B.G. project opens model homes Saturday

Friday, March 10, 2006

COURTNEY SHERWOOD Columbian staff writer

BATTLE GROUND -- The latest housing project in booming Battle Ground will open its first model homes Saturday.

Sixth Street Station, which was planned in conjunction with the new commercial-retail Battle Ground Village, will eventually have 169 houses.

The first 62 houses, which take up the western third of the total project, will be built this year.

Averaging 1,100 to 1,500 square feet in size, the houses built by New Tradition Homes are considerably smaller than the U.S. average of 2,330 square feet for new construction.

Yard sprinkler systems are pre-installed in each 2,800-square-foot lot, and homeowner association fees pay landscapers to maintain each yard, said Moriah Diederish, marketing supervisor for New Tradition.

The homes will range in price from $225,900 to $246,900.

"These homes are for a low-maintenance lifestyle," Diederish said. "This offers a unique prospect for buyers who don't want to be working in a large house in a large yard."

"We're targeting empty-nesters, those downsizing as they age, as well as first-time home buyers" and smaller families, she said.

Buyers can choose between two models -- a three-bedroom, two-story house and a two-bedroom, one-story house. Homes in this phase will be joined by an attached garage.

Completely detached houses will be offered in the neighborhood's second building phase, which could start by the end of the year, said Mandi Kostman, who is in charge of sales for the development.

Sixth Street Station was conceived by developer Dennis Pavlina, who sold the land to New Tradition Homes and is developing Battle Ground Village.

Pavlina's commercial and retail development will break ground this spring, he said, though tenants for the property have not been lined up yet.

Eventually, Battle Ground Village will include a new, expanded community library as well as significant office space, Pavlina said.

Once complete, the total housing and commercial development could eventually be worth $200 million.

Courtney Sherwood covers business for The Columbian. To reach her, call 360-759-8041 or send e-mail courtney.sherwood@columbian.com.

Update

Previously: In 2004, developer Dennis Pavlina announced plans for a $200 million commercial and residential development in Battle Ground.

What's new: New Tradition Homes has begun construction of the first phase of single-family housing inside Pavlina's project.

What's next: Construction on retail and office space will start this spring.