TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -05/28/12)- According to the Annual BMO Home Renovation Report, fewer Canadians are planning home renovations this year but are choosing projects with the greatest returns - a sign that consumers are scaling back and becoming more strategic on spending amid rising concern about household debt.

Half of Canadian homeowners (51 per cent) plan to renovate their homes in the next year, compared with 62 per cent in 2011. Single family homeowners far out-pace their condo-dwelling counterparts (62 per cent versus 41 per cent respectively).

Regionally, the report revealed:

"The scaled-back plans for home renovations likely reflect increased caution on the part of households as they continue to reduce discretionary spending to rein in debt," said Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "After averaging 9 per cent in the past decade, consumer loan growth has slowed to almost 2 per cent recently, suggesting Canadians are taking recent debt warnings to heart."

The study, conducted by Leger Marketing, also revealed the top five renovation plans for Canadians:

"Making home upgrades can add significant value to a home; however, it's crucial that homeowners consider the financial implications involved," Laura Parsons, Mortgage Expert, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Renovation projects come in different shapes and sizes and vary in return on investment. Homeowners planning to move forward with renovations should consult a professional to help balance wants versus needs and the overall value of the investment."

Ms. Parsons added that if the renovations are smaller in size and spaced out over a few months, a personal line of credit can give homeowners the flexibility to borrow what they need, when they need it. For larger projects, homeowners can consider a secured line of credit, such as BMO Homeowner ReadiLine.

HGTV.ca and BMO offer the following advice on which renovation projects provide the best return on investment to help Canadians make sense of their reno plans:

1. Painting: When done well and with taste, applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior or exterior of a home is a simple way to realize gains on your renovation investment. Return: As much as 300 per cent.

2. Kitchen remodeling: A kitchen renovation can be one of the most costly home improvement projects, However, careful planning, budgeting and shopping will help minimize expenses. Consider aspects such as whether or not the project is in line with the style and quality of the rest of the house and neighbourhood. Return: 68-120 per cent.

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REPEAT-BMO Home Renovation Report: Canadians Scale Back Plans for Spending in 2012

For decades, Melnea Cass Boulevard in Roxbury has been no more than a high-traffic passageway to other parts of Boston.

But under new plans approved by Boston regulators, Melnea Cass is due for a dramatic change that will result in new shops and restaurants, a supermarket, a hotel, and dozens of homes.

Two teams of developers have been given the green light by City Hall to build a mixed-use community on vacant land on both sides of the boulevard between Washington Street and Shawmut Avenue. Their projects will form a new gateway to Dudley Square, which in recent years has also attracted a burst of redevelopment activity.

We are ecstatic that were starting to see some forward movement on these vacant parcels, said Darnell Williams, chairman of a Roxbury planning committee that has spent years trying to spur an economic revitalization in the area. We want it to be comparable to the retail and housing options in the other parts of Boston.

The two sites to be redeveloped, known as parcels 9 and 10, have been largely vacant since the 1960s, when they were cleared for a planned extension of Interstate 95 that was never built.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority initiated a process to redevelop them several years ago and earlier this month awarded building rights to Urbanica Design + Development and Madison-Tropical LLC, a partnership of Madison Park Development Corp. and the Tropical Foods supermarket.

Urbanica will build a $63 million complex on parcel 9 that will include a 150-room hotel, a two-story commercial and community building, and a five-story residential and retail structure.

The hotel will sit adjacent to Ramsey Park, and it will have ground-floor community spaces that link to the parks baseball fields.

The project will include 52 homes, with eight to be designated affordable. An executive with Urbanica said the firm wants to open at least one restaurant as well as a music club on the 1.3-acre property.

The neighborhood needs activities that strengthen the culture thats already there, said Kamran Zahedi, principal at Urbanica. Were not trying to bring the South End to Roxbury. Roxbury is going to take its own shape based on its landscape and demography.

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2 projects to revitalize Roxbury boulevard

27-05-2012 11:53 is where you can find out more information on this gorgeous Buckhead Restoration Hardware Replica!!! IMAGINE the opportunity to own this LAVISH ENTERTAINER'S ESTATE perfectly situated Near EVERYTHING ATLANTA in the heart of Buckhead!! Capatalize on your opportunity to get in on this lavish estate and enjoy the ULTIMATE in amenities including WIDE OPEN Entertainer's Floor Plan, LAVISH Master Suite on Main with direct access to party deck, SPA-LIKE Master Bath Retreat with Dual Vanities and Whirlpool Tub, EXQUISITE details masterminded of the years and all at a fraction of what you might expect to pay! You're eyes won't belive the top-notch appointments and stunning details. With TWO LEVELS OF FULLY FINISHED PERFECTION, this home is SURE TO PLEASE!!! This gem boasts so many well-appointed features it's hard to cover them all. What I can say for sure is that this home is NOT the home for you if..... *You DON'T need an abundance of space. *You ONLY entertain two times a year. *You want a "FIXER UPPER". *You DON'T want to impress your friends and family. *You're NOT looking for a GREAT value! *You just DON'T enjoy the finer things in life. For more information or to schedule your own private tour, visit or call Winter Baserva directly at 678.463.3173!

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Buckhead Homes for Sale, Restoration Hardware Replica, 1039 Lenox Crest, Atlanta, GA - Video

CROWN POINT | The local CRDN, Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network, won several awards at the convention in Florida in April. The Northern Indiana division received five awards.

CRDN of Northern Indiana won the 2011 Century Club Silver Level and the Sales Per Household by Territory. Sales executive Annette Bowen received awards for Sales Professional of the Year for both the Territory and MidMarket categories. Also receiving an award was President Steve Grashoff, who received the Million Dollar Partner Award.

When disaster hits home, basic needs become a priority: food, shelter and clothing. CRDN focuses on one of these important components garments and other fabric items that also are very valuable. In fact, Americans spend more than $350 billion on clothing and shoes in 2011. When disaster strikes, CRDN is immediately ready to recover these items and restore them at a fraction of the cost to replace them. Importantly, CRDN salvages precious memories in the process.

CRDN restores clothing and other fabric items affected by smoke, fire, water, mold and other contaminants. For more information, visit http://www.CRDN.com, and its Facebook page can be found at ww.facebook.com/CRDNTextileRestoration.

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Local restoration business earns industry honor

HOLLY HILL, FL--(Marketwire -05/29/12)- A recent report from the Wall Street Journal highlights the results of the latest Aon Benfield Global Catastrophe Recap report published by Impact Forecasting. While the types of extreme weather vary in different areas of the world, and even in different regions of the United States, every instance can cause damage that is potentially expensive to repair. In the central and southwestern regions of the U.S. alone, it is already reported that damages are approaching one billion dollars worth of insured losses. While experiencing extreme weather is discouraging in and of itself, United Water Restoration Group adds that the associated costs can make it difficult to cope with the results of a severe weather event.

The report cites recent significant tornado damage in Kansas, Oklahoma and Iowa. Not only did the outbreak claim six lives, but total insured losses from the events are expected to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars. More than 1,100 Texas homeowners have also experienced severe damage caused by tornado outbreaks and hail storms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The article states, "Total economic losses were estimated at approximately USD 1 billion, while various insurers received at least 105,000 claims with payouts in excess of USD 650 million."

While these incidents have already occurred, it is also important to prepare for further incidents. United Water Restoration Group points to the upcoming hurricane season that is expected to occur in Florida beginning in June. The company has served the Florida area for many years, and its professionals are experts in repairing flood and water damage that result from hurricanes. In addition to personal safety tips, it is important to consider the safety of your property.

The article stresses the impact extreme weather has on home insurance providers, and these facts may have several homeowners reconsidering their policies. United Water Restoration says that many homeowners believe that their policies are adequate, when in fact they may not cover all the required repairs. As a company that works closely with customers through the insurance claim process, they urge all Americans to look into supplemental coverage if it is necessary in their area.

ABOUT:

United Water Restoration Group is a reconstruction and structural damage repair company with offices located throughout the state of Florida. The company is dedicated to superior customer service and supplies 24/7 emergency response for customers facing immediate damage. United Water Restoration offers comprehensive services to address storm, flood and water damage in addition to mold remediation and fire damage repair. The company also works with insurance providers and provides step-by-step assistance to walk customers through their claims process.

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United Water Restoration Group Offers Vital Services for Coping With Extreme Weather

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Much of the story of Josh Freemans sharp drop between his first and second seasons can be told with one difference between those two years.

As a rookie, Freeman threw six interceptions. In his second season, Freeman threw 22 picks and that was a big reason why the Bucs dropped from 10 wins to six wins. Its also a big reason why theres a new coaching staff in Tampa this year.

One of those new coaches is working to turn Freeman back in the right direction. Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan spoke to Sirius XM Radio about his plans for Freeman this offseason. Cutting down on those interceptions is right at the top of the list.

When an incompletion is not only OK, but its a good thing, Sullivan said. When a sack is not only OK, its a good thing. Its all about protecting the football and making those smart decisions.

The Bucs may have helped make one of those smart decisions for Freeman when they traded tight end Kellen Winslow. According to ESPN, 10 of Freemans 22 interceptions came on passes intended for Winslow. Freeman might have been over-reliant on Winslow last season, he targeted him 111 times, and defenses adjusted to the tandem.

Freemans problems didnt come just on throws to Winslow last season, but changing the mix at receiver could still have a positive effect on Freeman. Especially since Vincent Jackson is one of the new additions.

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Buccaneers working on Josh Freeman’s decision making

May 28, 2012

The State Exchange Bank, circa 1921.

For this week's installment of our ongoing series of historical "walks" through Culver's downtown, I have to resist the temptation to tell the "story" of the State Exchange Bank (today's First Farmers Bank) as an institution, and the giants who made it what it was (such as W.O. Osborn). It's a remarkable story on multiple levels, and you can read it online at the Culver Public Library's and Judi Burns' websites, and in Latham Lawson's extensive printed history, archived at the Center for Culver History on Main Street.

The State Exchange really began south of the bank's present locale at 101 N. Main, but at least by 1901 it was known simply as the Exchange Bank, at 103 S. Main, which is home today to Skyline Builders and was for years Cultice Insurance. Schuyler Shilling bought the bank operation from M.C. McCormick with resources of $20,000.

John Osborn had owned the bank prior to McCormick, having bought it as an investment, ironic given the stature John's son Will would give the bank in its heyday.

Shilling's daughter, Minnie, would wed 1905 Culver High School classmate Will Osborn in 1906, Minnie already having been a teller at the bank.

On April 11, 1907, Shilling announced plans for a $10,000, two-story brick building on the corner of Main and Jefferson Streets. In its original incarnation, the bank entrance faced the intersection at a 45-degree angle, and the second floor of the building was home to Culver's branch of the U.S. Post Office, as well as renting space to the Culver Masonic lodge. By then, W.O. Osborn was cashier and Minnie assistant cashier, though by 1912, Osborn -- then an attorney -- became full partner with his father-in-law in the bank business.

Five years later, the bank's charter with the Banking Department of the State of Indiana led to its new moniker, The State Exchange Bank of Culver.

Were this a full-blown history of the bank itself, I'd detail major points such as the fact that in 1918, the bank became the only one in Marshall County to meet every quota of World War I Liberty Loan Bonds; the dramatic 1920 robbery there, in which Culver businessman Jacob Saine was shot at his shop across the street (102 S. Main St.); and the organization of the State Exchange Finance Company in 1923.

In 1924, the bank began an enlargement by purchasing the lot to the north (while work progressed, the bank operated from the Menser Building across the street). The stately new exterior, completed in 1926, was made of Bedford limestone trimmed in maroon brick, and the main entrance shifted to face Main Street. The Barnes Construction Company -- precursor to today's Easterday Construction -- occupied space for some time on the second floor of the bank as well. By 1952, the Russell Easterday Construction Company was listed there. During that period, the floor was also home to Western Union, Bettys Beauty Shop, and the Methodist Church office (the church itself was two buildings north at that time).

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If these walls could talk: 101 N. Main Street

Prospect Hts. Elementary School Dist. 23 board members in the next two months will likely decide whether or not they will spend money on air conditioning school buildings throughout the district. Another option could see geothermal heating and cooling make its way to the district.

Board members on May 9 reviewed a list of priority maintenance projects that need to be done over the next one to three years along with what it would cost to install standard air conditioning units or a geothermal heating and cooling system.

If the board decides not to install any air conditioning, Dist. 23 estimates priority mechanical replacements will cost approximately $6.22 million. Replacements would include updating electrical mains for current and future loads, replacing various unit vents, replacing boilers at all four schools that have reached their end of life with energy efficient boilers, and replacing existing HVAC systems in a variety of classrooms.

If the board decides to add standard air conditioning to all Dist. 23 schools, the cost increases to approximately $10.54 million.

A third option is to replace all mechanical systems with geothermal heating and cooling for a total of approximately $10.67 million. That expense calls for $2.4 million in architectural items such as ripping up carpeting and tile, and tearing open ceilings to install the system.

If the district goes with geothermal, one room could be cooled while the room directly next door has the heat on. It also includes removing all boilers and unit vents.

In the next two weeks, the district is spending $10,000 to test a single HVAC bore field on the playing field behind MacArthur Middle School. The purpose of a test bore hole is to see how far down in the ground the district must drill to ensure the system works adequately at the right temperature. If the district decides to go with geothermal, another 175 holes would be dug near Eisenhower and MacArthur schools prior to the system being installed.

My recommendation is to go with geothermals because it is a very simple system, its much better for the environment, each teacher will have their own temperature control and energy costs will go down. Business Manager Luann Mathis said.

Mathis said the board would decide what direction they will go in July at the earliest.

Once they give us authority to move forward, we have to get approval to issue bonds to pay for the project, before we even ever go out for bid on the work, Mathis said, who doesnt anticipate going out for bid until January at the earliest.

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Dist. 23 Looks To Cool Down With Air Conditioning Options

If cost is no object when designing or redesigning a kitchen, new must haves include an induction cooktop whose entire surface is a burner, a built-in coffeemaker with its own dedicated plumbing and a steam oven in your gourmet range.

And for the wine connoisseur, there is a wine refrigerator/storage unit with UV protection, microprocessor controlled temperature, alarm system and WiFi key.

But you can create or update a kitchen at many price levels without sacrificing style.

Frank Morris Jr. at Granite State Cabinetry and David Souter at Baron's Major Appliances offered some guidance on kitchen trends in colors, appliances and flooring.

The two companies Granite State Cabinetry in Bedford and Baron's, in Manchester and five other locations are sponsors of the eighth annual Palace Theatre Kitchen Tour Sunday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The June 3 fundraiser includes self-guided tours of three homes in Bedford and three in Manchester, lunch and a late afternoon appetizer and wine tasting with cooking demonstrations by New Hampshire chefs.

Morris said at least 50 percent of the kitchens now have white painted cabinets versus a stained wood. It's a light, clean, refreshing look, said Morris, with the added benefit of making the room look larger.

Glass-front cabinets are also popular, especially for display. Perhaps surprising is a trend to open shelving. We are doing a lot of open shelves, taking the doors off, said Morris. The dishes themselves are the decoration.

It may be called Granite State Cabinetry, but Morris said the company can remove walls, move plumbing, do electrical work in a remodeling project. The trend is to open up space in older homes, sometimes taking down a dining room wall and eliminating the formal dining room.

The goal is one large flowing space. Now we are able to put in a large island, he said, as big as 4 by 6 feet, so there is room for everyone to sit. It's using your space more efficiently, said Morris.

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Kitchen tour features some hot colors and cool appliances

Jim Noonan walked through the cavernous decks of the Keewatin as workers hustled up and down the stairs. The Saugatuck man had spent 15 years as a tour guide on the historic Great Lakes cruise ship docked at the end of Union Street in Douglas.

It feels like theres a little hole in our heart, he said, knowing the ship will soon be towed out of Kalamazoo Lake to return to its home on the Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. But it will be in a good harbor.

Q: How will the ship be removed from the harbor?

A: The 105-year-old ship is scheduled to be pulled out of its dock Wednesday weather permitting by King Company of Holland.

Huge 5,000-gallon containers that once held vodka will be filled with water. The bladders are in the bow of the ship. While holding the front down, they will raise the back of the ship so its easier to pull through the lake, said Eric Conroy, spokesman for the Canadian owner of the ship.

The 48-foot-wide vessel will be guided through a freshly dredged channel 50 feet wide along the west end of Kalamazoo Lake to the deeper water in front of Coral Gables. From there, the vessels will head out of the channel into Lake Michigan.

Tugboats from the St. James Marine Co. of Beaver Island will pick up the work from there.

One tug will be pulling from the front and the other guiding from behind, said John Fogg of the towing company. On Friday, he was at the bottom of the grand staircase checking the emergency sensors that will detect any water leakage, fire and heat during the trip to Ontario.

Its shipshape, Fogg said about the Keewatin.

The U.S. Coast Guard gets the final say, according to Cmdr. Mike Farrell, Section Lake Michigan based in Milwaukee. The agency will inspect the ship, make sure its structurally sound, stable and wont pollute the water or be a hazard to other vessels.

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Final preparations keep historic Keewatin in Douglas shipshape