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1978—1982 Daredevil Days: Leslie began her career as a union carpenter apprentice in 1978 after discovering that her liberal arts degree had in no way prepared her to make a living. Enamored with the danger and glamour of construction, Leslie spent four years working on Springfield area bridges and high rises. She completed a four year apprenticeship in 1982. |
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1982-1986 Restoration Days: Leslie began buying and renovating homes in Springfield’s Maple Hill Historic District. With a crew of tradespeople, she renovated fourteen National Register properties which she then rented out and managed. Funding for the project including financing from limited partnerships. |
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1986—1990 Arcadia Boulevard: In 1986, Leslie purchased land in the East Forest Park neighborhood which abutted Lake Massasoit. On the protected cove of the lake were three debilitated summer cottages which her crew rebuilt. The rest of the property was subdivided into five lots and single family homes were then built. Read more |
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1988-1990 Condominium Conversion: In 1987, Leslie bought a 20 room Victorian mansion in Holyoke. Although architecturally intact, the property needed completed restoration. The building was rezoned as six condominiums and completed within a year. Because of the inherent beauty of the building, the project was written up in the New York Times real estate section. Read more |
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1988-1992 Wyndhurst Condominiums: In 1988, Leslie built a luxurious condominium development which commanded a panoramic view of the Pioneer Valley. The building was designed to appear as a Victorian mansion and had a concealed underground parking garage below. The condominiums sold for between $285,000 and $515,000. Read more |
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Real Estate Broker: Since the early 1990’s, Leslie has helped clients through the often stressful process of buying or selling a home. She brings to the table years of hands-on widely ranging experience in financing and marketing.
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Personal: Leslie lives in a Craftsman style home in Longmeadow with her two daughters, Emeline and June. The family enjoys a summer camp in the Adirondacks built by Leslie’s great-grandparents. Meet the family |
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2000-2005 Wollaston Street: Leslie purchased 37 building lots in the Boston Road area which had been laid out in 1910 but never developed because of a lack of sewer and water. After constructing a new street, she built Craftsman style homes which ranged in price from $225,000 to $340,000. The development is now sold out and complete. |
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2005-2008 Forest Park Homes: With permits and engineering approved, Leslie was set to build a number of new homes off Tiffany Street right as the real estate market was headed down. She now hopes to turn the remaining land into a small working farm. Read more |
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1985 - 1987 Bay Street Castle: A former landmark of the McKnight Historic District in Springfield, the Bay Street Castle was in dismal condition when purchased by Leslie’s company. The restoration of this once magnificent 6000 square foot property resulted in six unique apartments.
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Radio Hostess: For five years, Leslie had a radio show on WHYN called Home, Sweet, Home. Lively guests ranging from plumbers and framers to bankers and homeowners made the show enjoyable and informative for hundreds of listeners.
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OTHER LIFE EXPERIENCES |
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Insurance Loss: After restoring a large three-family in the South End of Springfield on lower Central Street, and just days before it was scheduled to be occupied, the building was set ablaze by an arsonist. Leslie navigated her way through the process of securing the building, filing a major insurance claim and negotiating with the adjuster. When the claim was settled, she got her crew back to work to restore the building for a second time.
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