July 17th, 2009 At Home in Utah Staff
July 17 marked an auspicious occasion in the history of Utah-based homebuilder Garbett Homes — the opening of the company’s first-ever condominiums.
Garbett, which has been building homes in Utah and elsewhere for more than 25 years, marked the date with a ribbon-cutting celebration at its brand-new development at the District South Jordan. The event was attended by community dignitaries and interested homebuyers alike and served as an introduction to the quality construction that Garbett is known for.
The District South Jordan was specifically created to offer lower-priced homes to prospective buyers in these especially tough times, said Garbett Homes Marketing Director Rene Oehlerking. “A lot of people love Garbett’s town homes, but because of the economy, they wanted something priced lower. So now we have these $139,900 homes.”
Not only are the homes themselves priced for today’s economy, but the models’ interiors themselves are also a testament to what homeowners can do on a budget.
Rather than contracting out design duties to an outside firm for tens of thousands of dollars, Oehlerking took on the responsibilities himself, decorating each model for between $6,000 and $8,000 — the decorating budget most prospective buyers would have at the outset.
The District homes range from one- to three-bedrooms, and up to 1,722 square feet. Inside, the units are comfortable and modern. The two models on display at the grand opening event were a rambler and a loft unit. The rambler style offered an open plan that didn’t feel at all cramped for its roughly 900-square-foot space. Complete with a spacious bedroom featuring two entrances, plus a large living room and kitchen, it’s ideal for a young couple. The loft unit was large and open, with a central entertaining area, dining nook and kitchen, with a bedroom and loft office upstairs.
Gabe Morazan and his wife, Brittany, have lived in their home at the District for four weeks. “We love the home. It’s a great home and a great community,” said Morazan, an advertising sales executive. “Garbett was very easy to work with and the experience was amazing.” He noted that the homebuilder was thorough and open during the building process and said Garbett was “very responsive to our inquiries.” The Morazans are both in their early 20s and are happy to own their first home.
But although the average owner at the District is young — the average male is 26, while the average female is 23 — buyers of all ages will find something to like here. “This is not a starter home,” said Oehlerking. “It’s a beautiful home that you can live in long-term.”
Garbett Homes CEO Bryson Garbett agreed and said his hope is that owners take satisfaction in their purchase. “We want you to be proud to bring your parents and have your friends over,” he said. “We want you to take pride in the appearance of your home and the affordable price at which you bought it.”
The South Jordan area is undergoing a transformation that includes an influx of businesses and residential developments. The biggest of these transformations is the adjacent District shopping center. With a 20-screen movie theater, numerous shops and several eateries, plus a department store or two, owners at the District will have everything they need close at hand. And the short walk from the doorstep is almost easier than driving over.
South Jordan Planning Commissioner Paul Pugmire said, “The District is a destination. When the I-15 to Mountain View Corridor connection happens, the District will tie everything together. It means a lot to our business plans and business community. The thing we’re most excited about is the expanding presence of Garbett Homes in our community. Garbett Homes is a good friend and a good neighbor; we’re glad they’re expanding here.”
The District area is full of vibrancy, amenities and great living — and it’s only just beginning. With many more shops and restaurants yet to be built, the community is set to become one of the Salt Lake Valley’s premier hotspots. Morazan believes the future of the area is bright. “The community is growing very quickly,” he said. “I’m excited to see where it’s headed.”
Garbett Homes’ models are open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
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