45 Hamptons lots ready to go
A major developer in Medicine Hat says a “Herculean Effort” by local workers, city planners and his team will mean 45 new lots will be brought to market on time this fall — making it less than a year from concept to completion.
“We’re definitely on schedule and it’s been a Herculean effort to get this done in the time frame,” said Don Sandford, of Lansdowne Equity Ventures, who will be in Medicine Hat today to cut the ribbon on Hamptons Phase 2C.
That means the entire subdivision, from project development, engineering, presales, permitting, utility work, grading and completion — will have been done in about nine months.
“We’ve crushed this into a very tight schedule ... and it’s been a really positive experience working with everyone on this,” Sandford said.
“We’ve had good weather ... but it’s a great example of how to work well together with the city (planning department) and good contractors.”
That positivity, said Sandford, is carrying over to the homebuilding activity.
A ribbon-cutting today will see streets open and utility works handed over to the city. While work continues on individual lots for about a month, the area is open to the public to peruse, and lots should be ready for the hand-off to builders on Oct. 31.
“We’re hoping it’s a reflection of a better (new home) market in Medicine Hat. We’re going to see a lot of activity starting Nov. 1.”
The 45-lot subdivision had been delayed for several years but was greenlighted last winter. At that time though, only half the lots were scheduled as a definite go, with the remainder contingent on market response.
Sandford said this week that 25 of the varied, but generally larger-sized lots are already sold, and he estimates that 10 foundations could be finished before the fall construction season ends. That is critical for construction to continue over the winter leading to completion dates in 2018.
Sandford also estimates that at least 10 local building companies are involved.
Sandford also acknowledged Starks was the contractor, and Scheffer Andrews was the planner.