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The imported wood floors from Norway glisten and offer a pathway into a large sunken living center near the entrance. Visitors to the 2.432 square-foot ranch are "second-time buyers," Rodrigues said. "They have very little use for a formal dining room and formal living room. Those rooms only get used once or twice a year among some people," said Rodrigues, the youngest builder in the show. However, other builders said some people were looking for more class and luxury in their homes. To appeal to these potential buyers, they built models that include such features as foyers with tile and, marble floors, richly decorated formal dining rooms, wood-paneled dens and thickly carpeted living rooms. Many of the homes also feature large bathrooms located adjacent to master bedrooms and complete with such amenities as two sinks and whirlpools set off with tile. Owen Purvis, president and owner of Gas Light Homes, said, "The master bedroom and bathroom is important. People want a little more luxury in their prime resting place." His company's two-story Wyndhurst model promotes an airy feeling beginning at the 18-foot high foyer. French doors with glass insets provide an attractive entry into the master bathroom. A nearby sunroom/spa overlooks the backyards of several neighbors. "Yes, neighbors can see it," Purvis said, "but if you put a miniblind at the bottom of the windows, you still have a light room and privacy." The toilet is tucked behind a wall in what some people call a narrow closet without a window. One framed piece of art provides the lone decoration. "It [the water closet] provides a sense of privacy," Purvis said. Mike Millikin, of Millikin Homes, is showing a two-story home fit for country gentry. Stained glass windows flank a brick fireplace that reaches to a vaulted ceiling. A study overlooks a large living center from a narrow balcony. "People are looking for something with a dramatic view," Millikin said. Interior wood crown moldings- which outline ceilings in dining areas, bedrooms and living rooms- also are items that builders believe add touches of quality. "There is beauty and warmth in the wood," said George Schroeder, whose Pennsylvania Manor House boasts cherry cabinets in the kitchen and inlaid walnut boarders around an oak floor in the formal dining room. Schroeder, owner of Schroeder Bros. Construction, also said there was a trend toward high efficiency homes to save energy. Improved insulation and energy efficient windows mark these homes, he said. The windows keep heat from escaping and also prevent sun from fading carpets and furnishings. The Providence, a model built by Bielinski Bros. Builders, is one among several homes that include light, airy kitchens and dinettes with cathedral ceilings and circle windows. The cedar shakes and rough sawn-cedar siding add to the exterior's country charm. Other homes feature brick fronts. Jerome McGinnis, owner of Embassy Construction Corp., noted that the Parade of Homes was a showcase for all builders. "There are a lot of people who are looking for components from these homes to put into their dream home," McGinnis said. "People are picking and choosing designs, floor plans, interior and exterior decorating and bathrooms." "Everyone lives on a budget. Some people are looking for solid oak doors while others may want pine." McGinnis said buyers were looking for center island kitchens to make cooking preparation easier. He built the 3,000 square-foot Normandy model with a large kitchen island. Wood decks leading from sliding or hinged patio doors are featured at many Parade homes. At the Baron Tudor model by Barenz Builders, Cheryl Barenz said home buyers were also looking for high quality and craftsmanship. In response, the Baron Tudor includes an English rose pattern plaster cast design on the ceiling of the formal dining room and oak beams in the master bedroom suite. Robert Loepfe, who built the two-story Bauhaus '88 model, said the 3,000 square-foot home is ideal for a family with teenagers. The house sports a fitness center located above the garage. A computer center is situated in the loft area. "This home is aimed with a couple in mind with children who are older, maybe in their teens," said Loepfe, owner of Robert Loepfe Builders. Gene Wilbur, builder of the Victorian Farmhouse, said the two-story home helped capture the old-style look of the 1800's farmhouse. "It looks like an old-fashioned farmhouse, but they didn't have whirlpools in the master bedroom and glass walled showers," said Wilbur, owner of Fairway Homes. The $108,000 home features French doors leading from the family room to the parlor. "Some of the things you used to see years ago," Wilbur said. The Parade attracted more than 10,000 people during its first weekend. Mike Fabishak, executive director of the Metropolitan Builders Association of Greater Milwaukee, said he expected the Parade of Homes to surpass last years attendance of 29,000.   << Return to Article Index
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