can tailor plans to suit the buyer.
"Of course he can custom build and change anything on the plans," Guiducci says. "Rob is willing to just sell the lots as well."
A model home showcasing Fritzsch's work is located at 3025 Ononta Avenue, and open houses are often held on Sundays.
