Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

[In photos: The slope behind Skidmores Bernhard Theater under which geothermal pipes were installed. Levi Rogers (at left) and Paul Lundberg in one of Skidmores geothermal control rooms. Photos by Larry Goodwin.]

SARATOGA SPRINGS A gentle slope on the campus of Skidmore Collegeone that leads down to a pond rippled by two fountainsnaturally hides the evidence of previous construction.

Several years ago, contractor machines had made a mess of it by digging straight down 450 feet to install a field of five-inch-wide pipes, which supply a sophisticated geothermal heating and cooling system at the college.

The lush green grass behind the Bernhard Theater building now makes the clean-energy infrastructure impossible to see.

Last year, another large geothermal installation was completed on campus after Facilities Services crews had ripped up a portion of the Palamountain parking lot, in preparation for construction of a Center for Integrated Sciences.

Nobody really knows what weve been doing here for a long time, stated Paul Lundberg, the assistant director of Facilities Services. Lundberg is widely considered on campus to be the most enthusiastic promoter of geothermal energy projects.

Lundberg is happy to explain how closed-loop networks ofpipes circulate famously pure local water for indoor climate control at Skidmore. The goal is to get the best bang for your buck in terms of energy consumption, he said.

Geothermal heat pump installations use the constant temperature under the grounds frost line to renewably heat and cool homes and businesses without producing greenhouse gases on site, the New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NYGEO) states in a summary of the technology.

Lundberg admitted that he was eager to attend the NYGEO conference this week at the Radisson Hotel in Albany. In 2015, the same conferencenicknamed Geopaloozawas held at Skidmore College.

In 2012, a national academic association recognized Skidmore with an award for the operation of its geothermal energy system.

Before giving a brief tour of one of the systems two main nodes, or control rooms, Lundberg had joined an interview with Karen Kellogg and Levi Rogers, who direct and coordinate various activities through Skidmores Sustainability Office.

Rogers said his office works with a large group of people on campus who are united in their support of Skidmores environmentally sustainable projects. These include the promotion ofsolar power, ambitious recycling and composting programs, and the annual maintenance of a thriving community garden on campus.

Many students are currently participating in Earth Week activities, which include an off-campus March for Science starting at noon on Saturday in Congress Park and a film screening about the Hudson River on Monday at 7 p.m. in the Emerson Auditorium.

Kellogg, Lundberg and Rogers sat down together outside a coffee shop on the second floor of the Case Center, as Skidmore students and faculty were socializing or studying intently nearby.

Kellogg explained that, at present, geothermal energy heats and cools nearly 40 percent of the square footage inside all of Skidmores buildings. That includes theArthur Zankel Music Center, Tang Teaching Museum, the Northwoods and Sussman student apartments, and numerous other structures on campus.

More geothermal projects are being planned to increase the colleges overall energy efficiency, she said.

Lundberg described how Skidmores geothermal system (in scientific terms) is able to store heat energy very efficiently due to a large underground formation of Dolostone, which he called near perfect for optimum heat exchange.

Weve done our homework, Lundberg added.

Rogers pointed out that Skidmore utilizes all of the geothermal power generated on site, which he said eliminates any need for the college to participate in complicated renewable energy credit markets.

I really do think that sets us apart from other institutions, Rogers said.

According to John Manning, a spokesman for Earth Sensitive Solutions in Skaneateles, New York, a firm that has partnered with Skidmore to install geothermal pipes, emissions of greenhouse gases are going to be a growing concern in the years ahead.

Manning said the New York Energy Research and Development Authority is close to finalizing economic incentives that could spur more commercial and residential projects statewide similar to those being completed at Skidmore.

Its good to see geothermal finally catching on, Manning said. He called it the best sustainable way to lower our carbon footprint.

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A Clean Way to Heat and Cool at Skidmore - Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

Brent Roberts, Appraisal Institute 12:03 a.m. ET April 22, 2017

This beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian in Plainfield will be on the historic homes holiday tour on Dec. 3. iPad video. Nov. 19, 2016. Pamela MacKenzie/Staff Video

Eatontown - Monmouth University Softball team members Kayla Weisere, Nikki Sandlier, Christine Scherr, and Lauren Saal work on removing old finish from livingroom floors. Volunteers from a variety of groups, including the Asbury Park Press, pitched in during Make A Difference Day to work on the Rose Court Group Home Renovation Project in Eatontown, doing yard work, scrapping down the old wood floors, painting and more. Peter Ackerman/Staff Photographer - difference121027a(Photo: PETER ACKERMAN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHE)Buy Photo

CHICAGO - The Appraisal Institute, the nations largest professional association of real estate appraisers, advocates that homeowners pursue smaller-scale renovation projects to maximize their potential return on investment.

The latest research shows that home improvements with a relatively low cost are most likely to generate a positive cost-to-value ratio, said Appraisal Institute President Jim Amorin. Spending big dollars on major renovations doesnt necessarily equate to a dollar-for-dollar return. In short: cost doesnt necessarily equal value.

According to Remodeling magazines most recent Cost vs. Value report, the projects with the highest expected return on investment are attic insulation (fiberglass), entry door replacement (steel), manufactured stone veneer and minor kitchen remodel. Other projects with potential payoffs, according to the report, are garage-door replacement and siding replacement.

Amorin encouraged homeowners contemplating renovation projects to compare the planned improvement to whats standard in the community.

Eatontown - Monmouth University Softball team members Kayla Weisere, Nikki Sandlier, Christine Scherr, and Lauren Saal work on removing old finish from livingroom floors. Volunteers from a variety of groups, including the Asbury Park Press, pitched in during Make A Difference Day to work on the Rose Court Group Home Renovation Project in Eatontown, doing yard work, scrapping down the old wood floors, painting and more. Peter Ackerman/Staff Photographer - difference121027a(Photo: PETER ACKERMAN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHE)

Projects that move a home well beyond community norms are typically not worth the cost when the owner sells the property, Amorin said.

He also noted that homeowners might consider renovations simply for their personal enjoyment. While its nice to gain a solid return on investment, its certainly reasonable for property owners to upgrade just to enhance their quality of life, Amorin said.

For an unbiased analysis of what their home would be worth both before and after an improvement project, a homeowner can work with a qualified real estate appraiser such as a designated member of the Appraisal Institute to conduct a feasibility study.

The Appraisal Institute offers a free, informative brochure titled Remodeling & Rehabbing, which provides consumers with valuable advice on home improvement projects.

Stay connected with the latest news from the Appraisal Institute on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and the institute's blog, Opinions of Value.

The Appraisal Institute is a global professional association of real estate appraisers, with nearly 19,000 professionals in almost 60 countries throughout the world. Its mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards, methodologies, and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide. Organized in 1932, the Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Individuals of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs. Learn more at http://www.appraisalinstitute.org.

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Lower-cost home renovations offer best value - MyCentralJersey.com

Ah, spring, when For Sale signs pop up on lawns across the metro area alongside the azaleas. Its prime time for sellers, but even with the prospect of a quick sale, homeowners who want to get top dollar may be considering remodeling to up the magnetism of their homes.

But it doesnt take knocking down walls or raising roofs to get a house into prime selling condition. In fact, some dramatic projects, such as a complete kitchen renovation, might not suit the style of a new owner. Rather than opting for an extreme makeover, a simpler approach may result in a better return on investment. Where to start?

Curb appeal, said Atlanta Design & Builds Dale Contant, board chair and past president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Its the first impression. Its much better to have a nice-looking front door, nice shutters, a covered entryway midrange projects that wont break the bank.

Sprucing up the front faade, including the entry, shutters, garage doors and porticos, is considered a replacement, not renovation, project. The same goes for landscaping, said Kara OBrien of Kara OBrien Renovations in East Atlanta.

Curb appeal creates an emotional connection with buyers before they ever set foot inside, she said. But a lot of time the landscape design isnt great; its too overgrown, it needs a pop of color. Put in some small gardens and potted plants to make it inviting.

Once in the door, most buyers head right to the heart of the house the kitchen. There are two ways to go about improving this, said Contant. If youre trying to sell and give it new life, you really dont want to do a high-end project that tears out the entire thing. You might spend $60,000 on French provincial when the buyer likes contemporary, and that will be a detriment.

Instead, Contant recommends opting for smaller projects. Paint the cabinets, add new counter tops, put in a new sink, faucet and tile backsplash. Upgrade the floors or have them refinished. That doesnt involve removing everything, and youll spend less to make the changes.

OBrien recently redid a kitchen by painting cabinets a pewter gray, adding new hardware and putting in a salvaged sink. You really can spruce up a kitchen on a shoestring budget. Paint goes a long way, especially if you have dated cabinets. New counter tops or backsplash arent super expensive, either, and the effect of a stone backsplash on granite with newly-painted cabinets goes a long, long way.

The next room buyers want to be wowed by is the master bath, the one space that might warrant a complete overhaul.

If you have a bath with 1950s tile, youre almost better off to do a full-scale renovation, said Contant. Were also now removing the tub and going with a shower, particularly in smaller homes. The good news is that a mid-range bath remodel in the Atlanta market can recoup 62.9 percent of the cost.

Other projects that bring a similarly high return on investment are decks and finished basements, said Contant. Decks have an almost 70 percent recoup. Putting in a backyard patio with a cooking area and an arbor might be around $50,000, which might not be worth it if youre selling. But upgrading a deck with Brazilian wood will almost always will be. As for basements, they can be expensive the average in the Atlanta market is $70,500 for a good-sized space but if you could spruce it up with an inexpensive floor, some dry wall and spray-painted ceilings, you can get a 65 percent recoup rate.

One of the best remodeling projects that pays off is a relatively simple one. Blow in insulation in the attic, said Contant. Not only can you recoup about 80 percent, youll also have lower energy bills while youre still living there.

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Small changes can get home ready for spring market - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Fort Worth Star Telegram

Offices made from shipping containers coming to Fort Worth Fort Worth Star Telegram Soon, Matthijs and Jie Melchiors, partners and founders of MEL/ARCH studio, will start construction on a three-story office building near Evans and Rosedale avenues made entirely of shipping containers. In all, 40 containers of various colors will be used.

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Offices made from shipping containers coming to Fort Worth - Fort Worth Star Telegram

Judith McGinnis , Times Record News 4:24 p.m. CT April 21, 2017

Amanda Gonzales, right, picks up a bag of gourmet popcorn from A.L. Williams, owner of Aunt Margie's Gourmet Popcorn in the lobby of the Oil and Gas Building at 813 8th Street.(Photo: Torin Halsey/Times Record News)Buy Photo

The Oil and Gas Building lobby is ready to pop.

Aunt Margies Gourmet Popcorn, owned, operated and made by Anita Williams, has set up shop to the delight of companies that office there.

What began with a shared recipe has now become a unique enterprise. Williams has come home to Wichita Falls with a delicious start-up business.

I really did have an Aunt Margie, Williams saidwith a broad smile. I call her original recipe butter crunch.' Its sugar, butter and popcorn. I have to tell people all the time this is not caramel corn.

A graduate of Rider High School, Midwestern State University and Bethania Nursing School, she was 10 when her civil service-employed parents came to Wichita Falls. Marriage and children moved her to different states but she was ready to return.

A. L. Williams mixes up a batch of popcorn for her business, Aunt Margie's Gourmet Popcorn, which she started recently. Williams has been making her aunt's recipe for several years and now offers several flavors and varieties.(Photo: Torin Halsey/Times Record News)

Anita had a booth at the Farmers Market for a while but this is over the top, Cynthia Laney, executive director of Downtown Wichita Falls Development said. Her office is across the hall from Aunt Margies Gourmet Popcorn. Popcorn is my favorite snack and I like to have coffee with a mix of the butter crunch and the sweet and spicy.

White Realty Management Vice President Mark Chase, who worked with Williams,is just as pleased.

Years ago this was a concession stand. Chewing gum and candy bars, Chase said. Were very excited to have Anita here. I understand soon we'll have homemade lemonade to go with the popcorn."

Aunt Margie's Gourmet Popcorn is located in the lobby of the Oil and Gas Building, seen in this old photograph as the shorter building, center right. Construction in the foreground is of the Hamilton Building. Additional floors were built onto the Oil and Gas Building later, making it roughly as tall as its next door neighbor, the City National Building.(Photo: Torin Halsey/Times Record News)

The Oil and Gas Building has been a key contributor to the growth of downtown Wichita Falls. Built in the early 1920s, its 12 stories were an oil boomheadquarters. Old photographs collected by White Reality President and CEO David White depict the building surrounded by new builds like City National Bank and vacant lots ready for construction.

White Realty also manages the Hamilton Building, Energy Center Building, Chelsea Plaza andCity National Building.

"Currently 25 companies have offices at the Oil and Gas Building," Chase said. "People have told us a number of times they want to lease space in one of these buildings because their grandfathers used to work there."

A.L. Williams stirs up ingredients for her gourmet popcorn she makes from a family recipe. Williams recently opened Aunt Margie's Gourmet Popcorn and is located on 8th Street in the lobby of the Oil and Gas Building.(Photo: Torin Halsey/Times Record News)

With samples offered to visitors, office staffers and company execs, Williams continues to develop her brand. InitiallyAunt Margie's recipe was made as a gift for friends who asked for more and told others until it became a business.

"The sweet and hot version has cayenne pepper but I've also added milk and dark chocolate to the original recipe," Williams said, "By Thanksgiving I'll have cinnamon and pumpkin pie but Ireally want to do something with cheesecake."

A bag of Aunt Margie's Gourmet Popcorn made by A.L. Williams. Williams opened her popcorn business in the lobby of the Oil and Gas Building on 8th Street.(Photo: Torin Halsey/Times Record News)

Williams makes gift bags for all occasions. Aunt Margie's Gourmet Popcorn is open from 11 a.m ("to cover lunch time") to 3 p.m. ("afternoon snack time). She is flexibleto accommodate gift pickups and other needs. For more information or to place an order call(940) 263-9558 or go to https://www.facebook.com/auntmargiesgourmetpopcorn/.

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Sweet and salty treats come to historic office building - Times Record News

Construction crews work on a property on West Street near Curtiss Street in Southington, Friday, April 21, 2017. A Courtyard by Mariott is planned along with restaurants and shops thatll include a Mellow Mushroom, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Nutmeg State credit union and Cheshire Coffee. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Construction crews work on a property on West Street near Curtiss Street in Southington, Friday, April 21, 2017. A Courtyard by Mariott is planned along with restaurants and shops thatll include a Mellow Mushroom, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Nutmeg State credit union and Cheshire Coffee. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Construction crews work on a property on West Street near Curtiss Street in Southington, Friday, April 21, 2017. A Courtyard by Mariott is planned along with restaurants and shops thatll include a Mellow Mushroom, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Nutmeg State credit union and Cheshire Coffee. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Construction crews work on a property on West Street near Curtiss Street in Southington, Friday, April 21, 2017. A Courtyard by Mariott is planned along with restaurants and shops thatll include a Mellow Mushroom, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Nutmeg State credit union and Cheshire Coffee. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Construction crews work on a property on West Street near Curtiss Street in Southington, Friday, April 21, 2017. A Courtyard by Mariott is planned along with restaurants and shops thatll include a Mellow Mushroom, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Nutmeg State credit union and Cheshire Coffee. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Partial view of the dining room at Tavern 42 Burgers Brew & Que at 42 W. Main St. in Southington, Monday, August 15, 2016. After three months of renovation the new business has opened with American pub favorites and a wide selection of beers. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal The bar area of Tavern 42 Burgers Brew & Que at 42 W. Main St. in Southington, Monday, August 15, 2016. After three months of renovation the new business opened Monday with American pub favorites and a wide selection of beers. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal The bar area of Tavern 42 Burgers Brew & Que at 42 W. Main St. in Southington, Monday, August 15, 2016. After three months of renovation the new business opened Monday with American pub favorites and a wide selection of beers. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal The nearly completed bar of 75 Center in Southington, Monday, January 9, 2017. Downtowns newest restaurant will open on Wednesday in the former Machiavellis location at 75 Center St. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Mary Forgues, marketing coordinator, draws a variety of beverage signs while preparing for the opening of 75 Center in Southington, Monday, January 9, 2017. Downtowns newest restaurant will open on Wednesday in the former Machiavellis location at 75 Center St. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Workers from Paramount Construction carry a 75" monitor while setting up the game room at 75 Center in Southington, Monday, January 9, 2017. Downtowns newest restaurant will open on Wednesday in the former Machiavellis location at 75 Center St. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Ryan Tunnacliffe, general manager of Ideal Tavern in Southington, creates a Nitro Mule, a signature cocktail at the new restaurant on Center Street in Southington, Thursday, August 25, 2016. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Ryan Tunnacliffe, general manager of Ideal Tavern, a new restaurant at 142 Center St. in Southington, Wednesday, July 13, 2016. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Joseph Lucci, executive chef, prepares Filet Mignon with Baby Vegetable and Black Truffle Aioli at Ideal Tavern, a new restaurant at 142 Center St. in Southington, Wednesday, July 13, 2016. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Ideal Tavern, a new restaurant at 142 Center St. in Southington, Wednesday, July 13, 2016. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Luxury townhouses at the Liberty Station complex on Liberty Street in Southington, Friday, January 13, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal The Liberty Station apartment complex on Liberty Street in Southington, Friday, January 13, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal The kitchen area of one of the new apartments at the Liberty Station complex on Liberty Street in Southington, Friday, January 13, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Matt Denorfia, left, and Andy Denorfia, owners of the Liberty Station complex on Liberty Street in Southington, Friday, January 13, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Construction continues on the new Hartford HealthCare medical building on Queen Street in Southington, Monday, January 30, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Construction continues on the new Hartford HealthCare medical building on Queen Street in Southington, Monday, January 30, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal A Hartford Healthcare medical building under construction on Queen Street next to Price Chopper in Southington, Monday, May 16, 2016. | Dave Zajac / Record-Journal Inside the new Smashburger on Queen Street in Southington. | Farrah Duffany/ Record-Journal staff. FILE PHOTO: By 11 a.m. Wednesday, dozens of people were lined up awaiting the grand opening of the Smashburger location in Southington on Queen Street. The first 50 customers got free milkshakes for a year. | Farrah Duffany/ Record-Journal staff. By 11 a.m. Wednesday, dozens of people lined up awaiting the grand opening of the Smashburger location in Southington on Queen Street. The first 50 customers got free milkshakes for a year. | Farrah Duffany/ Record-Journal staff. A property under development next to Outback Steakhouse on Queen Street in Southington, Thursday, February 2, 2017. Construction began last year on the plaza thatll include a Chick-fil-A, Chipotle and Aldi. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal A property under development on Queen Street in Southington, Thursday, February 2, 2017. A local developer is looking to rezone more houses nearby to allow commercial development and access to the plaza under construction. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Drainage pipes and drains staged on the property at 785 Queen Street in preperation for retail development Thursday Oct. 27, 2016 | Justin Weekes / For the Record-Journal Woodland Heights, a 72-lot development under construction on Loper Street in Southington, Friday, March 10, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Woodland Heights, a 72-lot development under construction on Loper Street in Southington, Friday, March 10, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Woodland Heights, a 72-lot development under construction on Loper Street in Southington, Friday, March 10, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Woodland Heights, a 72-lot development under construction on Loper Street in Southington, Friday, March 10, 2017. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Tree removal has begun on a new development on Loper Street in Southington, Friday, September 2, 2016. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal Construction crews began bringing utilities from Loper Street into a new 72-lot subdivision being built by AA Denorfia Building and Development on on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. | Bryan Lipiner, Record-Journal Noodles & Company in Southington, left, June 1, 2015. The national chain based in Colorado will be opening its Southington location at 832 Queen St. by June 17. | Dave Zajac / Record-Journal Noodles & Company, a national restaurant chain with an emphasis on pasta and noodle dishes is under construction at 832 Queen St. in Southington, Monday, January 12, 2015. The business is located in the same plaza as Puerto Vallarta and plans to open in March. | Dave Zajac / Record-Journal A HomeGoods store under construction in the new commercial plaza on West Street in Southington, Tuesday, February 28, 2017. The plaza will also include a Michaels and Pet Valu store. Chips Family Restaurant is being built on a pad separate from the stores. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal HomeGoods, Michaels and Pet Valu stores under construction in a new commercial plaza on West Street in Southington, Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Chips Family Restaurant is being built on a pad separate from the stores. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal A HomeGoods store under construction in the new commercial plaza on West Street in Southington, Tuesday, February 28, 2017. The plaza will also include a Michaels and Pet Valu store. Chips Family Restaurant is being built on a pad separate from the stores. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

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Measuring the value of property development in Southington - Meriden Record-Journal

Recent news from the C&D recycling and demolition industry.

Ten years after receiving its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the University of California (UC), Merced in Merced, California, has earned platinum certification for its Classroom and Office Building 2 (COB2).

This marks the campus 17th LEED certification for new construction and its eighth platinum designation.

From day one, we made a deliberate commitment to build to highest sustainable standards, Assistant Director of Sustainability Mark Maxwell says. With each new building, were proud to demonstrate that were keeping that promise.

COB2 opened in fall 2016, providing much-needed classrooms, tutorial space, research labs and academic and administrative offices to support the campus projected growth, the university says.

Some of COB2s sustainable features include diverting 93 percent of its construction waste from landfills; using 51 percent recycled content during building construction; and being 43 percent more water efficient and 46 percent more energy efficient than California code requires.

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Green building - Construction & Demolition Recycling

Milwaukee Business Journal

Milwaukee's Coolest Offices: An office with a view big draw for Catalyst Construction Milwaukee Business Journal An office with a view of the Milwaukee Art Museum and Lake Michigan, along with lots of open spaces and natural light, highlight the new offices of Catalyst Construction LLP in downtown Milwaukee. Check out the attached slideshow to see photos of the ... and more »

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Milwaukee's Coolest Offices: An office with a view big draw for Catalyst Construction - Milwaukee Business Journal

Growing up, Avery*Sunshine recalls that negativity was never an option. "With my parents it was always OK, this is what it is and this is how we figure it out. So it's not in my DNA to sulk, to not see the bright side."

That outlook remains intact on Sunshine's new album Twenty Sixty Four, out today (April 21). On mid-tempo lead single "Come Do Nothing," the singer/songwriter is "clearing out my mind" while packing an ex-lover's stuff -- yet still wishing to get back together. "The Ice Cream Song" ("I'd give up ice cream just for you I'd give you my happy and take your blues") is the wedding tune she sang last April to her husband and longtime musical partner/guitarist Dana "Big Dane" Johnson. And the Quiet Storm-vibed "Heaven Is Right Here with Me" is a duet with Mr. TalkBox (Bruno Mars' "24K Magic"). Both "Come Do Nothing" and "The Ice Cream Song" are available on iTunes.

Listen to "Come Do Nothing".

In fact, Mr. TalkBox is one of several collaborators that Sunshine tapped to help further evolve her sound. In addition to such writers as Eric Roberson (Jill Scott) and Carvin Haggins (Ledisi), she brought in Grammy Award-winning pianist/arranger Ruslan Sirota to craft the album's live string arrangements. "Other than that, this album is a continuation of The SunRoom," says Sunshine. "All of my songs are about experiences I've dealt with and want to talk about."

Sunshine's brand of optimistic, message-driven R&B - coupled with her vibrant, charismatic vocals - has been winning over a growing contingent of fans since the release of 2014's The SunRoom. Peaking at No. 22 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 11 on R&B Albums, her debut set for Shanachie Entertainment spun off two Adult R&B hit singles: "Call My Name" (No. 1, six weeks, 2014) and "Sweet Afternoon" (No. 13, 2015). A 2010 self-titled independent album gave Sunshine her first top 20 Adult R&B hit with "Ugly Part of Me." To date, according to Nielsen Music, the singer/songwriter has earned 11.9 million on-demand streams.

That's in addition to the shout-outs she's received over the last two years from fans like Aretha Franklin ("I love Avery*Sunshine!") and Boy George ("Love this woman's voice"). Plus gigs opening for Babyface at Madison Square Garden, performing for Smokey Robinson at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute and singing at Franklin's birthday party.

During a recent phone interview with Billboard, Sunshine riffed on several other topics:

Meaning behind the album's title: Dana and I both said we'd never ever, times infinity, get married again. We slapped five on it. Then last year he called and said we're going to get married. At that moment I saw unicorns and four leaf clovers; I went bonkers. So I prayed and said God if you give me till 2064 with this amazing man - I'll be 89 and he'll be 91 - I promise I'll stop cussing, overeating and work out every day.

Her stage moniker: I'm a fan of two amazing characters: Shug Avery from The Color Purple and Sunshine from Harlem Nights [the 1989 film starring Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy]. Dana and I were working on our first song together in 2005 called "Stalker." It was going to be released in Japan and he asked how I wanted my name to read in the liner notes. It was clearly divine intervention. I was going through my divorce at that time and my spirit, my soul was calling out for some shine.

Staying the course for 10 years: If you work at anything long enough, the universe will see and hear that and things will start to happen. We also have a great team of people that we call "Sunshine Supporters" who are listening to the music and sharing the music. I have to attribute a lot to those folks who have taken us under their wings.

Her bible for the last six months: Maurice White's My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire helped me through the recording of this album. There are small similarities between what EWF did and what Dana and I do in that we've included more bodies, more elements, other energy to this project. Clearly, Maurice was the head of EWF but he was smart in who he brought into the fold for the group's resulting mixture. I've learned to yield to that other energy.

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Avery*Sunshine on New Album 'Twenty Sixty Four,' Marriage and Divine Intervention - Yahoo Music

By Carole LaMond, Correspondent

The soft peal of bells announcing the hour from the clock tower at nearby Babson College is a pleasant surprise on a visit to the elegant six-bedroom home at 62 Windsor Road in Wellesleys prestigious Country Club neighborhood.

An even nicer surprise is the homes large backyard which abuts Centennial Park, one of the towns conservation gems. The park has 42 acres of trails and fields, as well as a pond, and is a popular recreation area for walkers and dog owners.

We looked at a lot of houses, and as soon as we walked out on the back deck we were done looking, said the homeowner.

The owners love the character and charm of the 1929 house, and the addition that added a spacious family room open to the kitchen and a vaulted-ceiling master bedroom. They made improvements by installing central air-conditioning, updating the bathrooms and renovating the kitchen to made it a chefs delight with granite counters, high-end appliances and a center island.

Mary Wilson and Susan Morris, the Wilson/Morris Team of Benoit Mizner Simon are marketing the 3,695-square-foot home on a 0.34-acre lot for $1,850,000.

Meticulously maintained, the sunny south-facing house has 11 freshly painted rooms, including formal living and dining rooms, a sunroom and spacious family room with sliders to a deck that includes a hot tub. The owners particularly enjoy the screened porch off the detached two-car garage that has a fire pit and overlooks the fenced backyard.

They also enjoy the close-knit neighborhood where residents gather for social events such as a progressive dinner and a Halloween cookout.

The location is ideal for commuters, near highways and commuter rail, and close to Babson College and to shopping and restaurants in Wellesley Hills.

The house is located on a street of distinctive homes just before it curves to showcase sweeping views of the golf course of the Wellesley Country Club.

The classic three-story house has a front portico with a triangular pediment and dentil molding which is repeated at the roofline. Two dormers with arched windows feature the original decorative mullions.

Lush rhododendrons frame the front of the house while stone walls and a thick screen of mature trees border the back of the property.

The house has hardwood floors throughout and lovely millwork in moldings and built-ins.

The sunny foyer has a turned staircase and a doorway to the kitchen as well as wide entries to the living and dining rooms.

The formal dining room, to the right, has two built-in glass-front china cabinets, paneled wainscoting and a triple window as well as a door to the kitchen.

The spacious front-to-back living room, to the left of the foyer, has a wood-burning fireplace and a French door to a sun porch, or study, with windows on three sides, built-in shelves and recessed lighting.

The kitchen has custom wood cabinetry with glass-front accents, granite countertops and a square center island with a beverage fridge and ice machine. Stainless steel appliances include a Sub-Zero fridge, a Kitchen Aid dishwasher and a Wolf six-burner gas cooktop, oven and microwave. There is a nice counter area with a wraparound window and an alcove for a TV, and the sink is set in a two-tier peninsula with breakfast bar seating that overlooks the family room.

The family room is spacious and sunny with double windows on opposite walls and a French door which opens to the driveway as well as sliding French doors which open to an inviting deck. There is a wood-burning fireplace and a corner cabinet and shelves for a television and books. The family room has a radiant heat floor. There is a half bath off the family room.

The second floor has three generous-size corner family bedrooms which share a bath and a large master bedroom with a private bath. The built-in hall linen cupboard is original to the house.

The master suite has a hallway with a windows and closets that leads to a vaulted-ceiling bedroom with a new, stylish ceiling fan and a wood-burning fireplace. The bedroom has nice light from three oversize windows. The marble master bath has a double vanity, a whirlpool tub and a shower.

The third floor has two bedrooms, both with window seats, a full bath and a walk-in cedar closet.

The lower level has a spacious media room, a laundry and a storage area that includes a workbench, and there is a bulkhead door to the yard.

The two-car detached garage has a door to a delightful screened porch that also has a door to the yard. It includes a fire pit and a peaked beadboard ceiling with a fan.

The house has gas heat and central air, and the professionally landscaped yard has a sprinkler system.

Details

Address: 62 Windsor Road, Wellesley

BR/BA: Six bedrooms, three full and one half-baths

Size: 3,695 square feet of living space on a 0.34-acre lot

Age: 1929

Price: $1,850,000

Taxes: $16,682

Features of home: This classic and elegant home in the prestigious Country Club neighborhood is an 11-room sun-filled house that abuts Centennial Park. The charming 1929 house has an updated kitchen open to a family room with a fireplace and sliders to a deck, a formal dining room and a living room with a door to a sunroom and six bedrooms on the two upper floors. There is a screened porch with a fire pit off the detached two-car garage and a well-maintained hot tub on the deck.

Close by: Fiske Elementary School

Contact: For more information, contact the Wilson/Morris Team of Benoit Mizner Simon: Mary Wilson at 781-956-5016 direct or Susan Morris at 617-650-7784 direct or 781-237-8181 office, or email wilsonmorris@benoitmiznersimon.com. This home may be seen by appointment.

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Wellesley Homefront: Join the (Country) Club with this elegant, spacious home - Wicked Local Wellesley