Parade of HOMES 2022 of 20

Desert Blume, Coulee Ridge on display during 14th annual Parade of Homes

Less than a week remains until the start of Medicine Hat’s annual Parade of Homes — a four-week open-house event during which local building and renovation companies showcase their work.

“Every year the builders bring out the best they can with the exterior and the interior,” Parade of Homes chair Garry Ruff told the News. “It is to promote the builders, but also to get (attendees) up to date with new designs, characteristics and styles.”

This year, four companies took part in the parade: Lacey Homes (last year’s publicly-voted winner), Brost Developments, Jasper Fine Homes and Wilde Homes (first-time competitor).

Split between the neighbourhoods of Desert Blume and Coulee Ridge, the houses are a mix of custom and pre-built. Though houses may overlap on some current building and renovation trends, each is unique — showcasing a range of designs from modern to traditional, and offering an array of special features.

“The houses are all two stories this year,” said Ruff. “And every twostory has a unique design and character to it; it all differs.”

Lacey Homes owner Steve Heid says he’s looking forward to parade kickoff day — something builders typically begin planning for a year in advance.

“People always ask me, ‘Why do you want to work every day (during the Parade of Homes?),’” Heid said. “It’s because I enjoy it. I love sitting in the home hearing the feedback, talking to past customers who come through and potential new customers. That’s half the fun of the Parade of Homes is seeing the responses and talking to people about the other houses. And of course, we (the participants) support each other.”

Heid says Hatters always express excitement for the event, now in its 14th year, and feels it is an annual celebration, not only for the home building and renovation industries, but also for local business talent.

“I think the Parade of Homes intrigues people into renovating and into home building,” he said. “We even get people from other municipalities — Lethbridge, Calgary — who have come through our houses and they’re flabbergasted by the quality of our homes because other places do the Parade of Homes as well. And Medicine Hat homes are always held in high regard when it comes to the quality.”

The free public event runs from Sept. 7 to Oct. 2, with doors open 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit bildmedhat.com.

This modern three-level house, designed and built by 2021 Parade of Homes winner Lacey Homes, offers occupants stunning views from the edge of Coulee Ridge both indoors and outdoors. The custom-built house brings together luxury and simplicity through clean, geometric designs and mellow aesthetic tones. While some of the house’s main features are easy to spot — like the 10-foot living area ceiling and windows — visitors should keep and eye out for others, particularly the horizontal spindle banister and custom-ordered oversized, two-person whirlpool jet tub in the primary en suite. Visitors, make sure to check out each of the house’s three-decks and deckfeatures like the fire table and barbecue. Enlarged windows and four-panel sliding doors overlooking what will become the Coulee Ridge pond, illuminate the interior of this modern three-level house. While contemporary elements — like threezone heating, a walkout basement and a feature fireplace — are a large part of the home’s design, comfort remains at the core. A unique feature is living areas on each level, designed as spaces where occupants can gather. With five bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths and an oversized, double-detached garage in addition to the main garage, the house offers ample space to occupants. Art and craftsmanship are on full display inside and outside this Desert Blume home. Before even entering the corner-lot property, visitors can note several unique design features, including exterior, statement panel siding, a geometric grass and concrete path and a porch swing. More unique features can be found inside, such as statement lighting fixtures and custom cabinetry. Warm and cool tones mix throughout the home’s three levels, which include both sleek and contemporary design elements, as well as more traditional components. Visitors, don’t forget to check out the spacious backyard living area, which features a full outdoor kitchen. Designed and built by first-time Parade of Homes participant Wilde Homes, this house is all about details which enhance both function and beauty. From stair lighting which can be programmed to turn on come dusk and go off by morning, to an integrated six-zone sound system, to built-in closet shelving, no small detail is forgotten in this threestory Desert Blume property. Even accent colours are carried throughout the house in tile, painted walls and cabinetry and hardware. Visitors should also keep an eye out for unique design features like various vaulted beam ceilings, the oversized kitchen island with built-in storage drawers and the upstairs Jack and Jill bathroom. Don’t forget to check out the spacious backyard.