Elmbrooke blossoms into new phase this spring

By KERRI BARTLETT For Brentwood Home Page Builders Legend Homes and Heritage and Celebration Homes, LLC are finally building on the property that marks Elmbrooke subdivision, located at Crockett and Concord roads. It’s been years since the first roads were cut into the scenic landscape. “ After years of seeing the beautiful piece of property, it is very exciting that homes are now being built,” said Corey Craig, vice president of sister companies Celebration and Heritage Homes. The first home is under construction and has sparked a lot of interest, the builders say. “It’s just a matter of it being the right time for a new development,” Doug Herman, president of Legend Homes, said. “The market has improved, and we are able to build homes at the right price at a prime Brentwood location.” The 55-acre development is nestled in between Dolly Parton’s spread on Crockett and the historic Concord House. Elmbrooke got its start five years ago, when Marshall Development lined up multiple builders to begin the project. The economy faltered, however and the property went into foreclosure. First State Bank, who held the first loan to Marshall Development, tried to market the property for almost a year before its Board of Directors decided to sell individual lots to Heritage and Legend Homes. Today those companies have the 17 lots in Phase 1 under contract with the bank. Herman explained that Elmbrooke was originally going to be a gated community with higher-priced homes on private streets, similar to adjacent Hampton Reserve. But with the economy headed downward, so too did the market for that type of community. So the two builders decided to offer more affordable homes to meet the current demand. “It’s a smarter, more efficient and more affordable home,” he said. Floor plans range from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet with a price point from $800,000s to high $900,000s. “We have been able to achieve more without a lot of extra square footage. People are usually surprised to learn the actual square footage of the homes,” Herman noted.  The development is in its first phase, which includes the construction of 17 home sites on half acre and acre lots, which will be completed in 12 to 18 months. Two additional phases will include the construction of 30 more homes. The homes offer versatile and livable floor plans for a great value at a prime location, Craig said. Realtor Andy Ferguson, vice president of Legend Homes, explained that the first home under construction is 3,800 square foot and is listed at $699, 900. It features the newer version of the Parade of Homes 2011 award-winning floor plan, the “Oxford Plan,” which includes an open concept design with a family room, kitchen with granite countertops and custom cabinetry, a wet bar and family life center including such amenities as recycling bins, paper shredder, mudroom, and a laundry/craft room with a desk. The plan also features a master suite, guest bedroom and study downstairs with two bedrooms and a bonus room upstairs plus a multi-purpose space that could be used for an extra bedroom, walk-in storage or media room. After years of being on hold, the builders are looking forward to the subdivision’s growth. “We feel our product is a perfect match for the discerning buyer looking to be right in the heart of Brentwood,” Ferguson added.