Singing the praises of unsung heroes: Tough economic climate fails to deter progress on major Home Builders Foundation project

By: Luke Morley, HBF Board Member

The Foundation’s Cordero House remodel, which breaks ground in just a few weeks, is a daunting challenge. Cordero House is a community based treatment program providing a safe haven for teenage boys. The original objective was to simply increase the number of beds at Cordero House, as the highly successful program had been forced to turn away applicants due to a lack of capacity.

But the tired, old 6,500 square foot structure was also in dire need of major repair, a fact that was not lost on builder captains Jim Feild of Progressive Builders Northwest and Mike Arnett of Lifestyle Homes. Feild and Arnett deduced that a $900,000 remodel of the facility would be required to convert this “facility” into a real “home.”

Feild feels that “donor creativity” has made the difference in an otherwise stingy environment for contributions of expertise and materials. “Individuals and companies have risen to the occasion to show their support for the project. While the donation may not be what was originally intended, they are still on board with co-op opportunities. The Foundation and its partners are looking for other ways to help, including helping write a grant that got the Cordero House $12,000 worth of kitchen appliances from the USDA. Thinking “out of the box” ensures the success of all us and allows us to fulfill our promises during these times.”

As Mike Arnett so aptly stated, “It may not be as easy to maintain our individual donations and commitments in these unprecedented times, but for those in our industry who are able to stay the course, there’s a house full of kids eagerly waiting the fruits of our giving, whose counseling and treatment will be enhanced and expanded exponentially. That’s our ultimate goal…helping these individuals move on with their lives, enabling them to make a positive difference in the world at large.”

Never having been known to “mince” words, Feild concludes, “Making the Cordero House a part of what I do this year is still a priority regardless of the adversity surrounding us. We all are busy. My experience with busy people is that busy people get things done. So let’s get this done!

Major HBF Contributors:
Alarm Access Control Technologies
Blazer Development
Central Air
Farnsworth Building
Design and Planning
Gary’s Vacuflow
George Morland Plumbing
Globe Lighting
JB Insulation
Jim Fisher Roofing
Lakeside Lumber
Lamps Plus
Lifestyle Homes
Medallion Industries
Milgard Windows
Miller Paint
ProBuild
Progressive Builders NW
Red’s Electric
Sherwin-Williams
Sports Court of Oregon
Terry Voss Framing
The Carpet Place
United Tile
Westland Industries, Inc.

Street of Dreams News: What you need to know

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Professional Remodelers Organization will be running the official Street of Dreams parking lot as a fund raiser for our group.  Volunteers will be needed to direct traffic, collect money and ensure safety within the parking lot.  The parking lot will be open every Saturday and Sunday in August.   Come out and have a great time interacting with an excited and energized public. Make sure to wear your company’s logo shirts, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. For more information or to volunteers, please contact Sarah at 503-684-1880.

IDEA GALLERY
The Idea Gallery is now open for a third weekend (August 22-23). The first weekend (Aug. 8-9) is a few slots from being full, and the second (Aug. 15-16) and third are well on their way. Don’t miss this great opportunity to showcase your products to the 60,000+ consumers that attend the show annually. Call Hallie at the HBA to reserve your booth today.

TICKETS
1.  Tickets are available online at www.streetofdreamspdx.com for $13.00 until July 15. Simply type in “2off” when you check out to receive the discount.
2.  Tickets are available at all Safeway locations beginning July 1. Receive a $2.00 discount by showing your Safeway Club card.
3.  Tickets are also available at NW Rugs and Bedmart.
4.  Bulk tickets are available at the HBA. They are $13 (for 10-19), $12.50 (for 20-49) and $12 (for 50+).

PEARL PASS
Seventy Pearl District businesses have now signed up to take part in the Pearl Pass Program, making your NW Natural Street of Dreams ticket worth close to $6,000 in discounts and freebies! Visit the SOD website to view a full list of the participating businesses and the discounts they are offering.

SPONSORS
Thank you NW Natural, John L. Scott and BASCO for your continued support of the Street of Dreams. This year’s show is shaping up to be one of our most exciting and unique yet, and we are so glad that you are once again a part of it!

Also, thank you to the Oregonian, Oregon Live, NW Rugs, and BedMart for your support and participation in our first-ever urban edition of the show.

Midsummer Night’s Dream set to take The Pearl by storm in July

The annual A Midsummer Night’s Dream charity benefit, organized by the Home Builders Association, has kicked off the NW Natural Street of Dreams with style and class for the last 25 years. And the 2009 rendition, which takes place July 30, promises to impress like never before as it takes guests on a unique journey through Portland’s beautiful Pearl District.

This year’s first ever urban edition of the event, themed Treasures in the Pearl, offers attendees a sneak peek at the nine condominium homes featured in the show while raising money for local charities. Since its inception in 1983, this benefit has provided more than $1.2 million for 72 local charities.

Special features of the 2009 event include:

• Five parties in one: Delicious cuisine, wine, beer and live entertainment will greet guests at the event’s headquarters, Portland Center Stage, along with at each of the four highlighted buildings: 937, Block 90, Encore and Waterfront Pearl.
• A uniquely Portland culinary experience: Bay 13, Henry’s 12th Street Tavern, Palamino Restaurant Rotisseria & Bar, Paragon Restaurant & Bar, and PF Chang’s China Bistro will provide the evening’s delicious local delicacies.
• Limousines shuttles: Guests will travel in luxury as they are shuttled from location to location by JMI Limousines. (Contact JMI for evening deals.)
• Live music and dance performances: Body Vox and a number of local musical performers will get the party started with unique live entertainment. Performers will also whimsically dance attendees to the event’s closer condo locations.

“This one-of-a-kind event is packed full of fun and surprises,” said Jennifer Wessling, the MSND coordinator. “There is no better opportunity for people to come experience the beauty that is the Pearl District while joining together for a good cause.”

Tickets are now on sale at www.streetofdreamspdx.com and can be purchased at the HBA office. Tickets are $100 and as an additional bonus, each MSND ticket may be exchanged at the end of the event for a ticket to the 2009 NW Natural Street of Dreams (a $15 value). Ticket sales from this year’s event benefit three local charities known for their dedication to creating a better environment and better future for those in need in the Portland area.

Tom Kelly Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award

Members of the Home Builders Association and Remodelers Council of Metropoltian Portland gathered yesterday to award Tom Kelly of Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling the prestigious Building Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tom Kelly’s influence on housing, the remodeling industry, and communities and people in general is amazing.  In 1980, he took over the operations of a successful remodeling company founded by his dad, who was also a legendary remodeling and housing pioneer in our region.  He’s built that into one of the most well-known and successful remodeling businesses, not just in Portland, or even Oregon, but in the entire Country.

While the number of accomplishments, awards and recognition Tom has received would fill pages, there are a few areas that stand out as reasons why he is so deserving of this award from our industry.

He has certainly been an active and involved member of the HBA.  He has served on the HBA Board of Directors, as an HBA Officer, and was HBA President in 1996 – the first remodeler to hold that position.  His company has participated in many of our Tour of Remodeled Homes, has been supportive of HBA events and activities, and has numerous employees and staff serve on HBA committees, councils and Task Forces.
 
Tom’s also not shy about taking action, especially if he thinks there needs to be a better vehicle built for working on industry issues.  He was one of the founders of HBA’s Remodelers Council – making sure the Home Builders Association had a strong venue for promoting, representing and advancing this fast growing segment of the construction industry.  He also is a founder of the Oregon Business Association, which started just a few years ago when Tom and other business leaders felt a different approach was needed to represent business at the legislative level.  OBA now has over 300 of Oregon’s top businesses as members.

He was green before green had a color.  His company has done more to innovate and adopt green building practices and the use of sustainable building materials than probably any in our region.  In 1997, his firm embraced the principles of the Natural Step – a way of approaching business that reduces environmental impact and increases efficiency.  In 2006, he built a net zero energy home, which actually produces more energy than it uses.  It was awarded the first LEED for home silver certification in the west coast.

Tom doesn’t rest on his laurels, nor is he afraid of making change.  He took what was already a successful local remodeling company and has expanded it to help diversify its business.  The company now also has a home repair division, a custom home division, a home performance division and an environmentally friendly cabinet company.

But no review of Tom’s accomplishments and contributions, no matter how succinct, would be complete without mentioning his heart for Oregon’s communities and others less fortunate.  Tom’s support and involvement goes to a wide variety of educational, environmental, and social service organizations including groups such as the Portland Children’s Museum, Volunteers of America, Providence Medical Foundation, the Oregon Solutions Project, Children’s Cancer Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, EarthShare and the Albina Rotary Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund.  And he’s continued his company’s 30 year active participation in Loaves and Fishes / Meals on Wheels, serving on the Board and chairing its fundraising committee.  For ultimately, Tom combines a strong spirit of pioneering and progress built on the respect for the legacy his father established.

Mike Arnett and Jim Feild honored for children’s charity work

What started as a simple remodeling project at an area shelter for abused teens has grown into a $900,000, full-scale renovation, and two area home builders were honored recently for their work.

The Home Builders Foundation- HomeAid Program, Mike Arnett of Lifestyle Custom Homes and Jim Feild of Progressive Builders Northwest were presented the John P. Zuercher Champions for Children award by Janus Youth Programs for their work on the Cordero House at an annual supporters dinner.

The Champions for Children award honors individuals or corporations who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of children, youth and families.

The pair of home-building industry leaders are combining their efforts to complete a critical remodel of Cordero House. Regarded as one of the most successful community based treatment programs in the state, Cordero House serves as a safe haven for its teenage clients, where they live, receive clinical services and even attend school for an average of two years.

However, the facility presently has a year-long waiting list and turns away an average five potential new clients each week for lack of bed space.

The Home Builders Foundation selected Cordero House as one of two projects it is working on this year through its nationally affiliated HomeAid program.

“We initially reviewed this project as a place to add some bed space and do some updates, make Cordero House feel more like a home,” said Mike Arnett, project co-captain and HBA’s 2008 President. “But when we saw the real need here, and the possibilities for this facility, it turned into something much more.”

Co-Captain Jim Feild said the slow housing economy around the nation has added some challenge to the project but that he’s been surprised by how generous many companies have been with the Cordero House effort.

“Cordero House’s mission remains vital to our community, regardless of whether the economy is up or down,” he said. “I’m proud of a long list of home building industry partners who have seen a way to help and really have stepped-up to this effort with us. What we’re doing here will help hundreds of young people find hope and a future, for decades to come.”

Don’t forget to vote!

Then reward yourself with ice cream….

Remodeling 101

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Fall Remodeling 101 sponsored by Pacific Residential Mortgage, on Saturday, Oct 25th.  Speakers included Tracy Hankins, Theresa Springer, Eric Larson, and Jim Feild.

Remodeling 101 sponsor Theresa Springer of Pacific Residential Mortgage

Eric Larson of Providence Builders

Participating Remodelers Included:

COOPER Designbuilders  www.cooperdesignbuilders.com

Fouch Building & Remodeling  www.fouchbuilding.com

Hankins Construction  www.hankinsconst.com

Kelly / Rupp Construction  www.kellyruppconstruction.com

Neil Kelly Design/Build  www.neilkelly.com

Oregon Home Renovations  www.oregonhomeservices.com

Progressive Builders NW  www.pbnw.net

Providence Builder  www.providencebuilders.com

Silvertree Builders Northwest, Inc.  smgskat at netscape dot com

Stanley Home Renovation & Design  www.StanleyHomeRenovation.com

Steven Heiteen Construction  www.portlandremodel.com

T.H.E. Remodel Group  sklingerman at comcast dot net

Yalecrest Renovations  www.yalecrestrenovations.com

Steve Klingerman of T.H.E. Remodeling Group

Mark Hylland of Oregon Home Renovations

Participating Remodeling Partners included…

Farnsworth Custom Home and Remodel Design  www.troyfarnsworth.com

Fine Line Pacific of Oregon  www.finelinepacific.com

Fuller Spaces  www.fullerspaces.com

Gary’s Vacuflo, Inc.  www.garysvacuflo.com

Milgard Windows  www.milgard.com

Pacific Residential Mortgage  www.theresaspringer.com

Pyramid Heating and Cooling  www.pyramidheating.com

Quadrant Systems  www.quadrantsystems.net

Standard TV & Appliance  www.standardtvandappliance.com

Glenda McAdam of Standard TV and Appliance and Kathy Fuller of Fuller Spaces

Surplus Sale Returns to Portland Fall Home & Garden Show

Returning to the Portland Fall Home & Garden Show this year is the Builders’ Surplus Sale, where Portland-area builders and remodelers bring their surplus materials to sell at amazing prices. Whether it’s windows, doors, appliances, roofing material, wallpaper, light fixtures or flooring – if you’re looking for a bargain, this is the place to be.  This year look for great deals on tile, tile and more tiles.  Thinking of a doing a fall home improvement project?  You don’t want to miss the best prices on materials anywhere in the Portland area.

The Portland Fall Home & Garden Show runs Oct. 2-5 at the Portland Expo Center.  Celebrating its 20th anniversary as a fall favorite home owners and gardeners will be delighted to find expert advice, simple solutions and inspired ideas from top remodelers, decorators, landscapers, and suppliers. The Builders’ Surplus Sale will be open during normal show hours, Thursday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the do-it-yourselfer to get quality materials at great prices,” said Hallie Gentry, Remodelers Council manager.  “We’ll have such an incredible selection of items including home lighting, paint, tile and a large selection of doors and windows.  There really is something here for everyone.”

Items left at the end of the show will be donated to The Rebuilding Center, the largest non-profit used building materials resource in North America.  It is a popular destination for those interested in building with affordable, environmentally low impact materials.

Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments raise over $10,000 for the Home Builders Foundation

Over the last two years, the Remodelers Council’s bi-annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments have raised more than $10,000 on behalf of the Home Builders Foundation. The funds generated by this summer’s tournaments will benefit the upcoming HomeAid Cordero House project.

At the most recent tournament, which took place on July 15, forty players showed off their card-playing skills and ability to bluff.

After a 45 minute battle between the final three players, Casey Barstad, a guest of Paragon Tile and Stone, held the winning hand. Casey won the grand prize of a $1,000 Visa gift card and the bragging rights associated with owning a Poker Champion bracelet.

The final table included:

1. Casey Barstad, a guest of Paragon Tile & Stone
2. Jim Cutz, Paragon Tile & Stone
3. Hank Schmidt, Bank of America
4. Jeff Haggart, Haggart Luxury Homes
5. Glenn Ziegler, Milgard Windows
6. Laura Morett, Paragon
7. Saul Rothernburger, Eclipse Drywall
8. Greg Pfleger, HomeStreet Bank
9. Steve Heiteen, Heiteen Construction
10. Jeff Williamson, 1^st Choice Garage

Sponsors for the July event included Paragon Tile & Stone, Milgard Windows and Lisac’s Fireplaces.