EXPERIENCE LOCAL
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KEVIN WARNEKE
THE BEAUTY OF the Street of Dreams tour is that the public gets a firsthand look at the latest in luxury home design, straight from custom builders in the Omaha area. Seven homes between $700,000 and $1 million are being showcased this year at Blue Sage Creek, a Lanoha Development at 214th and F Streets in Elkhorn. “Although not everyone may have a Street of Dreams budget, this is a great opportunity to see the work of the best builders, designers and contractors,” says Jaylene Eilenstine, executive director of the Metro Omaha Builders Association, presenter of the tour. Better yet, she says, a Meet the Builder event on Aug. 8 provides a chance to get acquainted with each builder and explore possibilities without pressure of a sale. The tour, in its 33rd year, is the only event of its kind in the region, Eilenstine says. She expects high local interest because of the development's proximity to Elkhorn Public Schools' newest elementary school, Blue Sage, which opens in the fall.
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A sneak peek at five must-see trends to be showcased July 28-Aug. 12: SPACES FOR PETS Homeowners with pets face the dilemma of where to put the dog bed when it’s not in use. Nikki Diamantis, owner of Platinum Builders, has a solution: a built-in kennel in the mudroom. The 5-by-2foot space has mesh doors and room for two dogs. The cabinetry also includes storage for pet supplies. OUTDOOR LIVING Outdoor space is an extension of indoor space, says Brian Falcone of Falcone Homes. He creates extra living area with a 12-by-10-foot door with collapsible panels that connects the family room to the covered deck. The deck's amenities include a concrete floor, electronic screens, a fire pit with seating and a television. RECREATION ROOMS When it comes to exercise, younger homeowners want it all. “They want their gym membership, and they want a place to exercise at home,” says Dave Tewes, owner of Thomas David Builders. His two-story floor plan features a 12-by-14-foot exercise room with a rubber floor, large picture window, glass door and built-in television.
STREET OF DREAMS 2018
Tour seven luxury homes, produced by the Metro Omaha Builders Association July 28-Aug. 12 at Blue Sage Creek, 214th and F Streets, Elkhorn. HOURS Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Meet the Builder, Aug. 8, 4-8 p.m.
The main attraction is a 25-by-28-foot sports court with maple wood floor, 20-foot ceilings and a basketball hoop. “You can practice 3-pointers from the top of the key.” PRIVATE SPACE Sometimes people just want to get away – even in their own homes, says Brett Clarke, owner of Frontier Builders. With open floor plans, buyers often look for a space that can be theirs alone. His design team responds with a "four-seasons room" off the kitchen and dinette that connects to the deck. The 15-by-18-foot room has a sliding glass wall, television, fireplace and built-in cabinetry with storage. “It’s a perfect place to get away and read a book,” Clarke says. A FRESH FOCAL POINT Steve Faller of Landmark Performance Homes is playing tricks on the eyes with a staircase that appears to float – because it doesn’t rely on walls to support it. “You can stand on the top floor and see into the basement.” Custom steel beams follow the angle of the steps to support the staircase. “It adds to the open feel of the home,” he says. MORE INFO AT moba.com
TICKETS $14 at gate; $12 in advance at Hy-Vee. FEATURED BUILDERS Falcone Homes, Frontier Builders, G. Lee Homes, Jordan Michael Signature Homes, Landmark Performance Homes, Platinum Builders LLC, Thomas David Builders