New (Historic-Style) Home Builder in Riverside/Avondale?

[hypnotoad]

Hello there!  I was wondering if someone could help me locate a builder that can build homes in Riverside/Avondale in the historic style... who can help me figure out all the zoning, work with me on putting a plan together, and an estimate so I can work with my finance guy.  I'm trying to figure out if this would be a good option for me.

Any reccomendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

[hypnotoad]

Also, who is responsible for "approving" the plan?  I mean if I had a plan I could get approved (for whatever reason... by whomever does that... RAP? Zoning?  Umm derp?) could I shop around for a builder?

I am really new to this and just in the information-gathering phase so again, any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

[fieldafm]

Breaking Ground Contracting
Content Design Group
Low Country Builders

Any of these three (especially the first two) would be good places to contact. 

[hypnotoad]

Thank you so much!

[grimss]

William Leuthold. Great resource, award-winning architect who's done a number of beautiful "old" new homes. He may be able to put you in touch with some of the builders he likes to work with.

[hypnotoad]

Thank you, sir!

[floridaforester]

Also, who is responsible for "approving" the plan?  I mean if I had a plan I could get approved (for whatever reason... by whomever does that... RAP? Zoning?  Umm derp?) could I shop around for a builder?

I am really new to this and just in the information-gathering phase so again, any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

That would be the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission which will give a certificate of appropriateness (COA) for an approved design.

[hypnotoad]

Excellent, info!  Thank you

[Springfield Chicken]

All of those are great choices but I admit to being especially partial to Low Country Classics.  Every time I'm in one of their homes I have an "ah" moment.  Some detail that catches my eye that just gives the home such character.  Take a look at their gallery of photos:  http://lowcountrydesignbuild.com/gallery.html and you'll see what I'm talking about.

[Shwaz]

All of those are great choices but I admit to being especially partial to Low Country Classics.  Every time I'm in one of their homes I have an "ah" moment.  Some detail that catches my eye that just gives the home such character.  Take a look at their gallery of photos:  http://lowcountrydesignbuild.com/gallery.html and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Couldn't agree more! My wife & I have been in our Low Country home now for almost 6 months. The experience of building with John, Ed & Mike was an absolute pleasure and their quality / craftsmanship is unmatched.

We started the process in May of last year by reviewing the floor plans over a couple beers at Harpoon Louies - From there they were able to help us navigate the financing of the construction loan. Once they broke ground we were able to upgrade, change and design just about every last detail of the construction. I was also able to get in during the dry-in stage and run a full media set-up. We were all moved in just before Thanksgiving and couldn't be happier.

John has an excellent working relationship with both RAP and the Historic commission and has built quite a few home in the core over the years.

Also, their Bungalow construction allows for a fully finished second floor - we plan to finish ours down the road but in the meantime it's an outstanding use of storage space.

Can't say enough good things about this builder and I'm sure if my wife & I were ever to build again it would definitely be with Low Country.

[fsujax]

^^wish i could see the pictures.

[ben says]

^^wish i could see the pictures.

They're working now. Great pics, Shwaz.

[Shwaz]

^^wish i could see the pictures.

They're working now. Great pics, Shwaz.

Thanks - I need to dig up a few more of some of the interior detail work... specifically the built in cabinets between the living room dining room... they did a fantastic job. Also the molding work that extends from the mantle to the ceiling wasn't originally in the plan. I had picked up a large odd-size center speaker for my surround sound that didn't quite fit (my fault  ). I mention it because they turned a problem into a beautiful solution. The way Mike was able to tie the speaker into both the mantle and crown molding was outstanding. I was literally giddy when I saw the finish product. The sound is pretty awesome too 

[fsujax]

looks really good. thanks for sharing the pics.

[Dog Walker]

William Leuthold. Great resource, award-winning architect who's done a number of beautiful "old" new homes. He may be able to put you in touch with some of the builders he likes to work with.

I'll second that vote for Bill Leuthold and his associates.  Bill was on the Historic Preservation Committee and is very, very familiar with every detail of the style of houses that fit into Riverside/Avondale.  His office is in Riverside in an old, restored house and he lives in Avondale.

Highly recommended.