Tri-plex Progress - Introducing the Isabella

We are making very quick progress on our first Tri-plex, having broken ground in late October. There has been a lot of interest in our Tri-plex homes, largely because the design includes our Isabella model.

The Isabella boasts a slightly smaller footprint than our Brianna or Brittany styles, as it consists of 1,325 vs. 1,450 sq. ft. and offers a 1-car vs. 2 car attached garage. The home still features a full 1,325 sq. ft. unfinished lower level that may be customized to your personal taste. Floor plans and specifications may be found on our website.

Jacob's Edge, when fully developed will be a community of 25 homes, however, only 5 Isabella models are planned. The three homes pictured here will be ready in early spring, two of which are already spoken for as of this post. If you're thinking of a spring-summer move and would like to determine the right time to purchase your new home, please ask us about our Home To Home program.

Fire Separation Wall Installed

In the spring of 2009, South Hadley amended its building code to require that 3-family structures are to include a fire sprinkler system. As our "tri-plex" is considered a 3 family structure, we redesigned our plans to incorporate both the sprinkler system and a fire separation wall.

The first photo (on the right) shows how the wall is constructed, beginning with the foundation and base. The fire separation wall, or the privacy wall, is positioned between each attached home, providing an additional safety factor should a fire ever occur.

The construction is comprised of 5/8" drywall, followed by a 2 x 11" framed wall, R-15 high density insulation, a 1" air space, a 2" firewall (green fire resistant panel), and then the reverse of a 1' air space, 2 x 4" framed wall, R-15 high density insulation and the 5/8" dry wall.

The second photo shows the upper most peak with the fire separation wall in place.

Trusses Placed

With construction, there are many quiet days where only a few trucks dot the scene. Then there are the days that are a beehive of activity, with bulldozers, cement mixers, backhoes, etc.

It was certainly a "big rig" day at Jacob's Edge as the crane arrived to place the trusses on our brand new triplex that is currently under construction as part of Phase II. Luckily the very non-New England weather cooperated providing us with 55-degrees, sunshine and no wind, making the truss placement very smooth.

Foundation Laid in our New Tri-Plex

Phase II has begun! The foundation for our first tri-plex was laid this week. We are working very fast to have the structure up and enclosed before inclement weather arrives. Of course, one rarely knows when that begins in New England. We should be used to it now, after almost 25 years of building experience in the Pioneer Valley behind us.

New Homes Under Construction - Phase II

It was Big Rig day at Jacob's Edge as we watched the foundation being dug for our next three homes at Jacob's Edge.

With "Phase I" SOLD, we are now beginning Phase II of the development. Our first tri-plex includes the Brianna and Brittany models (2 bedrooms, 2 baths, full lower level and 2 car garage) along with our first Isabella model.

The Isabella is a slightly smaller, 1,325 sq. ft. home with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. It features a one car garage.

Relaxing On The Patio

Imagine having your morning coffee or enjoying a cool late summer evening while relaxing on the patio of your new home at Jacob's Edge. Listen to the birds as they fly to and from the nature preserve located in your back yard and see the beautifully manicured landscaping (even better because you won't have to care for it!). Life is pretty quiet at Jacob's Edge.

When we first developed the plans for our community, we wanted to make sure that, as construction continues, there would be minimal disruption for residents. That's why we took the time to create the infrastructure first. In addition to the roadbeds being laid for the entire community, we also laid all the underground cables for utilities and integrated the well-fed sprinkler system. As new homes are being built, residents who purchase during Phase I will experience very little ongoing construction noise.

Curb Cuts May Not Look Like a Big Deal

Hazy, hot and humid - that's the official weather forecast for the month of July here in Western Mass. We thought we'd show you a bit of what is going on this week at Jacob's Edge, beginning with the installation of our curb cuts and the extension of our driveway in preparation for Phase II of construction. This photo is looking directly toward the Jacob's Brook Conservation Area which borders our community.

We felt bad for the guys working in 90-plus degree heat all day while visitors touring our Model Home were cooling off in the comfortable air conditioning. They're obviously used to these kinds of conditions, but it can't be fun.

On the other hand, the wet weather has been kind to our landscaping which is holding up very well and needing less personal attention. Residents of Jacob's Edge will enjoy the cost-effective sprinkler system. Our landscape design provides routine irrigation with the needed water being pumped from a private well rather than by consuming city water. Residents need not worry about high water bills and can enjoy green grass and flowering plants all summer long. It is one more way that living at Jacob's Edge conserves resources and makes it easier on everyone's pocketbook.

Landscaping - Phase I

There's nothing like green grass springing up to make you feel at home...especially when you don't have to mow it! The Spring Valley Landscaping crews have been hard at work during May and June, seeding, planting, sculpting, and mulching.

The main entrance of the community and the property border behind Phase I has been landscaped. As you walk up the sidewalk to our Model Home you now see attractive plantings surrounded by dark mulch.

To the right of these hard workers, patios are now being laid which will be the finishing touches to Phase I of Jacob's Edge Condominiums.

This has been a busy few weeks, with our road nearing completion and plans in place to move forward on our next phase. If you've been following the progress and want to make sure you don't miss out on a prime location, be sure to give us a call now.

South Hadley Granby Chamber of Commerce Visits Jacob's Edge Condominiums

The temperature approached 92-degrees outside, but guests enjoyed a perfect evening inside, as Jacob's Edge hosted the April 28th's "Beyond Business" networking event at the newly completed Model Home.

Local businesses attending included many who helped in the construction and development of Jacob's Edge Condominiums, including Easthampton Savings Bank and Chap de laine's Furniture, Heritage Surveys, Atty. Mark Beauregard, Frenchie Drywall, Gerard Lachance Painting, and Michael Bullough, Electrician. Everyone loved the spread provided by Europa Restaurant, graciously served by Robin. Thanks to Europa, Grand Lumber and Chap de laine's for their contribution to our raffle as well.

With a crowd of almost 50, it's easy to say that life at Jacob's Edge won't put a damper on your ability to entertain!

View Our Slideshow

Jacob's Edge Cleans Up - So. Hadley Conservation Celebrates Earth Day 2009

Earth Day 2009 finds Alan, Ed and a large crew of volunteers hitting the trails behind Jacob's Edge Condominiums as sponsors of the South Hadley Conservation Department's spring clean up. Home Improvement Associates supplied coffee and donuts to everyone before the workday began. Thanks to the South Hadley High School student group and community volunteers for pitching in.

The nature trails are part of the Black Steven's Conservation Area, a pristine natural habitat that borders Jacob's Edge Condominiums, providing residents of the community direct, private access to the entire trail system.

Home Improvement Associates will be working with the Conservation Department throughout the year to help update the trail system map and provide assistance in maintenance of the trails where needed.

We're Looking Good - Spring Arrives At Jacob's Edge

Happy Spring! Today is the first day of a very welcomed season here at 161 Granby Road and we are excited to tell you about all the progress that is being made at Jacob's Edge Condominiums.

We have been busy grading and leveling the site in preparation for our landscaping to begin. One of the first projects that needed to be completed was the relocation of our construction trailer, or our "home away from home", as we call it.

This morning we relocated our office temporarily to our model home as the trailer was being moved to its new spot on the access road.

This will allow us to begin landscaping the entrance to our community and allow our neighbors across the street to look at beautiful plantings rather than our somewhat unattractive trailer.

It's amazing how removing some big piles of dirt has helped Jacob's Edge look very settled. It won't be long now until we can start seeding.

Phase I is nearing completion and we are very pleased to report that 50% of the units are now reservcd! Open houses are in full swing and we are averaging 60 visitors at each event. Who says the housing market is down -- not here at Jacob's Edge! Hope to see you soon.

Model Home Opens to Rave Reviews

What a day it was! Last Sunday we had a chance to show off our Model Home at our first Open House held to introduce Jacob's Edge Condominiums to our neighbors. After a long month of snowfall, the sun shown brightly, temperatures neared 60 degrees and it felt like Spring had truly arrived. Throughout the afternoon we greeted over 65 guests.

What did our visitors say about Jacob's Edge?

• "The layout flows well and shows quality construction."
  
• "I love the real hardwood floors - not laminated!"
• "Great choice of interior paint colors - very warm and inviting."
  
• "I could use the bonus room for my office."
• "I can still do my projects in the full basement."
• "The other condos we looked at didn't allow pets."
• "No excuses not to exercise - with the trails right here."
  
• "You have priced these very well. I'm very interested."

We'd like to thank Chap de laine's for the beautiful furnishings that compliment the model home and Jayson's Photography for capturing the essence of the Jacob's Edge lifestyle. Congratulations to Mary Wright for being the winner of our door prize, dinner for two at Europa!

The interior painting has begun and our Model Home will soon be completed. Alan and Ed point out the color palette, a golden tan that gives the great room a warm glow, yet provides plenty of light. The vaulted ceiling really gives the room a wonderful, open feeling. The hardwood floors are in and the kitchen cabinetry is being installed this week.

Next week should be very busy as we begin preparing for a series of events surrounding the Grand Opening of Jacob's Edge Condominiums. If you haven't had a chance to stop by for a tour, now is the time. We are offering some wonderful custom upgrades worth thousands of dollars - but only on the first few units.

Winter Rolls In

Tremendous progress has been made on Jacob's Edge since our first open house in October. Despite unusually harsh winter conditions and the never-ending snow, ice, and more snow, construction is advancing on schedule.

Even with all the building activity going on right now, the area is still very peaceful. Part of the reason why is that the units set well back from Granby Road. Beyond the treeline is the private entrance to Jacob's Brook Conservation Area.

Our Model Home is nearing completion and is available for showings anytime. Due to the conditions, you might want to bring along a pair of boots! Just stop by our construction office on-site and we'll give you a tour.

More pictures will be posted as construction continues, and we will be gearing up for our Grand Opening this spring. Here's hoping that the Groundhog sees his shadow next Monday!