Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The 1998 Homes On Parade in Winona Lake kicked off Thursday with a VIP showcase in which the builders could truly relax and enjoy the spectacle.
Instead of past years, in which many of the homes remained for sale, only one of the eight homes featured in this year's parade is still available.
"That's what makes it a successful parade," said Brad Jackson, a co-owner of T.L. Jackson.
Several hundred people attended the VIP event and got a sneak peek at the homes Thursday night.
Heritage Lake Park is off CR 250E between Pierceton Road and U.S. 30. The parade officially kicks off Saturday at 1 p.m.
The parade continues through September 20. Developers this year are Elaine Grill, Leon Horn and James McCleary.
Thursday night's activities were highlighted by awards.
Swartz Brothers Construction won four awards, including best landscaping, best interior floor design, best exterior and second overall, but T.L. Jackson Construction won best overall. The People's Choice award will be announced after the parade concludes.
Jackson also won second for best interior floor design.
Jackson's home, The Tarr, was the biggest and by far the most expensive in the parade. The 5,500 square feet of living space includes four bedrooms, two kitchens, a game room, exercise room and a unique screened-in porch.
The main bathroom was a standout that included a glass brick enclosed shower area, a deep sunken whirlpool and an array of lighting controls.
The brick exterior was highlighted by limestone-quoined corners and keystones over all the windows and entryway arches.
While most of the homes were priced in the low to mid-$200,000s, the Jackson home far exceeded that level, but Jackson declined to say exactly how much out of respect for the homeowner.
The Swartz home, The Eastern Seaboard, comprises 2,883 square feet of room that includes a two-car garage and office area linked to the home by a covered walkway.
The walkway offers a striking view of a pool area that includes a separate whirlpool. The pool includes two planters with waterfalls that splash quietly into the pool. But the real eye-catcher is the neon lighting running along the perimeter of the pool on the water surface that changes six different colors.
Other award winners were Legacy Homes, which won second place in exterior and second place for interior; and Coplen Construction, which won second place for landscaping.
The 1998 parade is also unique in that it includes two villas. The only difference in ownership is that landscape and exterior care of the villa is provided for with a monthly charge. One of the two villas remains for sale.
The villas were constructed by Legacy Homes.
Other builders participating in the parade are Terry Shepherd Construction and Ideal Construction.
Viewing hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Monday through Friday, hours will be 3 to 8 p.m. Hours on Sept. 19 are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and hours on Sept. 20 will be 1 to 6 p.m.
