Concrete Homes Council - A Solid Alliance for Solid Concrete Construction

Mt. Vernon, Iowa (January 20, 2003) -- January 2003 marks the two-year anniversary of the concept of today's Concrete Homes Council (CHC), an alliance formed to promote above-grade, cast-in-place concrete construction using removable forms as the smartest, long-term, quality alternative to traditional wood- and steel-framed homes.

Over the last twelve months the CHC has made good on its pledge to bring builders, developers and concrete contractors together to chart a new course for the concrete homes industry. As hoped, both business and interest in the industry is increasing with these principal players working together like never before.

This year alone, Mercedes Homes has partnered with Solid Wall Systems to build attractive, safe housing throughout Florida a region that remains on high alert during hurricane season. For most of 2002 these newfound colleagues poured two homes a day with amazing results: 220 homes completed out of over 1000 homes planned. At press, they are pouring three homes every 24 hours, and within eight months they plan to more than double that rate pouring eight homes a day. And with home prices ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 this affordable, low-maintenance, energy-efficient housing is appealing to a range of homeowners, from first-time homebuyers to retirees.

Current projects for the collaboration include developments in East Orlando, Haines City, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge and Titusville, FL, with many developments selling out before construction is completed. "It's astonishing, really," says CHC Executive Director, Ed Sauter. "What is happening in Florida with cast-in-place concrete construction using removable forms is what we envision for the rest of the country and industry. Developers, builders and concrete contractors are coming together to create the home of the future and doing so with unparalleled speed."

Projects abound in other regions of the country, as well.

  • Secure Structures, MO and Safe Haven Homes, LLC, WI continue their individual efforts in the Kansas City area and outlying Milwaukee markets respectively, building concrete single-family homes to withstand tornadoes and harsh winters.
  • In North Topsail Island, NC Security Building Group, LLC is completing six oceanfront town homes that can endure that region's hurricane season. These town homes, built with unsurpassed luxury and comfort, are selling in the mid-$300,000 range.
  • Already 70% sold out before construction began, SeaSide in Key West, FL promises to be a premier ocean view development consisting of 96 three- and four-story luxury town homes in the $600,000 - $1,000,000 price range. Developers SeaSide Corporation and the Argonaut Group have teamed with the general contractor Current Builders of Pompano Beach, FL in this endeavor.
  • A division of Pulte Homes, Inc., DiVosta Homes, Inc. of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, continues their successful residential concrete home developments across South Florida. On average, DiVosta completes a new home in just 47 days using their unique efficient production line concrete construction process.

That is what the CHC is about: maximizing the potential of concrete for residential building projects, from apartments and condominiums, to single-family homes and high-rises. Homes built using new cast-in-place concrete construction technologies bring significant cost savings to homeowners because they are uniquely energy-efficient, disaster resistant and low maintenance. In addition to receiving a solid return on their investment, homebuyers can enjoy the flexibility to choose any exterior and interior style they desire with a cast-in-place concrete home.

In an effort to extend the benefits of concrete homes to all families, the CHC also contributes to many Habitat for Humanity initiatives including the Freedom Build project currently underway in Houston, Texas. This project consists of fifteen affordable concrete homes that offer low-maintenance, energy-efficient solutions for low-income families.

The Concrete Homes Council is an exhibitor in both the 2003 International Builders’ Show January 21 - 24, 2003 in Las Vegas, NV (Booth # N1876) and the World of Concrete Show February 4 - 7, 2003 in Las Vegas, NV (Booth # 2537). Visitors will have an opportunity to find out more about cast-in-place concrete home construction using removable forms and the advantages associated with the various methods available on the market today.

The CHC, an alliance of the Concrete Foundations Association™ of North America (CFA), enjoys the sponsorship of leaders in the concrete industry. Platinum sponsors include: The Dow Chemical Company and Durand Forms, Inc., of MI; Outinord Universal of Miami, FL; Precise Forms, Inc., Wall-Ties & Forms, Inc., and Western Forms all in the Kansas City, MO area; Putzmeister of Sturtevant, WI; Schwing America, Inc. of St. Paul, MN; and the Portland Cement Association, of Skokie, IL.

For further information, including electronic files, CHC logo and photography please contact:

Ed Sauter, Executive Director
Concrete Homes Council
P.O. Box 204
Mt. Vernon, Iowa 52314
Tel.: 319-895-0761
Fax: 319-895-8830
Email: esauter@cfawalls.org

Wendy Shannon
Marketing Director
Concrete Homes Council
103 Sturbridge Lane
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Tel: 919-933-8026
Fax: 919-933-8027
Email: wendy@concretehomescouncil.org

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