MBA - Parade of Homes 2017

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Homes on Parade 22 new houses offer a chance to see current building trends BY B.L. HOGAN

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he Metropolitan Builders Association’s 72nd annual Parade of Homes, which kicks off August 12, offers a look inside 22 new homes in three subdivisions. But it’s not just for people who are shopping for their next residence. “This isn’t only about new homes,” says Kristine Hillmer, the MBA’s executive director. “This is about looking at trends; it’s about looking at new innovative products; it’s about new concepts. “A lot of people who come to the Parade of Homes aren’t necessarily in the market to buy a new house, but what they want to do is take these elements and concepts back to their (own) new house or their existing house.” The Parade of Homes will run every day through Labor Day, featuring homes constructed by 18 MBA builder members.

Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Builders Association

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The three subdivisions are Four Winds West, a new development in the Village of Hartland; Fox Meadow, also new, in Menomonee Falls; and Highlander Estates, a new phase of an existing subdivision in Mequon. The Parade will be the public’s only chance to see a number of these homes, according to Hillmer, as some are already sold, and others are likely to be sold during the event. Natalie Riley, MBA communications manager, says that in one recent year, all the homes were sold by the end of the Parade. In addition to the houses themselves, the event is a way for developers to showcase these new communities, Hillmer says. “If you’re moving, say, from St. Francis to Menomonee Falls, or from Franklin to Mequon, you may have no idea that these

neighborhoods are available,” she says, adding that the Parade is also a way for participating builders to showcase their craft for possible future new-home buyers. And what about those new-construction trends? “Color is one,” says Hillmer. “The trend for the last couple of years has been very much grays, with a lot of white woodwork, and very neutral. What you’re going to see in a lot of these houses is color popping up.” Bielinski Homes is one builder going that way in the house it built in the Menomonee Falls subdivision. “Think of the colors in Sherwin-Williams Noir theme, like Anchors Aweigh, Mature Grape, Alchemy and Cyberspace,” says Paul Bielinski, chief operating officer. Hillmer says that builders can supply AUGUST 2017

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