Orlando Realtors Celebrate New Initiative in Home Ownership Opportunities
(February 26, 2004 - Orlando, FL) In preparation for Orlando's Art in Architecture program, a new concept in affordable housing, the Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) co-sponsored ground-breaking ceremonies on Monday, February 23, at 1417 24th Street, in the Holden Heights Community.
 
The ground-breaking ceremonies included leaders of the partnering organizations which include Orange County District 6 Commissioner Homer Hartage; Art in Architecture Chairman Steve Chitwood; ORRA President Greg Rokeh, GRI; Metro Orlando Home Builders Association President Steve Gidus; American Institute of Architects President Catherine Sullivan; Orange Blossom Trail Development Board Chairman Charles Hardgrove; Larry White, President of Westar Homes; Barry Watson of The Watson Group; Steve Clauss, President of Bel-aire Homes Remodeling Group; Ellen Niewold of First American Title; Steve Riviere, Regional Vice President of First Florida Bank; and Rosanna Jacobsen, Vice President of Compliance, Colonial Bank. Realtor Kathleen Gallagher of Re/Max Town and Country also represented those interior designers who have volunteered their services. All of these individuals and
organizations have been highly instrumental in bringing this program to the Holden Heights area of Orlando.
"It is said that it takes a village to raise a child," said Hartage, as he thanked the dozens of attending volunteers, "however, I believe it also takes a village to build a community. I usually do not get queasy in this sort of situation," he continued, "but I am so excited that we are finally about to turn some dirt! I am overwhelmed by all of this. To see that four homes are going to be built by Art and Architecture, I am so grateful."
Art in Architecture, the brainchild of Orlando Realtor Steve Chitwood, was one of four affordable housing initiatives chosen by the National Association of Realtors to highlight innovative approaches being used to address the common myths about affordable housing, namely that affordable housing is ugly and will negatively impact neighborhood property values.
Chitwood explained that Art in Architecture's purpose is "to change the pattern of building affordable housing."
"Affordable housing should not mean having no style and being less attractive," he said.
ORRA partnered with local chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Interior Designers, among others to design attractive, yet affordable houses that do not reflect the typical "square, concrete block box," Chitwood noted. ORRA and Chitwood are also joined forces with Valencia Community College and Florida Housing Finance to offer Realtors a new continuing education course – that focuses on doing business in the affordable housing segment of the market.
Art in Architecture challenges builders, designers, Realtors, lenders, and architects to create attractive, well-designed affordable housing in Orlando that does not look like a "typical block home." The homes will be custom built and designed, but still be priced so those in need of affordable housing are able to purchase these showcase properties.
The designs are such that they can be built, using currently available and cost-effective materials, for a total price that is affordable to those residents whose income are no more than 80% of the median income for the area
The initial program is centered on the production of four homes which are:
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Designed by four different AIA Architects
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Built by three members of the Metro Orlando Homebuilders Association
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Decorated by a professional interior designer; and
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Sold and marketed by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association
The first generation of homes will be built in the Holden Heights neighborhood, located in unincorporated Orange County. The homes are financed by local lenders and sold to income-qualified buyers using down-payment assistance and programs offered by local governments and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. In addition, the Art in Architecture program is one of Governor Jeb Bush's Front Porch Communities so buyers may obtain a 4.75% interest mortgage through Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Art in Architecture is a joint project of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, the Metro Orlando Homebuilders Association, and the Orlando Chapter of the American Institute of Architects designed to provide attractive and affordable housing opportunities in Central Florida.
The Orlando Regional Realtor Association represents more than 6,900 professionals serving as real estate consultants throughout Central Florida. |
