Phase 2 Homes Under Construction

October 2008

University Estates and Cornerstone Homebuilders have begun construction of the two model homes located at the Phase 2 site at University Estates. Two of the five Silver Series models will be built and are slated to be model homes for the new development. The Ashby and the Concord are scheduled to be completed by year-end, weather permitting. Ohio Realty will set up an information office in one of these models.

Phase 2 Infrastructure Begins

June 2008

University Estates has begun building the roadways and the installation of the utilitites for the Phase 2 single-family homes. Two model homes will be constructed when the infrastructure is completed. Construction of the model homes is projected to begin in the fall of this year.

Ohio Realty Will Handle Condo Sales

May 2008

Local Athens realtor, Ohio Realty, has been named by University Estates as primary sales agent for the Villas at High Point Village. An Ohio Realty information office has been established at 904 Altamonte Drive. This is also the location of the model condominium. Office hours are Wednesday-Friday Noon-6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday Noon-4:00pm.

Santa Visits High Pointe Clubhouse

December, 2007

University Estates resident children enjoyed a special surprise visit by Santa while their parents enjoyed good food and drink and a chance to catch up on neighborhood news. It was a fun day for all.

Pool Party a Real Splash for Residents

July, 2007

ATHENS, Ohio —What a grand July Bash we had up at the Villas clubhouse! The sun was hot, the pool cool, the food great, the ice cream cold, and the magic show mystifying! Thanks to all who attended, including a heaping pile of kids who brought smiles to everyones’ faces.

Judging from the use of the playground, our community “Moms” hit the nail on the head with the equipment that they suggested earlier in the season. Not only congrats to them, but thanks for taking your time to help. Judging from the wonderful spread of food— much of which was prepared by our own professional hog roast team of Tom Hooper, Pat Smith, and Jimmy McClare, and supplemented by great eats from residents—no one left the table undernourished.

In addition to a special visit from the Larry’s Dawg House Ice Cream Truck, we were all duly mesmerized by the Amazing Rusty Rittenhouse. A local attorney by day, Rusty put on a wonderfully entertaining magic show, featuring lots of audience participation. Thanks to Rusty and everyone else for a truly magical afternoon!

Planning Commission Visits University Estates

May 18, 2007

ATHENS, Ohio — Members of the Athens City Planning Commission met with University Estates Senior Vice President Lantz Repp for a tour of the Grande Vista Village building site.

High Pointe Village Clubhouse Preview

April 4, 2007

ATHENS, Ohio — Tuesday, April 3, 2007, University Estates held an invitation-only showing of the newly finished clubhouse located at High Pointe Village. The event was well attended. Clubhouse features include a large multipurpose room for gatherings and social events, a lounge area with fireplace and large screen TV, a full kitchen, two bathrooms and a fully equipped exercise room. Construction of the clubhouse’s large outdoor swimming pool is scheduled to begin soon. The clubhouse is exclusive to all High Pointe Village residents and their guests.

To schedule a tour of the clubhouse or villas model condo, call 740-592-5836.

University Estates Welcomes First Condo Residents

February 2007

ATHENS, Ohio — Dr. Richard Conard is pleased to welcome the first residents of University Estates’ High Pointe Village. Both early February move-ins, Barbara Skinner chose the single floor plan Verona model Villa while Margaret Beihl purchased the Siena II. Pictured, Dr. Conard presents each of these women with a gift basket.

Villas Clubhouse Nearing Completion, Villas Model Now Open for Tours

January 2007

ATHENS, Ohio — Workers shown here are finishing the drywall application at the Villas clubhouse prior to painting. This structure will be completed before construction of the pool and finish landscaping can commence. To date, three of the 4-unit Villas condominium buildings are under various stages of construction. The Villas model condominium is now open for tours. The Siena I, two bedroom, two bathroom design was selected as the model.

University Estates Helps Local Food Pantry

December 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — University Estates teamed up with the mission:YOUTH organization to donate over 2,000 cans of soft drinks to an Athens community food pantry run by the Athens Community Church. Pictured, Pastor Jeff Schofield helped church member Patrick Lawson load the soft drinks from a University Estates supplied vehicle onto a trailer for delivery to the church. Lawson is Development Director for University Estates and was responsible for orchestrating the donation.

Special Tour Offered During Oct. 21 OU Homecoming

August 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — On Oct. 21, 2006, the morning of the Ohio University homecoming game with Buffalo, University Estates will provide special 30-minute shuttle tours of the new 830-acre golf course community. “We’re working in conjunction with the Ohio University Credit Union,” said spokesperson Grant Pedigo. “The Credit Union is allowing us to use some of their property very near the football stadium where we will set up a tailgate/information area and be able to shuttle interested individuals to and from the nearby University Estates development. We have a limited number of special parking passes and will be distributing them to those who reserve tours, on a first-come, first-served basis.”

To reserve a tour and special parking pass, call Amy at 740-592-5836.

UE Projects Autumn Occupancy for First Villas

August 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — With Villas construction well underway, the projected autumn move-in of the first residents is on schedule. University Estates has had some weather-related delays during Villas construction, but is optimistic that the first building will be ready, and residents can move in, during the fall.

Construction is underway for two additional four-unit buildings and then the Villas clubhouse will be constructed. To date, 39 of the 48 Villas units in Phase One have been sold.

Villas Open House Weekend a Success

July 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — University Estates hosted a Villas pre-construction Open House weekend, July 8th and 9th, at the 830-acre Athens site. The Villas are the maintenance-free condominiums, available in two- and three-bedroom floor plans. The Open House was highlighted by site tours, refreshments, entertainment and a detailed scale model of a four-unit Villas building.

“We were very pleased with the steady turnout,” stated University Estates spokesperson, Grant Pedigo. “Nine Villas were sold at special pre-construction prices over the Open House weekend. Thirty-five Villas have been sold to date.”

Construction of the Villas located at High Pointe Village is well underway. Interested individuals are encouraged to stop by the University Estates information center for a personal tour.

Annexation Approved by City Council

June 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — Athens City Council approved annexation of the University Estates development during a Monday night meeting held June 19, 2006. University Estates Senior Vice President Lantz Repp thanked Athens City Council for its support. “We are excited to move forward with this project as it will have tremendous positive economic impact on this region,” said Repp.

University Estates Welcomes First Family

June 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — Richard Conard, president of University Estates, is pleased to welcome the Raymond Frost family as the first official residents of the new 830-acre golf course community.

Ground Breaking for Villas

June 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — Richard Conard, president of University Estates, is pleased to report that construction on the Villas at High Pointe Village is underway. “Our Villas are designed for convenience, comfort and safety. With four Villa units per building and three different floor plans, each Villa combines all the features of a single-family home with the benefits of maintenance free condominium living,” said Conard.

Extended amenities for each Villas resident will include exclusive use of the Villas’ clubhouse and swimming pool. An Open House weekend is planned for July 8 and 9, 2006.

Ambassador Program Announced at University Estates

June 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — Richard Conard, president of University Estates, has announced the formation of a special Athens community ambassador program. “Our goal with this program is to create personal, efficient communication channels within the Athens community regarding University Estates,” said Conard.

University Estates ambassadors are selected Athens residents who will be available to answer questions, provide tours of University Estates property, work as liaisons with realtors and facilitate customer relations. Roger Pedigo has been named to direct this new ambassador program.

OU Hall Of Fame Duo Studies New Athens Golf Course

March 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — Scheduled to break ground this year, the University Estates 18-hole golf course will be built by Championship Management Company, owned by Jim Cook. Cook is the father of PGA Tour professional, John Cook, and has years of experience in golf course construction including Cook’s Creek, in Ashville, Ohio, and the new Northstar Golf Resort in Delaware, Ohio. Cook recently teamed with Ohio University Hall of Fame golfers, Dow Finsterwald and Roger Pedigo, to review the course layout and discuss design strategies. Both former Bobcat golfers are a part of the University Estates alumni advisory team and are excited about the future growth potential in the Athens community.

Finsterwald is a former PGA champion having battled Arnold Palmer many times over his career. This fierce competition soon turned into a lifelong friendship. Pedigo is a collegiate champion who became a club pro and respected teaching professional after competing on the PGA Tour. Then OU golf coach, Kermit Blosser, took a Finsterwald/Pedigo loaded team into the national arena of collegiate golf, battling the likes of national powerhouses Duke University and Wake Forest University with Arnold Palmer.

University Estates is the new 830-acre intergenerational golf course community that will offer many housing options including upscale single family homes, condominiums, golf villas, rental apartments and intermediate and skilled care facilities. www.universityestatesoc.com

Citizens Bank Joins List of Local University Estates Lenders

February 2006

LOGAN, Ohio — Citizens Bank Senior Vice President Tim Kelley is pleased to announce two lending programs developed specifically for the new 830-acre University Estates intergenerational golf course community in Athens. “Our bank is expanding to better serve the Athens community. Our current Athens location is 929 East State Street, in the Wal-Mart facility. However, in order to better serve the Athens community, we have a new Stimson Avenue bank branch currently under construction,” said Kelley. Headquartered in Logan, Citizens Bank has been serving the Hocking Valley for over 45 years and operates out of multiple branches in Hocking and Athens counties.

Citizens Bank Athens Branch Manager Rob Doner is excited about the growth potential and tremendous economic impact that University Estates will bring to the area. “We are very excited to be able to be part of the development of this enormous project. Citizens Bank is currently offering a special residential lot purchase program and a construction loan program, for those individuals interested in building at University Estates,” said Doner.

Athens Company Added to University Estates Approved Builder List

January 2006

ATHENS, Ohio — Lantz Repp, senior vice president of University Estates, announced today that Cetide of Athens has been added to the list of approved builders. Cetide owner Bill Turman is excited about the tremendous opportunities that University Estates offers. For over 25 years, Cetide has been building custom homes in the area and specializes in the creative use of natural products including stone, tile, granite, marble, cedar, redwood and pine. Pictured from left to right are Bill Turman and Lantz Repp, reviewing site plans for Cetide lot number 57.

Peterson Brothers Begin Custom Home Construction

December 2005

ATHENS, Ohio — Peterson Brothers Construction began foundation construction of the custom home located on Cul-de-Sac lot 27. According to Jeff Peterson, this premier, secluded location includes a view of deep wooded ravines and a large lake. Brother Rob Peterson stated that construction on lots 25 and 26 will begin in 2006.

University Estates Open House Marks Official Grand Opening

September 2005

ATHENS, Ohio — University Estates held an Open House September 21, 2005 and was overwhelmed by the turnout of hundreds of people. Participants included Athens residents, the business community and officials from Ohio University. The catered open house marked the official opening of the University Estates project and included guided bus tours of the 830-acre property. The 3-D scale model of the property was of particular interest. Click here for a photo gallery documentation of the event.

Custom Home Construction Begins at University Estates

September 2005

ATHENS, Ohio — Conerstone Builders currently have three new homes under construction at University Estates. These custom homes are located within Phase 1 of the property and are being built on spec. According to Cornerstone Builders president, Bret Howard, each of the three new homes is on a premium location, providing a spectacular view.

University Estates Secures Services of Former Muirfield Village Golf Club Superintendent

July 2005

ATHENS, Ohio — Lantz Repp, vice-president of University Estates, announced today that Michael McBride has been retained as consultant for The Ohio Club, University Estates’ 18-hole professional quality golf course. McBride’s duties will include overseeing the construction and consulting on the operation of the new golf course while incorporating and maintaining a high level of environmental stewardship.

McBride has over 30 years of experience in the golf industry. Under the guidance of Jack Nicklaus, he was the golf course superintendent at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, from 1985 to 2003. During that time, Muirfield Village Golf Club was consistently recognized as the best conditioned golf course on the PGA Tour. McBride earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Bowling Green University and an advanced degree from Rutgers University’s Professional Turfgrass Management Program. “We are very pleased to have Michael with us,” said Lantz Repp. “He has the unique ability to apply his turfgrass and water quality management skills into a true art form. Without a doubt, The Ohio Club will be the finest 18-hole course in this region,” Repp went on to say.

McBride has prepared guidelines for Best Management Practices in cooperation with the City of Athens wellhead protection consultant, Eagon & Associates of Columbus. Application of these guidelines will ensure a high level of golf course operation in all areas of maintenance, relating to water quality issues.

Construction on the course is set to begin this year. Details for a special Ohio Club founding membership program will be announced this fall.

Despite Delays, Massive Project Set to Go

August 2004

By Nick Claussen, Associate Editor
reprint from Athens News

ATHENS, Ohio — One year from today, Dr. Richard Conard hopes to have people living on his University Estates (UE) development.

UE is a massive development project planned for the Ohio Rt. 682/Armitage Road area just to the north of the city of Athens. The development has been held up by a variety of issues over the last few years, but Conard said last week that construction is progressing and much of the infrastructure for Phase I of the project is in place.

The UE development is located on more than 830 acres of land, and it has a range of commercial, recreation and residential components.

First of all, Conard is planning around 900 living units on the property. The living units include apartments, single-family homes, condominiums, upscale homes and assisted living/continuing care facilities.

"It's what I call an intergenerational mixed-use community," Conard said.

The first phase of the project, which will be ready to build on later this year or early next year, includes many of these items plus additional amenities, Conard said. Phase one features the following:

• An apartment building with 100 units. The apartment building will be two or three stories high and will be upscale with rents on the higher end for rents in the region.
• Nearly 70 homes with half-acre lots and 46 homes with 70-foot-frontage lots.
• An 18-hole golf course designed by Arthur Hill, an internationally recognized golf-course architect.
• Golf villas, which are two- or three-bedroom units available for rent next to the golf course. Conard explained that people visiting Ohio University or Athens might want to rent the golf villas while they're in town rather than staying in hotels.
• Trails and paths that connect to the county bike path. In addition, roads will have areas along the side for people to walk, jog, ride bicycles and drive golf carts.
• An equestrian center. Those people with horses in the center will be able to take the horses around different places on the property.
• A hotel and conference center.
• A commercial business center.
• An assisted living/continuing care community. The community will include skilled nursing care, an assisted-living area for person's with Alzheimer's, an assisted-living area for those who are physically frail, congregate care, and independent living. The independent care will include assistance with transportation, visits from nurses, meal delivery and other features.

Conard said that with so many people upset about the proposed continuing-care community planned for the Stimson Avenue/Hocking River area in Athens, he thinks people should embrace his plans, since his development will be located outside of the city, but still in a convenient location.

Conard doesn't understand why his project as a whole hasn't received the support he thinks it should have, and why various problems keep arising to prevent it from becoming a reality.

THE PROJECT WAS FIRST announced in the 1990s, but then it was held up in a legal battle over how the land was being developed. After that issue was settled, the developers tried to annex the property several times, but each time the annexation plans were derailed for different reasons.

The project then was stalled by a legal battle over who would provide the water to the development. That issue finally has been settled, but Conard said several other issues still concern him.

First of all, he is holding up on the city's annexation of the property until the issue over a proposed moratorium on development in Athens is settled. A local group is trying to place an initiative on the November ballot asking city residents to vote to stop all new, commercial development in Athens for an 18-month period so the city's comprehensive plan and wellhead protection plan can be finished and put in place.

If such a moratorium were approved, it could stop progress on UE, if UE were located in the city. The development currently is not in the city, and Conard said city officials have advised him that he may want to wait until after the issue is decided before he looks into annexing into Athens. He added that he does want to annex the property at some point into the city.

Also, Conard said he's concerned about the approval process for his development. He said the way he reads the city housing code, his overall development would have to have approval for each separate component, rather than approval for the whole plan. The separate approvals would take much longer, and he wants to make sure the process is workable before he goes through it.

Conard said he's also hoping to work out a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement with the city. A TIF would take some of the tax dollars he pays and put the money toward infrastructure improvements in and around the UE development.

UE will bring in increased property and income tax dollars to the city, in addition to providing housing and services, Conard said. He said that the real estate in the fist phase will be worth $56 million, the second phase will be worth $53.45 million, the third phase will be worth $37 million, and the fourth phase will be worth $16.3 million.

He added that with the jobs, visitors, sales, real-estate improvements and other items, the actual value of the project will be very high.

"You'll have about a billion-dollar impact from this project on Athens, Ohio," Conard predicted.

ON A TOUR OF THE PROPERTY last week, Conard pointed out the locations of all of the different components of the development. Currently, there is only a dirt road with some fire hydrants and utility lines along the side, but Conard knows where all of the new homes and buildings (including a new home for the WATH/WXTQ radio station) will be located.

The assisted-living/continuing-care center will be at the front of the development, along with the commercial area, Conard said. Some of the hillsides will be leveled and flattened, while other areas will be raised up. He said that while he is moving dirt around, no fill dirt will be taken off of the property, unless OU needs some for its projects.

He promised to keep many of the woodlands and hillsides as they are, with places for hiking in the woods, Conard said. Some of the single-family home properties will be next to the woods.

Views from some of the lots are spectacular, as they overlook the Athens area. Conard said that at various vantage points, one can see for several miles.

Conard said he has built several projects like this around the country, but this is the last one he will develop. It has been a long road for him, filled with legal battles and some opposition he doesn't understand, but he said he's committed to his project because he thinks it will be good for the community. Undoubtedly, he also has invested plenty of money in the project and stands to profit handsomely if the development goes through as planned.

Whatever the reason, he is committed to the project and said that in a year or less, he hopes to have people living in some of the homes.