Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Now in its second century as a Madison public school, Lowell Elementary is honoring its historic roots with a new cafeteria that sets it apart from any other lunchroom in the Madison School District.

Formerly two kindergarten classrooms, the new cafeterias centerpiece is a large, original fireplace with tiles that illustrate the Jack and Jill story. The fireplace is flanked by original, built-in bookcases.

Across the room a wall of nearly floor-to-ceiling windows and an alcove overlook the school courtyard, which has been turned into a mini forest. Underneath the windows are built-in seats with drawers still featuring the original pulls. Decorative tile surrounds a pair of drinking fountains.

When we look out the windows we can see most of the mini forest, first-grader Georgia Klipstein said.

Kindergartner Ione Courtier-Hewson said she likes the space because its smaller and less loud than the old cafeteria, which was in the basement. Others were excited about the fireplace and student artwork that was displayed, which is easier to do now that the cafeteria is across from the art room.

When its not raining outside, we get to open the windows, kindergartner Hazel Gunneson said.

Its also a nicer place to work, food service worker Kim Ryan said.

When the school was undergoing renovations to make it more accessible, Principal John Burkholder suggested the cafeteria switch. While an elevator now goes all the way down to the lower level, putting the cafeteria on the ground floor makes it more accessible for everyone, including parents dropping off their children in the morning for breakfast. It is right across from the front door and a short trip from the playground, so the transition requires less staff supervision and its quicker to access, leaving more time for students to eat lunch.

Burkholder pushed to save historic features like the window seats when their removal was proposed to gain more floor space.

When a more energy-efficient front entrance was installed, which necessitated the replacement of a half round window with a new replica, Burkholder asked that the old one be mounted over the archway between the lunchroom and adjacent kitchen.

Burkholders appreciation of historic buildings may have been planted when as a youngster he attended Dudgeon Elementary School, a 90-year-old building that now houses the private Wingra School. He also said he became impassioned when he gave tours of Lowell for the schools 100th anniversary last year and some early students talked about assigned drawers in the window seats where they kept their sleep mats.

Once others saw the space firsthand they realized how the original features made the space special, Burkholder said. Chad Wiese, director of building services, said the project cost $100,000. Mindful of the historic nature of the project, district crews paid special attention to details like staining the new baseboards to match the old, he said.

They really made this vision become reality, Burkholder said about the building services and food services departments.

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Once in the basement, Lowell Elementary cafeteria now a room with a view - Madison.com

Following a less-than-stellar reception by the La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA) in March, plans for the UC San Diego Marine Conservation Facility were revised to create more of an ocean view around the proposed development. The updated plans were presented as an information item (not subject to a vote) at the LJCPA meeting May 4 and include: reducing the length of a canopy that cantilevers out over the rooftop caf, reducing the height of a second story, and removing a cluster of non-native trees to create more of a view for pedestrians.

The project calls for the conversion of the former National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and Southwest Fisheries Science Center buildings on the northern end of the campus, into laboratories for Scripps Institution of Oceanography students, and the addition of a two-story building and a caf. Architectural firm Safdie Rabines, who designed the nearby Carolines Seaside Caf, also designed the new facility. The $22 million project, paid for with campus funds, is expected to start construction in October and be complete one year later.

The current footprint for the project includes the vacant and seismically retrofitted Building D (as its known) and the base for Building A, which was partially demolished, leaving only the first floor.

When it was introduced in March, board members expressed concern over losing some of the view from La Jolla Shores Drive, and hesitated to take the university at its word that what was being presented was what would be built.

We wanted to let you know we listened to your concerns and we believe we heard many of the comments in the room and have made modifications to the project, said Anu Delouri, UCSD assistant director for communications and community planning. Since the last time we were here, weve reduced the height of Building A (additions), reduced the length of the canopy and opened up additional ocean views.

Added Robert Cloissin, director of UCSD campus planning, After the March meeting, we met with our architect team to say what are some things we can do to reduce the scale of the project? One of the things we looked at was setting the mechanical equipment down in a certain way that is allowed us to lower the roof line by about two feet.

The canopy structure, he added, can be pulled back by some 11 feet, and a group of eucalyptus trees could be removed to open up more of a view on the other side of the facility.

Of removing the trees, Delouri said, I believe it opens up a magnificent view of the ocean.

A view, some members said, is owed to La Jolla residents. Trustee Mike Costello noted when the UCSD Marine Ecosystem Sensing, Observation and Modeling Laboratory (MESOM) was built in 2012, also located off La Jolla Shores Drive, it was constructed at a height greater than what was initially presented.

The university owes us some view back. They took views from us and did not tell us the truth. They owe us something for that, he said.

As an offer, Cloissin said he would install story poles to show height of planned work as plans get closer to construction. He also invited interested parties to participate in a walk near the site to get a better sense of the scope of work, details of which have yet to be decided.

The project must still be approved by the California Coastal Commission, but it will be discussed informally at the next meeting.

Sound wall discussion revived: Residents of Ardath Road, hoping for noise abatement from the volume of traffic on La Jolla Parkway (which runs parallel to Ardath Road), asked that the plans for a sound wall be readdressed. In 2015, plans for a sound wall extension along La Jolla Parkway made the rounds at La Jolla Community Planning groups, gaining support at La Jolla Shores Association and La Jolla Town Council, but raising eyebrows at La Jollas Traffic & Transportation board. Trustee Dolores Donovan asked that the discussion be placed on the next months agenda. A motion passed to send a letter to the City asking why it hasnt acted on the issue.

Officers re-elected: After tabling the election of officers from LJCPAs April meeting, the board individually nominated and elected a slate of officers, many of whom were re-elected. They include: Cindy Greatrex re-elected as president (who was not present at the meeting, but relayed her willingness to serve if elected), Helen Boyden re-elected as first vice president, Robert Steck re-elected as second vice president, Janie Emerson re-elected as treasurer and Dolores Donovan elected as secretary.

La Jolla Community Planning Association next meets 6 p.m. Thursday, June 1 at La Jolla Rec Center, 615 Prospect St. lajollcpa.org or sandiego.gov/planning/community/cpg/agendas

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La Jolla's UC San Diego downsizes Marine Conservation facility plans to add more ocean view - La Jolla Light

Candace Parker and the Los Angeles Sparks start their defense of their WNBA Saturday when they host the Seattle Storm.

Photo By - USA Today Images

Candace Parker and the Los Angeles Sparks start their defense of their WNBA Saturday when they host the Seattle Storm.

The WNBA tips off season No. 21 Saturday afternoon and while the league doesnt grab headlines, it can help bettors keep their bankroll growing over the summer. Here are some news and notes to help give you a head start handicapping the 2017 WNBA schedule: Futures are bright

After winning the 2016 WNBA title in buzzer-beating fashion, the Los Angeles Sparks begin the defense of their title as +170 favorite to repeat. The Sparks bring back their dominating frontcourt of 2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike and 2016 WNBA Finals MVP Candace Parker, along with most of their core pieces on the perimeter. The notable exception being sharp-shooting Kristi Toliver, who signed with the Washington Mystics in the offseason.

Those odds dont mean things are going to be easy for WNBA champs, as the Minnesota Lynx want their title back. The Lynx have been an elite team in the WNBA in recent years, appearing in five of the last six WNBA finals, and winning three.

Minnesota is coming off a franchise-best 28 regular season wins and bring back their core of Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson and Sylvia Fowles. Brunson, Whalen and Augustus have all been in the league for over a decade and the memories of last season's heartbreaking Game 5 loss will only help motivate this veteran squad. The Lynx are currently sitting at +200 to win the title.

As far as upstarts go, the Mystics acquired arguably the best womans basketball player on the planet, Elena Delle Donne. As is with basketball, if you have the best player on the floor, you have a chance. Additions Kristi Toliver and No. 6 overall draft pick Shatori Walker-Kimbrough will add perimeter scoring. The Mystics open the season at +600 to win the title.

In the desert, the Phoenix Mercury blew up their roster, with 10 new players. The only remaining members of last year's team are superstars Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, which is a pretty solid foundation. Taurasi is heading into her 13th season and needs just 178 points to become the WNBAs all-time scoring leader. The Mercury head into the season with the third-best odds to win the title at +300.

Buckets, buckets, buckets

Before the start of the 2016 WNBA season, the league introduced a new rule recommended by the Competition Committee. The 24-second shot clock would reset to 14 seconds when the offensive team maintained possession of the ball - offensive rebound or tip out of bounds. This by design, quickened the pace of play.

Scoring surged from 150.29 combined points per game in 2015 to 163.76 combined points per game last year. And books were slow to adjust, at the end of the season WNBA games finished 123-96 O/U, which is a 56 percent winning clip for Over backers.

Leading the way for Over profits were the Chicago Sky at 23-11 Over/Under (67.6 percent) followed by the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics both at 22-12 O/U (64.7 percent). The 56 percent Over rate is up from 45.5 percent in 2015 and 46.5 percent in 2014.

WNBA is in the daily fantasy game

The WNBA announced Thursday that they are partnering with FanDuel, becoming the first womens professional sports league to be available in one-day fantasy betting.

FanDuel will have the normal offerings of daily contests and offering free WNBA contests in which participants can win merchandise, courtside tickets, and other WNBA swag.

Dogs for days

The WNBA is essentially a summer job for many of its stars. Numerous womens professional basketball players, play a full season in Europe and come stateside for the summer. Overseas playoffs and international responsibilities such as EuroBasket, FIBA Asia/Americas and 2018 World Cup qualifying are going to impact WNBA rosters at various points throughout the season. Keep an eye on which teams and players will be in and out due to these prior commitments.

During the summer months, recreational bettors target the WNBA to add beef to a parlay or chase a favorite, if only because its the only option on the sheet, and that often inflates the lines on favorites, opening up value on underdogs.

The top ATS team in 2016 was the Connecticut Sun going 20-12-2 ATS (59 percent) - 10-6-1 at home and 10-6-1 on the road. That ATS success didnt translate to the standings as Connecticut finished fifth in the East and outside of the playoff picture. The San Antonio Stars finished at the bottom of the WNBA standings at 7-27 SU but went 18-15-1 ATS, including a 10-7 ATS (59 percent) record on the road.

Blinding betting the WNBA dogs proved profitable in 2016, with underdogs going 115-100-5 ATS (53.5 percent). Road teams getting the points were particularly profitable, hitting a 77-62-2 ATS mark on the year (55.4 percent).

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Four need-to-know notes for betting the 2017 WNBA season - Covers.com

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 15 at 8:00AM EDT in effect for: Fountain, Parke, Vermillion, Warren

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 15 at 12:30PM EDT in effect for: Parke, Vermillion, Vigo

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 15 at 2:00AM EDT in effect for: Lawrence, Martin

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 14 at 11:06AM EDT in effect for: Jackson, Lawrence, Washington

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 16 at 8:51AM EDT in effect for: Lawrence, Martin

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 14 at 5:00PM EDT in effect for: Daviess, Greene, Knox

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 14 at 4:00AM EDT in effect for: Lawrence, Martin

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 17 at 2:00PM EDT in effect for: Parke, Vermillion, Vigo

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 14 at 8:00AM EDT in effect for: Fountain, Parke, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Warren

Flood Warningissued May 13 at 11:07AM EDT expiring May 14 at 12:00PM EDT in effect for: Daviess, Greene, Knox

Flood Warningissued May 12 at 10:39PM EDT expiring May 13 at 12:26PM EDT in effect for: Jackson, Lawrence, Washington

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Call 6 helps woman lower misquoted repair bill - TheIndyChannel ... - WRTV Indianapolis

Dear Call Box: I drive down Atlantic Boulevard every day and noticed that there has been some construction activity at the site of the two office buildings that burned. They were adjacent to Fire Station 12.

L.E., Southside

Dear L.E.: The first of the two one-story office buildings at 3434 Atlantic Blvd. burned in February 2013 and was ruled accidental. The second fire in January 2015 destroyed the building in back of it. Cause of the second fire was believed to be arson, according to Kayla Anderson, spokeswoman for the state Fire Marshals Office.

Physician Rene Pulido bought the property and will use it for medical office buildings, said Tom Shrout, president of The Shrout Companies, which is doing the work. Pulido revised the permit which had been issued to rebuild the 5,200-square-foot building that burned in 2013.

Construction had started on the building, which faces Atlantic, but was halted until truss drawings from the engineer can be completed, Shrout said. Then they will be submitted to the city for approval, and construction will resume, he said. He expects that to happen in mid-July with a target completion date of the end of the year. Then work can start on the second building, Shout said.

There was a lot of engineering work that had to be done to see of some of the original framework and foundation could be used. Some could and some not, Shrout said.

Pulido owns other clinics and doctors offices in the 2000 block of Atlantic.

Dear Call Box: I have discovered some water spots on the ceiling of the living room and garage in my two-story home. I am 70 years old and physically not able to get up the attic and crawling inside the rafters to look for the source of the water damage. I hope you can advise me as to whom to call to make this inspection, be it a plumber, painter or contractor to determine where the leak is located.

T.T., Jacksonville

Dear T.T.: We called Rolland Reash Plumbing Co. to find the answer to your question. Kyle Conway, office supervisor, said plumbers investigate leaks all the time and will be able to tell you the origin of the leak. You can find a long list by googling plumbers.

Dear Call Box: Can you tell me who or what Belfort Road was named after?

J.M., Riverside-Avondale

Dear J.M.: We thought this would be an easy question, but thats where we were mistaken. We searched our archives, contacted a historical society and called a prominent developer, but none knew the origin. So were throwing it out to the readers, who recently came through on a similar question.

Update: A month after we wrote about Bernard Berney, whose famed Man in Green restaurant was featured in Ripleys Believe It or Not column, readers continue their fascination with the downtown icon. Carolyn Adams said that her mother-in-law, Kathleen McClure, was a marathon dancer during the depression who often talked about coming to Jacksonville and dancing in the all-green restaurant with an owner who dressed in green. Her father-in-law, Ralph Waldo Wally Adams, was the emcee, and the couple got married on one of their dancing trips around the country.

Her mother-in-law won $100 for every 24 hours on her feet with only a 10-minute break every hour. The most she ever won was $400 or $500.

Submit questions by calling (904) 359-4622 or mailing to Call Box, P.O. Box 1949, Jacksonville, FL 32231. Please include contact information. If you have a picture to offer with your question, feel free to send it.

Sandy Strickland: (904) 359-4128

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Call Box: Medical office building rising from the ashes - Florida Times-Union

Editor's Note: Houston is loaded with must-have houses for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In this continuing series, CultureMap reporters snoop through some of our faves and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.

3014 Del Monte

The River Oaks home of Dr. Denton Cooley was built in 1948 by C.C. Rouse, with a later two-story addition designed by noted architectJohn Staub. Cooley, the legendary surgeon who performed the first heart transplant in the United States and the first implantation of a total artificial heart, died late last year at age 96. His wife, Louise Cooley, preceded him in death a month earlier, at age 92. The Cooleys lives in the house from 1962 until 2016.

The home is in a estate and is being sold "as is," according to John Daugherty Realtors, which is listing the house for sale.

The elements: TheSouthern colonial house with classical pediment and columns in a prime River Oaks location features a gracious foyer, with a staircase leading to the second floor and a dining room to the left upon entering. Other features includea living room with fireplace, a largefamily room that was part of the Staub addition (ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons once performed there), a paneled library, enclosed sunroom, pantry and kitchen that has not been updated.

The home, on a quarter-acre lot, is configured for 5 to 7 bedrooms, with hardwood floors throughout, and 5-1/2 baths. The master bedroom has a large dressing room with Programme Martin fixtures and dressing mirrors. A backyard patio with garden fountain was designed by acclaimed landscape architect Gregory Catlow.

Square footage:6,883

Asking price: $4,499,000

Listing agent: Mary Craddockwith John Daugherty Realtors

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Home of legendary heart surgeon is on the market for $4.5 million ... - CultureMap Houston

BUILDER

CalAtlantic Homes Inc., Arlington, Va. and Irvine, Calif. (NYSE:CAA) late Friday announced the opening of communities in North Carolina, Indiana and Maryland and the addition of 12 new home designs in California's Silicon Valley.

CAA announced plans to unveil on Saturday May 13 12 new home designs at Lantana and Wisteria in Morgan Hill, Calif., single and two-story home designs featuring expansive Great Rooms, gourmet kitchens and unique outdoor living spaces.

The homes within Lantana in Morgan Hill range from 2,952 to 3,930 square feet and contain four to six bedrooms and three-and-one-half to four-and-one-half baths. The homes within Wisteria in Morgan Hill range from 2,088 to 3,091 square feet and contain three to five bedrooms and two-and-one-half to three-and-one-half baths. Pricing starts in the $1,100,000s.

"In designing these new floor plans, we focused on connectivity and functionality to create an ideal backdrop for everyday living as well as large-scale entertaining," said Tom Burrill, Bay Area President for CalAtlantic Homes. "Morgan Hill offers an unparalleled lifestyle with convenient access to Hwy 101 and the Caltrain, and both communities are commuter friendly, offering a wonderful place to call home."

Situated 15 miles south of San Jose, Lantana and Wisteria in Morgan Hill offer an easy commute to the Silicon Valley and are a short drive from destination cities such as Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. Residents can enjoy close proximity to Morgan Hill's vibrant downtown, which offers a blend of boutique shops, restaurants, breweries and more. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy close proximity to dozens of award-winning wineries along the 28-mile Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail. The area also features the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center and boating on Lake Anderson. For golfers, Coyote Creek Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is located just five miles away.

In Indiana, CAA opened Vonterra in Zionsville, featuring homes from 1,820 to 3,610 square feet, with three to five bedrooms and two to three-and-one-half baths. The ranch and two-story home designs feature Great Room centered floor plans that open into large center-island kitchens and generous outdoor living spaces. Together, these areas create a warm and welcoming backdrop for time with family and friends, and make the most of Vonterra's peaceful wooded surroundings. Each home also features a generous owner's suite with a spa-inspired bath. Pricing starts at $300,995.

"Vonterra is part of a 109-acre site - 48 acres of which CalAtlantic has donated back to Zionsville for the development of a large nature park and recreation area," said Craig Jensen, Indianapolis Division President for CalAtlantic Homes. "This gives Vonterra residents wonderful seclusion, while still enjoying the benefits of modern new home living, premier schools and almost immediate access to historic Zionsville and interstates that put them only a short drive from downtown Indianapolis."

Designed with busy families in mind, floor plans at Vonterra include well-thought out storage space and can be personalized with popular options such as second-story lofts, bonus rooms and an oversized garage. Homeowners can also select from Craftsman, Italiante, Tudor and Greek Revival exteriors - all part of CalAtlantic's Architectural Collection.

Residents at Vonterra will enjoy immediate access to Zionsville Rail Trail, a public hiking and biking trail that will connect to the community, as well as adjacency to the proposed 48-acre Overly-Worman Nature Park. Other nearby recreational destinations include Eagle Creek, the 77-acre Starkey Nature Park and Lions Park, an 18-acre community park and sports fields.

Vonterra is just one mile from The Village, the heart of Zionsville's historic downtown, featuring brick paved streets, fine dining, cafes and boutique shops, and the frequent site of popular local festivals and celebrations. It is also located minutes from I-465 and I-865, allowing quick and direct access to the employment and urban amenities of metro Indianapolis. Children living in Vonterra are eligible to attend Zionsville Community Schools.

Further east, CAA opened Crestmont, a new home community offering a variety of single-family home designs in Apex, NC.

"Apex offers a highly energetic environment with ample recreation making it a great place to build our newest neighborhood," said Troy George, Raleigh Division President for CalAtlantic Homes. "Home shoppers have already responded very positively to Crestmont's variety of floor plans and its exceptional location."

Home buyers at Crestmont can select from nine home designs from the Classic collection, offering a mix of five new and best-selling single-family floor plans, and the Estates collection, introducing four brand-new, luxury single-family floor plans.

These two- and three-story homes range from 2,980 to 4,530 square feet, with three to five bedrooms and two-and-one-half to five-and-one-half baths. Each home mingles traditional charm with amenities specifically designed to meet the needs of discerning home shoppers. This includes bright and welcoming floorplans that are expertly designed to flow from spacious living areas into gourmet kitchens with center islands. Each home also features a generous owner's suite with a spa-inspired bath.

All floor plans within the Estate collection include a three-car garage and screened porch. For those seeking main-floor living, the Classic collection includes a first-floor owner's suite option. Homes at Crestmont can be further personalized with popular features such as lofts, bonus rooms, first-floor guest retreats and patios that create extended indoor-outdoor living spaces. Pricing starts in the low $400,000s.

Residents at Crestmont will enjoy walking trails that wind throughout tree protected areas within the community. The neighborhood is also located directly across the street from the new Green Level High School, providing quick and convenient walkability for students.

Situated in the rapidly growing town of Apex, Crestmont is in close proximity to the dining, shopping and entertainment of historic downtown Apex and the Beaver Creek Commons shopping center. It is also 1.5 miles from the 224-acre Thomas Brooks Park, providing basketball courts, sports fields, walking trails and picnic shelters. Within minutes of NC 540, residents at Crestmont will enjoy an equally easy connection to the urban amenities and employment centers of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Children living in Crestmont are eligible to attend the Wake County Public School System.

Up the east coast, CAA opened Chapel Creek Village, a neighborhood of 27 luxurious townhomes in Gambrills, Md., offering the spaciousness of a single-family home within a peaceful setting surrounded by wetlands and forest conservation areas.

"Understanding that home shoppers crave a backdrop for in-home entertaining, we've designed these townhomes with a sense of connectivity and flow that feels more like a single-family home," said Tim Bates, Mid-Atlantic Division President for CalAtlantic Homes. "We are delighted to introduce these townhome designs in this highly-sought after locale."

Chapel Creek Village offers two, three-story townhome designs that encompass 2,460 square feet and include three bedrooms and two-and-one-half baths. These well-appointed floor plans features bright and spacious Great Rooms, and large center-island kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and beautiful cabinetry. Each townhome offers a finished first-floor recreation room, along with a second floor flex room which can be personalized to meet the needs of each homebuyer. Home shoppers will enjoy the generous owner's suite which includes a private bath with dual sinks, a soaking tub, a separate shower and a spacious walk-in closet.

Townhomes at Chapel Creek Village can be further personalized with options including a lower-level powder room or full bathroom, a sunroom to enjoy the community's serene setting and a sitting room in the owner's suite. All homeowners will enjoy a two-car garage and traditional exterior styles accented with covered entries. Upon completion, the community will include a children's play area, a butterfly garden and a peaceful meditation area. Pricing starts from the mid $400,000s.

Chapel Creek Village is located in the growing community of Gambrills, MD, in highly sought-after Anne Arundel County. The community is less than one mile from Waugh Chapel Village retail center, one mile west of Route 3 and near I-97 and Route 32. For commuting residents, Chapel Creek Village is almost equidistant from both Baltimore and Washington D.C. It is also near Fort Meade, home to the National Security Agency (NSA), and only a short drive to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) and Arundel Mills Mall. Children living within Chapel Creek Village have the opportunity to attend Four Seasons Elementary School, Arundel Middle School and Arundel High School, all part of Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

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CalAtlantic Unveils New Communities, Designs in 4 States - Builder Magazine

I dont know anything about the sea, except that its romantic, Lucy Muir observes in the 1940s classic, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Shes right. The Captains House, a gracious, 17-room estate set directly on Rockports rocky shoreline, is awash in just the kind of romance that only New England seaside living can evoke. Owned by the same family for the past 50 years, this property presents a rare opportunity as a single-family home or waterfront bed-and-breakfast. Spacious grounds provide ample room for tented events, parking and outdoor activities all with 180-degree ocean views.

The home is set behind an original granite wall providing privacy amidst lush coastal gardens, observes listing agent George Kauss of Coldwell Residential Brokerage of Gloucester. The private setting belies how convenient the residence is to the many nearby beaches, fine restaurants, shops, art galleries and the world-famous Shalin Liu Performance Center that make Rockport one of New Englands most beloved travel destinations.

Built in 1910, the home's original architecture has been lovingly maintained throughout the residence. The artisan-crafted woodwork and built-in cabinets evoke an age when visitors left calling cards, and proper manners dictated that one did not respond to a written invitation by telephone. The coffered ceiling and two fireplaces create a living room ideal for quiet evenings at home or more formal entertaining, while the striking dining room affords the perfect space for both casual and formal repasts.

The kitchen, with butlers pantry and plenty of storage and prep space, boasts oak floors and stainless-steel appliances. A sunroom, laundry/mudroom with a commercial washer and dryer, half-bath, den and home office complete the main-level living space.

The second and third floors what would have been known as the family rooms in a bygone era feature eight generous bedrooms with full bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms have original fireplaces. All bedrooms offer ocean views.

In addition to its convenient location nearcharming shops and restaurants, the residence is minutes from the Rockport commuter rail station and less than an hour from Logan Airport.

The residence is idyllically situated, with over 150 feet of ocean frontage offering clear views of Straitsmouth Island and the twin lighthouses on Thacher Island. And being directly on the Rockport shoreline, you can swim, fish or picnic right from your own backyard. Its beautiful location with coastal breezes also keeps the home naturally cool during the warm weather, while a commercial furnace keeps the home cozy in the winter, says Kauss. This is a lifestyle unique to Cape Ann on one of Marmion Ways most prominent pieces of waterfront property.

The captain for whom the home is named was Capt. Clayton Morrissey, the most famous of Gloucester fishermen. Born in Nova Scotia in 1872, he began his storied career at age 13 as a deck boy. In 1923, Capt. Morrissey was the model for English sculptor Leonard Craskes Man at the Wheel, the internationally renowned intrepid fisherman statue dedicated to They that go down to the sea in ships.

This remarkable offering is shown by appointment.An open house will be held Saturday, May 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 69 Marmion Way.For more information and additional photos, visit http://www.CaptainsHouse.com.

AT A GLANCE:

17-room, ocean-front estate

8 bedrooms

9 full and one-half baths

5 fireplaces

$2,268,000

LISTED BY:

George Kauss

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

978- 979-2907

George.Kauss@NEMoves.com

http://www.ColdwellBankerHomes.com

||||

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Rockport oceanfront estate brings finest of Cape Ann living - The Salem News

Remodeling or completely renovating a kitchen can be a big task, but it also has the best return on investment of any home improvement.

But these improvements dont come cheap. A 2013 U.S. Census Bureau report noted the cost of an average kitchen remodel was $5,000, with the price tag for complete renovation at $27,353.

Given these costs, remodeling experts say there are ways to save in order to have money to splurge on key items.

Begin with a detailed floor plan, said Ariel Darmoni, managing partner at 123 Remodeling, a general contractor firm which was featured in Houzz and on HGTV.

Its going to be so much more if you dont have a floor plan that works for you because making changes later costs more. You can also save money if you dont have to move plumbing and electric, even if youre taking down walls, he said.

Dont skimp on important life-safety improvements like mold remediation and ventilation, said Beverley Kruskol, owner of M.Y. Pacific Building, a general contractor who has worked with high-end renovations, including for Mario Batalis restaurants in Los Angeles.

Tile, flooring and lighting can be both economical and beautiful, Kruskol said.

Tile is a great place to save money. There are thousands of styles, and theyre so amazing, she said.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be used on both floor and in kitchen backsplashes, said Suzanne Falk of Suzanne Falk Interior Design, a ghost designer on HGTVs Kitchen Crashers.

Tile is cheaper than hardwood flooring, and Darmoni prefers tile floors in kitchens because wood floors can be easily damaged by water leaks from dishwashers.

Big-box retailers sell attractive tiles for a fraction of the cost versus whats sold at designer showrooms, Falk said. For people who have their heart set on high-end tile, she recommended highlighting it in a specific area, like in a backsplash around the range, and then framing it with subway tiles, which Falk said are her go-to tiles.

Distinctive, affordable lighting options are available at retail stores versus paying up at a showroom, they said.

Compared to what was available four or five years ago, you can get beautiful lamps at a fraction of the cost, Kruskol said.

Choose a nicer faucet over a sink, Darmoni said, but look at the faucet construction. Better-made faucets have durable metal cartridges inside, which are the valves that turn on the water and mix temperatures.

High-end appliances might be a worthy splurge; however, Kruskol said homeowners should think about how they use them and how long theyll be in the home.

If youre in a condo, I dont think you need to spend the money to get a Wolf range, but it depends on your lifestyle, she said.

Homeowners who arent doing a gut rehab and really are scrimping can get new doors and hardware for their existing cabinets, Kruskol said, which can quickly update the look. Even refinishing existing doors can refresh a tired kitchen.

The two areas worth a splurge are cabinets and countertops, they said. Consider stepping up to semi-custom cabinets from a local cabinet supplier and avoiding the big-box retailer.

Working with a local cabinet supplier to design creative storage can help eliminate a lot of the wasted space in kitchens, Kruskol said. Upgrades like pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans are useful, but Falk warned about getting carried away with other costly upgrades like appliance garages and built-in spice drawers. These can look nice but may not be practical, she added.

Another benefit to using semi-custom cabinets is they can be designed to fit a homes inevitable imperfections in a way prefabricated cabinets cant, said Darmoni and Falk.

All three said consider upgrading to natural stone countertops versus manufactured styles. Not only do they look beautiful, but they will last for years. Granite has always been popular, but high-end materials like quartz and quartzite are becoming affordable.

The one stone they dont recommend for kitchens is marble.

Its porous and stains easily. For instance, if you put a coffee cup on it, it gets a ring that doesnt go away, Kruskol said.

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Where to save, where to splurge in kitchen remodel - Fredericksburg.com

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