By Emily Williams
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a learned down-sizer, the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders’ annual Parade of Homes will have a home that fits just right.
This year’s tour will feature more than 50 homes ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 square feet scattered across the Birmingham metro area. After an April 18 judging of the homes, the tour
will be open April 21-23 and April 28-30.
Headlining the parade will be the 2017 Ideal Home, at 997 Willow Branch Trail in Chelsea.
The house was designed by Scotch Homes and Land Development Group, founded by Birmingham native and Briarwood Christian School graduate Wayne J. Scotch Jr. The 3,120-square-foot house in the Willow Branch subdivision includes five bedrooms and 4½ baths.
According to the GBAHB, with its modern furnishings and large patio and outdoor kitchen, the 2017 Ideal Home sets the tone for this year’s tour, which focuses on modern styles and large outdoor living spaces.
Homes featured on this year’s parade are located throughout the Over the Mountain area and other suburban communities. The local villages also will be showcased on the tour, each featuring one or more Parade homes. Over the Mountain communities showcased are:
Altadena Ridge – Vestavia Hills
The new gated community rests on the edge of the future 70-acre park at Altadena and consists of 58 lots. The subdivision is being developed by Harris Doyle Homes, and three of their constructions will be available to tour: Jones A, 2661 Altadena Ridge Circle; Hogan A, 2933 Altadena Ridge Drive; and Woods A, 2939 Altadena Ridge Drive.
from “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Signature Homes will show the Huck Finn 1 home, 1482 Sawyer Run, on the parade route.
Brook Highland – North Shelby County
This residential community contains more than 1,000 homes and encompasses 700 acres off U.S. 280 East. Eddleman Residential LLC will be showing one home on the tour, the Carlisle at 6013 Club Place.
Highland Lakes – North Shelby County
Resting on the ridge of Oak Mountain, this community spans more than 1,700 acres and includes four lakes stocked with fish and a variety of home designs. Eddleman Residential LLC homes featured on the tour are: Suffolk, 1037 Fairfield Lane; Baxley, 1033 Fairfield Lane; Brighton, 1040 Regency Way; Carlton, 1004 Columbia Circle; and Fairview, 1096 Regency Way. Murphy Home Builders will be showing a custom home at 207 Sheffield Lane.
Liberty Park – Vestavia Hills
This well-known community is home to more than 1,400 families and elementary and middle schools. The grounds feature walking trails, recreational centers, parks, lakes and two sports complexes easily accessible to community members. Liberty Park Joint Venture LLP serves as developers for the community and has two homes featured on the tour: The Hollow, 4844 Heritage Hills Way; and The Woodward, 4636 Jackson Loop.
McGill Crossings – Hoover
Located next to Deer Valley Elementary School, this gated community features a professionally designed landscape to create an abundance of green space. Homes in the community range from 2,300 to 4,500 square feet and three to five bedrooms. Embassy Homes will show the Whitman B Portico home, at 4710 McGill Court, on the parade tour.
Mt Laurel – North Shelby County
Recently named Birmingham’s only Southern Living Inspired Community, the town features a traditional community atmosphere with walkable neighborhoods, a stocked fishing lake, parks and a Town Center. Also in the community are Mt. Laurel Elementary School, Hilltop Montessori School and the Mt Laurel Public Library. Homes on the tour, developed by Town Builders Inc., include Olmsted II, 216 Olmsted St.; and The Cherry Laurel, 49 Nolen St.
The Preserve – Hoover
Home to annual music festivals and art shows, this community features homes based on classic American architectural designs, from Colonial to Victorian. The 300-acre community backs up to Moss Rock Preserve and includes amenities such as walking trails, a Town Hall, a Town Center with restaurants, shops and ponds. RidgeCrest Homes will show The Stirling home, 399 Renaissance Drive, on the parade tour. Two custom homes on the tour also will be showing in this village, The Woodland Tower by Byrom Building, 427 Renaissance Drive; and the Jasmine Cottage by Hastings Construction Inc., 467 Renaissance Drive.
Sawyer Trail – Hoover
The Ross Bridge Community’s newest neighborhood, Sawyer Trail is made up of 140 home sites. Amenities include a pool, pool house, fire pit area, cooking area and green spaces along streets named after characters.
The Village – North Shelby County
Located just across the road from Mt Laurel, this community features walkable streets, parks, trails, a pool, cabanas and access to Mt. Laurel Elementary School. Homes featured on the parade tour have been developed by Eddleman Residential LLC and include: Wesley, 1026 Highland Village Trail; Beaumont, 2053 Highland Village Bend; Highfield, 6029 English Village Lane; Ashby, 6033 English Village Lane; Durham, 6069 English Village Lane; Clifton, 6009 English Village Lane.; Walton, 6093 English Village Lane; Carlisle, 6101 English Village Lane; and Winthrop, 6109 English Village Lane.
Viridian – Vestavia Hills
This gated community has 20 homes with historically authentic designs and green home-building features, as well as two parks. Two homes designed by Wedgworth Companies will be featured on the tour: Ashmont, 905 Viridian Way; and Chatham, 969 Viridian Way.
Woodhaven Trace – Hoover
With only six lots remaining available for purchase, this community features one-level and basement homes. The neighborhood is near Interstate 459 as well as the new Hoover YMCA and the Grove Shopping Center. Prominence Home and Communities will show one of its buildings on the parade route: The Windsor, 6221 Woodhaven Trace.
Featured Builders
Featured builders for this year’s tour include AJ Homes, Byrom Building Corporation, BPS Partners LLC, Eddleman Residential LLC, Embassy Homes, Harris Doyle Homes Inc., Hastings Construction Inc., J. Wright Building Company, KADCO Homes, Liberty Park’s LifeScape Builders LLC, Mountainview Custom Homes LLC, Murphy Home Builders LLC, Newcastle Homes, Prominence Homes and Communities, RidgeCrest Homes, Scotch Homes, Scholl Construction Inc., Signature Homes, Smith Douglas, Thoroughbred Homes by DAL Properties LLC, Timeless Homes, Town Builders Inc., Wedgworth Companies, Winford Homecrafters and Wright Homes.
Tour Details
The 2017 Parade of Homes is free and open to the public and will be held April 21-23 and April 28-30. Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
A kickoff party will be held April 20 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Ideal Home.
For more information, visit gbahb.com.