An unforgettable tour from an unforgettable Builder Captain

On Dec 30^th, Jim Feild, Builder Captain for the Foundation’s Cordero House project, scheduled an instructional tour to showcase the renovation progress. Despite the wind and rain and the 1920’s structure being stripped to its studs, Cordero House was a hive of activity with 10 boys eager to see their vacated home’s inner workings.

Jim Feild, welcomes us into the on-site office trailer

The tour began in the office trailer where the boys were shown 3-D renderings and floor plans.  We talked about the design process. They got a kick out of changing wall colors, finishes and vantage points. By the end of the design presentation, they learned to visualize the finished home, and understood the magnitude of what a $900K renovation entails.  Here, I also learned that several of the boys aspired to become electricians and architects. I was tickled by their eagerness to share their career goals and hopes.

Some of the Cordero boys pose for a photo...

Before the tour starts, each boy noted their height on one of the support beams "leaving their mark".

The house preview was next.  It was an icebox. Floor boards creaked as we all avoided hanging wires and exposed pipes and beams.  Jim guided us through the rooms and talked us through upgrades, efficiencies, space planning and new technology.

The boys survey the framework and support

Freezing in the attic space, Jim showed the boys where vents, ducts and heaters will go...

He showed us carpet samples, stone samples and textiles.  All the while, we barely noticed the cold because we could see the excitement in each of the boys’ eyes.

Old dingy carpet is being replaced with...

...a durable laminate floor product

New & matching countertops throughout the kitchen...

New central vacuum system will replace the old vacuum shown here. Since the program's inception, over 30 vacuum cleaners have been purchased!

Towards the end of the tour, it became clear to me that Jim had planned so much more than just a walking tour.  He wanted to inspire the boys; show them the importance of having a vision and sharing their dreams.  He shared a personal story of the teacher who inspired him to become a Remodeler over 34 years ago.

Jim shows the boys a picture of himself in high school (30+ years ago) with his inspirational teacher, at a build site

The boys are excited to share some of their thoughts and ideas...

He showed them his old, paint covered, nicked hammer.  He explained that it was one of his prized possessions, the same hammer his teacher gave him. His most invaluable tool, helped him build over 700 homes, repaired dog houses, build decks and fences, pull weeds, even dig a shallow grave for a bird that died many years ago.

Height measurements for all the boys...

Then, to everyone’s surprise, Jim presented each of the boys his own hammer. He presented the hammers to each boy in order of height.

Little did they know, Jim spent hours engraving each hammer with the boys’ names.   Jim talked about the “tools” that Cordero House gave them. He wanted them to have something tangible for themselves that represented the renovation of the house and the transformation of their lives.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the building.  One of the boys put it best, “I think I’m gonna sleep with the hammer under my pillow tonight”.

Cordero boys, with Program Director/House Mom, Trina Strand, Jim Feild & his design team, HBF President, Luke Morley & Director, Mel Duncan.

Home Builders Foundation Granting 2010 Scholarships

Each year, the Home Builders Foundation grants scholarships to high school and college students interested in entering the home building industry through a variety of fields. Since the program began, the HBF has granted over $120,000 in scholarships and has plans to award $17,000 in 2010. With deadlines fast approaching, please help us get the word out about this year’s opportunities.

For high school students, the Gary E. Milgard High School Scholarship Competition offers a glimpse at what builders do with the hope of inspiring students to enter the industry. The three-step competition asks high school students to learn about the homebuilding industry by earning a minimum score on the NAHB’s “Building Homes of our Own” interactive CD-ROM game, volunteering 16 hours with a hands-on nonprofit organization, and writing a 500-word essay on the importance of homeownership or the homebuilding industry to our community. To enter, students must complete an intent to enter form, which is located on our website. The deadline for submitting essays and proof of volunteer hours is Fri., Mar. 16.  A panel of judges will then score the essays anonymously, and the three finalists will be announced in April.

For college students, the Home Builders Foundation offers Building Industry Scholarships to students attending secondary institutions in Oregon. Both the Jim Irvine Statewide and Portland Metro programs offer scholarship and mentorship opportunities to students majoring in fields related to the industry. Awarded in partnership with the HBA’s Professional Remodelers Organization, Alan Mascord Design Associates, Inc. and Alpine Mortgage Planning, the deadline for submitting applications and necessary materials is Fri., May 14.

To apply or for more information please contact Mel Duncan or visit the HBA website at http://www.homebuildersportland.org/buildingindustryscholarships.htm.

HBA Announces 2010 NW Natural Street of Dreams Show Site

For the last 34 years, the NW Natural Street of Dreams has encouraged attendees to dream and be inspired by the most innovative and impressive luxury homes the building industry has to offer.

And in honor of its 35^th anniversary, the show’s organizers, the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, title sponsor, NW Natural, and presenting sponsors, John L. Scott and BASCO, will invite attendees to dream once again…this time from the heights of Northwest Portland.

The 2010 show, which takes place July 31 through Aug. 29, is set for Cresap Summit, a new development located atop Forest Heights off Skyline Rd.

“The 2010 NW Natural Street of Dreams site is about the three L’s: location, location, location,” said Rick Bernard, 2010 show chairman, owner of Bernard Custom Homes and a builder in 19 NW Natural Street of Dreams. “It has a rural feel while being right next to an urban area. You have the beauty of nature right out your front door while being close to tons of amenities and the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a dream site for a dream show.”

At least five homes will be in the 2010 show, and two experienced NW Natural Street of Dreams builders have already agreed to bring their knowledge and skill to the endeavor. Previous “Best of Show” award winners Renaissance Homes and Hearth and Home will each display presold homes, and two to three other builders are expected to sign on in the near future.

The 2010 homes will be more moderate in size and price, but still emphasize luxury living. Innovative building and design will be featured in these more attainable dream homes, which are expected to range in price from $750,000 to $1 million and in size from 2,700 to 3,500 square feet.

All the homes will be built to Earth Advantage Silver standards or higher, which reflects the HBA’s continued commitment to sustainable building and the will of the public.

“The trend in luxury building right now is to build smaller, more affordable homes that have more flexible living spaces and leave a smaller carbon footprint,” said HBA Director of Shows Nancy Haskin. “We are incorporating that trend into the NW Natural Street of Dreams and have already received a lot of support for the concept. For example, most of the homes are pre-sales, which is a good indicator that the market is coming back around and the public wants the product we’re offering.”

NW Natural will once again team up with the HBA to bring this unique show to life as it has since the show’s inception in 1976.

“The HBA of Metropolitan Portland is responding to what homebuyers and today’s public is demanding – high quality, innovative homes with a focus on sustainability,” said Dave Williams, VP of Utility Services. “NW Natural supports the HBA’s focus on energy conservation, and we are proud to be the title sponsor of the 2010 show.”

Save the Date – Rockin Auction in April!!

Join us for a ROCKIN’ good time at this year’s auction. Mingle with celebrities and purchase exclusive packages to benefit the HBF. Some celebrities confirmed (but not guaranteed) to be in attendance are: Bill Schonely, KGW’s Drew Carney, Mrs. Oregon 2010, KATU’s Anna Song, and Mike Walter. Don’t forget to save your money for the adorable Lhasa Apso puppy, a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the band U2, or the chance to get up close and personal with the Trailblazers. Purchase your event tickets now so you don’t miss out on the fun.

Early registration just $75.00 until Valentines Day…call the Foundation to reserve your seats now!!! 503-684-1880

Teeny Tiny Christmas Carolers Make Their Holiday Donation Heard

(L-R) The 3 Morley's daughters Kylie (5) Kathryn (10) and Madison (9), friend, Alyssa (11) and HBF Director Mel Duncan

Eager to show their dad HBF President Luke Morley their holiday spirit, Kylie, Kathryn and Madison enlisted the help of their friend Alyssa to go Christmas caroling in their neighborhood.  Unbeknownst to Luke, the girls used their voices, wits and charms to collect cash donations to help him raise money for the Foundation. The girls proudly presented their earnings to Mel Duncan, the Foundation’s Director.

Guess the apples don’t fall far from the tree!  Luke, you have amazing, kind hearted daughters…the Foundation thanks you and your wonderful family!

Year End Fund Drive – Every Dollar Counts

As you are considering your year-end donations think about helping HomeAid, the Foundation’s shelter building arm and how your gift now will change thousands of lives into the future.

For 12 years the Home Builders Foundation has been dedicated to building safe and dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. The result is a total of 4 new housing developments and 40 shetler ‘rehabs’ across the homeless continuum of care ranging from emergency, transitional to long term supportive housing. These housing developments were gifted to non-profit organizations serving the homeless in the greater Portland Metropolitan area. Our most recent undertaking is the total renovation of Cordero House, in Tigard, a residential treatment home for 12 at-risk youth.

Over the years thousands of individuals have found sanctuary in a HomeAid housing development. These individuals and familes were given the opportunity to become self-sufficient, productive members of our community, because of the sense of ‘home’ one of our shelters created.

Remember donations made by December 31 are tax-deductible for 2009. Please call us at 503-684-1880 to pledge your gift today.

Professional Remodelers Organization Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Anthony McMahon winner of the 2009 Professional Remodelers Organization Scholarship through the Home Builders Foundation.   Anthony is a student at Mt. Hood Community College in the Architectural Engineering Technology program.

NW Natural Street of Dreams Starts This Week!

The 2009 NW Natural Street of Dreams “Views of the Pearl” opens August 1 and showcases four of Portland’s premiere condominium home developments, featuring nine incredible penthouses ranging in price from $1 to $2.5 million. With a focus on LEED standard and eco-friendly materials, the dream condos include the latest in home innovations and design, including wrap around balconies and hot tubs with a stunning city view.

Viewing the 2009 NW Natural Street of Dreams is a snap. Simply click on the tickets link to buy your 2009 Street of Dreams Pearl Pass.

Not only will your Pearl Pass provide access to nine gorgeous penthouses, all featuring the latest and greatest in design and sustainability, it will provide you with savings of over $6,500 at local Pearl District businesses, free rides on the street car and discounted parking for the month of August.

Don’t miss the NW Natural Street of Dreams website where you will find ideas and inspiration from the show, descriptions of the featured condos and profiles of the developers and designers.

Buy Tickets to the 2009 Safeway Classic and 100% Is Donated to the Home Builders Foundation

Oregon Leads Nation in Homelessness

According to a new study by the US Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Oregon has the highest proportion of homeless people in the nation.

Steve Law from the Portland Tribune has the story.

This is yet another example of the importance of programs like the Home Builders Foundation’s HomeAid, which can help build shelter for Portland’s homeless.