Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The site of the Builders Association of Kosciusko/Fulton Counties' 2003 Homes on Parade is Shadow Lakes, a new development east of Warsaw on Old Road 30E.
VIP night Thursday provided the opportunity for the Builders Association to recognize the builders and introduce the hosts and sponsors of the event. Doug Harvey, president of the Association, welcomed everyone to the 18th Homes on Parade and acknowledged the 25th anniversary of the Association.
In remembrance of the events that occurred Sept. 11, 2001, a Kosciusko County honor guard presented the flags during the "Star-Spangled Banner."
The site was developed by Dale, Derek and Adam Custer, Superior Developing LLC. Dale spoke briefly, thanking God and country and introducing his wife. He also thanked the builders.
To celebrate the Builders Association's 25th anniversary, the following charter members were recognized: Culligan Water Conditioning, Farmer's State Bank, Gable Construction, Ideal Construction, Mutual Federal Savings Bank, National City Bank, NIPSCO, Sprint, Warsaw Masonry Supply and Woodward Realty and Insurance.
Also recognized were: Mutual Federal Savings Bank, host sponsor of VIP night; all other sponsors of the evening; event committees; and Carol Huffer, executive director of the Builders Association.
The builders of the eight homes in this year's parade are: Miller Brothers Builders, Skyline Builders, J.C. Hamman Construction, Terry Shepherd Construction, Legacy Homes, Coplen Construction and T.L. Jackson Construction Inc.
Catering was by Nancy's Fancies and live music was provided by Sentimental Journey.
Don't miss the playhouse, built by Coplen Construction, just outside the entry to the parade. It will be given to the winner of the raffle to benefit the Builders' "Coats for Kids" program.
Common among this year's homes was the use of ceramic tile combined with carpet, both wall-to-wall and area rugs. Several homes featured hardwood floors, ranging from very light to rich dark shades. Some tile and hardwood floors contained unusual borders, such as light against dark hardwood and small tiles laid in intricate patterns. All homes are comfortable, convenient and ideal for family life.
In the single-story homes, the lower levels are finished and functional. Many lower levels contained home theater areas and an additional bedroom. Central open living and dining areas were common. Many master suites were separated from other bedrooms for privacy.
Homes with formal dining rooms also had dining areas or nooks in the kitchen. All the kitchens were spacious, with plenty of cabinets and countertop space. Screened porches, sunrooms and three-season rooms were included in several floor plans.
Exteriors were done in combinations of siding, brick and different types of stone. One of the home's exteriors was pale yellow with soft teal trim; others were a variety of neutral tones. Front windows in different shapes, several with high transoms, others covering large areas, accented the exteriors. In one dining room, the large floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the chandelier to be seen from the outside.
This year's interiors were all different styles with mixed colors throughout the home. Although the colors in each home carried a given shade range - dark, medium, light - the colors were different throughout the home. Fall colors of cinnamon reds, golds and greens were common; one home was done in blues; one kitchen was light yellow, giving the area a bright feeling. It's common to see different complementary colored walls and ceilings in an open area. One home featured principles and proverbs painted around the border and on a fireplace.
Furniture and decorations in the homes ranged from art deco to heavy provincial. One of the homes was done in art deco, with light walls, white kitchen cabinets and faux black furniture and accents. One of the living rooms contained a large French armoire, others had baby grand and other player and combination pianos.
Check out the jewel tones and heavy ornate dark furniture in No. 1. The No. 7 home carries a south seas motif throughout, using wicker furniture and bamboo accents. Nautical themes still are popular in bedrooms.
Photographic renderings of the homes and floor plans were contained in a special section in Thursday's Times-Union.
Shadow Lakes is on Old Road 30E, just east of CR 250E, Warsaw. This parade runs Saturday through Sept. 21. The hours are: Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m.; Monday through Friday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Sept. 20, 1 to 8 p.m.; and Sept. 21, 1 to 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the parade site: $5 for age 13 and up; $1 for ages 6 to 12; and under age 6 are free.
Don't forget to look at the mailboxes, street lights and street signs - they match!
