Crowd gathers to inspect new Showcase Home

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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Approximately 150 guests showed up for a VIP party at the 2011 Showcase home located at 6307 Red Cedar Circle in Fort Smith presented by the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders.

Guests were able to meet the builder Charles Mock, as well as designer, Steve Cox. This is the 25th home for the Home Builders Association since 1987. The home is part of the Parade of Homes that begins this Saturday, Oct. 8 and ends Oct. 16.

This new home features the latest in green building technology along with the newest fashion in home design. One energy saving product is the AO Smith Next Hybrid water tank. It has a circulating pump and 25 gallons of storage with more than 90% efficiency.

“It won’t ever run out of hot water,” Mock said.

Mock uses Whirlpool appliances in all his spec homes, and did so in the 2011 Showcase Home. When the economy does return to a more decent and consistent level of GDP growth, Mock is hopeful Whirlpool will still produce refrigerators and other appliances at their Fort Smith plant.

The 2011 Showcase Home is the second for Mock, and was decorated by his wife, Theresa. His first Showcase Home, built in 1991, was bought by the late philanthropist Jennings Osborne, who wanted the home for his mother.

The focus with the 2011 home is energy efficiency — as it has been in recent years with the Showcase Home — to include a special energy-saving window produced by Fort Smith-based Harry G. Barr.
Features of the Showcase Home include (link here for complete details on the home):
• 2,271 square feet, two story plan with 4 Bedrooms, 3 baths;
• 19-foot high stone natural gas fireplace in living area;
• Open living area with a wrought iron staircase rail overlook;
• Covered patio with natural gas grill, outdoor kitchen, refrigerator & sink;
• 3 car tandem garage with stained concrete floor;
• High efficiency Whirlpool kitchen appliances with gas range & double oven;
• Gas hybrid circulating hot water system; and,
• Fully landscaped lawn.

Prizes were also awarded to a few of the lucky guests. BBQ and other refreshments were provided. The house will open to the public on Saturday (Oct. 8). The association is also conducting a Parade of Homes. Homes in the Parade of Homes will be open from Noon until 6 p.m. each day of the Parade (Oct. 8-16). The Parade features 13 entries priced from $122,900 to $314,900, and are situated in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Barling, Lavaca, Bonanza, and Hackett.