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Before and After |
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Before and After |
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1986 - 1988 Camp Midnight East Forest Park Subdivision
In 1986, Leslie purchased a parcel of land on Arcadia Boulevard in the East Forest Park section of Springfield, a waterfront street abutting Lake Massasoit. On a protected cove of the lake sat three dilapidated summer cottages just ten feet from the water. Since conservation commission restrictions prevented building new homes that close to the water, Leslie had the cottages completely rebuilt on the existing foundations. Despite their tiny size, the charm of the cottages and proximity to the water won over three buyers and were quickly sold. After a battle with the Springfield Conservation Commission regarding the remaining land, Leslie received approval to build six more homes along the lake accessed off a private road. Birch trees, white oaks and grass knolls sloping to the water made an attractive setting, and six eager buyers were soon in hand. Since it was the top of the real estate market, it was nearly impossible to get subcontractors ---- they were all too busy! As an alternative, Leslie designed the plans, order the homes from a modular factory and enjoyed their prompt arrival. There was still the need to hire individual subs to complete portions of the plumbing, electrical, framing and drywall, but it was overall faster than stick building. All nine homes were built and sold within 18 months with total sales of $1,050,000.
Lessons Learned Advice I Now Share With Clients
First Lesson: Financially, I did well on this one development partly because it was a great site, but also because we were enjoying a strong real estate market. Even though it's easy to get wrapped up in the details of a development, it's important to keep an eye on the big picture of both the national economy and the real estate market. Second Lesson: On this project, I got my feet thoroughly wet in the tangle of Conservation Commission regulations. I learned about the concept of wetlands and how to obtain approval to build around them. Today I am able to give practical (and hard-earned! advice to my in regards to property involves conservation commissions. Third Lesson: While I still prefer to the traditional method of "stick building" homes, building modular homes was an interesting and educational experience. Despite the design limitations, modular homes can be a great choice when it is difficult to get contractors.
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Leslie Clement (413) 567-7887
Caring for clients along their real estate journey in Western Massachusetts |
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What? No press on this great project??? |
