Briar Chapel Featured in 2010 Parade of Homes

Now in its 27th year, the 2010 Parade of Homes showcases 42 new homes in our area and provides the chance for visitors to see the latest designs and technology trends. This free, self-guided tour is on October 2-3, 8-10, 15-17 from Noon to 5pm.

This year, Briar Chapel has five entries in the Parade:

26 Serenity Hill Circle: 2236 sqft / $324,210
1149 Great Ridge Parkway: 1867 sqft / $324,325
1243 Great Ridge Parkway: 2247 sqft / $418,411
50 Windy Knoll Circle: 2759 sqft / $425,000

208 Windy Knoll Circle: 2660 sqft / $425,900

Builders are putting a wide range of new technology on display this year, from the latest insulation applications to advanced home automation systems. This, of course, is in addition to the other green-building features that all builders must adhere to in Briar Chapel.

This year's event also enables builders to enjoy some friendly competition, as each home on the Parade is judged by a panel of industry representatives from other markets in our region. These judges examine the design, quality, and creativity that each entry demonstrates, resulting in a numerical grade for each house. Awards are given to homes that achieve the highest scores in each price category.

If you would like a guided tour of these homes, please contact Peter Winkler. I will be more than happy to point out the various green features that are available in these homes, as well as show you the amenities that residents enjoy throughout Briar Chapel.

Art of Living Event in Briar Chapel Tomorrow

If you haven't been out to Briar Chapel in awhile, I encourage you to come out tomorrow (Saturday 25th) from 10am to 6pm for the "Art of Living" event.


During the event, three new model homes will be unveiled by MorningStar Homes and Homes by Dickerson, as well as the Villas by M/I Homes. David Weekley Homes will also be introducing its latest floor plans during the event.

As you visit each model home, be sure to register for a chance to win one of five pieces of artwork by Elaine O’Neil, this month's featured artist. One of the lucky winners will receive the grand prize - a beautiful textile art piece that Elaine will personally customize for their home (see Newland's website for details). Make sure you’re here at 4 pm to meet Elaine as well as a representative of the Chatham County Arts Council.

In addition to meeting the newest builders and touring the model homes, be sure to stroll over to Briar Patch Park between 1 pm and 3 pm for some free ice cream provided by Maple View Farms. In addition to checking out the new community garden that was installed earlier this week, you'll have a chance to see the unveiling of the latest piece of community art, Metamorphis—a large metal environmental sculpture by North Carolina Artist Grace Cathey.

Cathey's sculpture was the winner of the Jackson County Green Energy Park annual sculpture competition in 2009. The sculpture is made of cor-ten steel and is interpretive of the metamorphosis of a butterfly from chrysalis to caterpillar to winged beauty.

Installing a Dual Flush Converter in Briar Chapel

In a previous post, I mentioned that I had improved the efficiency of our Briar Chapel home even more by installing a whole-house hot water recirculating system.

Earlier this week, I decided to convert one of our standard toilets into a water-saving, dual-flush one by installing the HydroRight™ Dual Flush Converter by MJSI. I picked up a kit at Costco for $19, but you can also find them online for about $21-26.


Based on dual flush technology that has been used in Europe and Australia for decades, the HydroRight allowed me to quickly turn our standard toilet into two-button fixture. One button is the "Quick Flush" (#1) setting that uses up to 70% less water for liquids and paper – the setting needed 4 out of 5 times. The second "Full Flush" (#2) button uses the normal amount of water for solids.

I was able to install the system in about 10 minutes without any tools; it took another 5 to adjust the settings. Best of all, I did not have to remove the tank, but I was able to get rid of the flapper - the usual culprit of leaks.

We've been very happy with the performance of the converter so far, so I've decided to convert the rest of our toilets over the next few weeks. With these water-saving devices, we hope to save 30% of our overall indoor water usage. This is based on a recent survey by Veritec Consulting.

Briar Chapel Community Garden Breaks Ground

Contractors broke ground on Briar Chapel's newest amenity today, a community garden!

The Briar Patch, as residents have decided to call it, will consist of six raised cedar planters and five fruit trees. The enclosed garden will be surrounded by a small park located within the Villas section of the development.

The garden club is currently developing operating guidelines for the garden, and plans to meet with an agriculture specialist in September to learn more about planning and maintaining a productive community garden.

Since the garden will be ready in September, there will be time for a Fall planting. Stay tuned for more info and photos of this wonderful addition to Briar Chapel.

Tax Credit Deadline Extended

I am happy to report that Congress passed a bill extending the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline to September 30, 2010. The extension applies only to transactions that had ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, and have not yet closed.

The original closing deadline was June 30, 2010.

Chatham County Schools Technology Vision

During last night's meeting of the Chatham County Board of Education, they discussed a vision for a total digital learning environment in the district. More specifically, three options were presented for the next phase of the district’s instructional technology program:

1) Replace student laptop computers at Chatham Central, Northwood and SAGE which are several years old. (Jordan-Matthews received new laptops this school year thanks to a Golden LEAF Foundation grant.)

2) Replace the laptops at the high schools in option 1 and issue an iPad to students in grades 6-8. (Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, in Briar Chapel, will open with extensive technology resources.)

3) Place a digital device in the hands of every student in the district, likely laptops for high school students and iPads in kindergarten-eighth grade. (Jordan-Matthews would not receive new laptops in option 3 because theirs were new in 2009.)

These options also include some other aspects such as staff development, replacement of some staff computers, and infrastructure. The district would need to redirect some of its existing resources, utilize community support and resources, and leverage multiple funding streams. The financial commitment would start in the 2011-2012 budget cycle.

According to Beth McCullough, Public Information Officer for Chatham County Schools, the Board decided it will propose option 3 to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on June 21st. This option would place a digital device in the hands of all students in the district. To learn more about the school district's 1:1 Laptop Initiative, check out this video.

Briar Chapel Residents Featured in Today's Newspaper

In case you have not read today's News & Observer, there is a great profile of Mike and Judy Benson in the (Chapel Hill News) real estate section. They live in a home built by McNeill-Burbank at 1184 Great Ridge Parkway in Briar Chapel.

In their interview, they talk about what it's like to live in Briar Chapel, why they chose to live in the community, and the advantages and disadvantages of living in Chatham County.

Briar Chapel Now on Google Maps

Google Maps just made it easier for folks to get directions to Briar Chapel.

Although the "Street View" feature is not yet available, nor are the satellite photos up-to-date, it is possible to find specific addresses within the development. To get directions to the information center, for example, click here.

Before you head out, be sure to contact Peter Winkler to setup a private tour of the community.

Briar Chapel's Pool is Open!

Briar Chapel's pool facilities opened yesterday for its second season!

A number of residents and non-resident members (sorry, memberships have sold out already) enjoyed themselves under the watchful eye of the lifeguard staff. Meanwhile, the younger ones enjoyed the splash pad and zero-entry pool.

I plan to take my first dip of the season tomorrow, although I hear the water is a bit "refreshing" at the moment. I'm referring to the temperature, of course, but I could just as easily be referring to the fact that Briar Chapel uses salt-water chlorination. The water feels smooth, is softer on your skin, and has no chlorine odor.

Briar Chapel has hired a new pool management company this year. East West Partners Club Management will be overseeing the pool maintenance as well as staffing. Also new this year, there will be a gate attendant to check all access cards and sign in guests.

If you would like to see the pool, and experience what life is like at Briar Chapel, please schedule an appointment to take a private tour of the community with me. I would be happy to show you around.

Triangle Green Home Tour Coming to Briar Chapel in May

The 5th Annual Green Home Tour is coming up! This free, self-guided event will feature 31 entries in six counties, and will be held on May 15-16 and May 22-23.

As usual, the tour will allow you to examine a number of green building features in a wide variety of homes in all styles and price points -- ranging from Habitat for Humanity and entry-level homes to custom luxury entries.

This year, Briar Chapel will have four homes on the tour, which are listed below. However, it is important to remember that ALL homes in Briar Chapel are required to achieve at least the bronze-level of certification upon completion. So, if there is a particular home for sale that you like, I would be happy to arrange a private showing for you.

1686 Briar Chapel Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
1243 Great Ridge Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
1177 Briar Chapel Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
1256 Great Ridge Parkway (Vanguard Homes)

To learn more about the tour, visit the HBA-DOC website.

2nd Annual Briar Chapel 5K Race Results

The 2nd Annual Briar Chapel 5K attracted over 70 runners this year, which benefited the Abundance Foundation in Chatham County. Overall winners were Russell Westbrook (18:29) and Bridget Perry (21:55). About 30 kids participated in the fun run around the circle. For a complete list of results, visit East Carolina Road Racing.



Personally, I did somewhat better than last year, and enjoyed the company of my wife during the race this year (it was her first 5K!).

Briar Chapel raised almost $3,000 for The Abundance Foundation towards their tireless pursuit to increase public awareness of sustainable energy usage and local food consumption. In addition to the runners, a big thanks are in order to the race sponsors, including: CE Group, Kimley-Horn, Southern Energy Management, Chatham Marketplace, Kennon Craver, and Triangle Electrical Services.

For photos of the race, check out Briar Chapel's Facebook page.

Briar Chapel’s Second Annual 5K Race

I hope you will join me again next Saturday (April 17th) for the running of the Second Annual Briar Chapel 5K Race!

The race starts at 8:00 am, and will follow a well-marked, USATF-certified 5K course. Proceeds will benefit the Abundance Foundation, which sponsors innovative ideas to increase awareness of renewable energy and promote local food consumption.

The race will feature locally made organic t-shirts for pre-registrants, water on the course and microchip timing. An awards ceremony with refreshments will immediately follow the race, with awards to overall and age group winners.

Don’t miss your chance to run on this beautiful new course, tour the energy-efficient green homes, and help support your local community. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 am. For more details, or to pre-register online, visit Active.com.

See you at the race!

Briar Chapel Celebrates Earth Day 2010 by Showcasing Local Foods, Wellness, Environmental Education

In honor of the 40th Annual Earth Day, Briar Chapel is planning to host a series of events that showcase local foods, wellness and environmental education.

In addition to the 2nd Annual Briar Chapel 5K Run on April 17th, there will be a Celebrity Chef Charity Event on April 18th from 1-4 pm benefiting The Abundance Foundation. During the event, chefs from around the Triangle will be demonstrating their favorite recipes using locally grown foods. Participating chefs include Jimmy Reale of The Carolina Inn, Jeremy Clayman of Busy Bee Café, Arthur Gordon of Irregardless Cafe and Andrew Kuty of Pittsboro General Store Café.

Also on April 18th, Briar Chapel will recognize its Sustainability in Education winners, a collaborative project with the Woods Charter School. Depending on the grade level, students were asked to answer a question that ranged from “How can I encourage my family to live more sustainably at home?” to “How can I communicate the benefits of energy cost savings to my parents, peers and community?”

I do hope you will join me in celebrating Earth Day 2010!

Announcing The Villas at Briar Chapel

M/I Homes is just about ready to break ground on a brand new section in Briar Chapel called The Villas. These single-family homes will feature first-floor owner's suites and ranch plans that range in size from 1,600 to 2,300 square feet. Priced from the low $200s, these homes will include maintenance and have 2-car, front-load garages.

Here is a rundown of five new plans that will be built:

The Villa Camellia - starting at 1640 sqft / $246,900
This ranch plan has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, an open great room with gas fireplace, kitchen with center island, walk-up attic storage and large patio.

The Villa Gardenia - starting at 1849 sqft / $263,990
This is also a ranch plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious great room and breakfast area. The kitchen features hardwood floors, a beautiful center island and convenient planning center that M/I is often recognized for. There is walk-up attic storage with optional bonus room or fourth bedroom on the second floor.

The Villa Lantana - starting at 1909 sqft / $268,990
This 1.5 story home has a first-floor owner's suite, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open great room with gas fireplace and convenient eat-in kitchen. An additional study/flex room is on the main level. The plan also features a covered front porch, as well as a patio in the rear.

The Villa Magnolia - starting at 2024 sqft / $278,990
This ranch plan has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a spacious kitchen and breakfast area that opens to the great room. The plan also features a beautiful formal dining room with bay window and tray ceiling, as well as a large rear patio. Similar to the Villa Gardenia, there is an optional bonus room or fourth bedroom on the second floor.

The Villa Nandina - starting at 2234 sqft / $293,990

This 1.5 story home has a first-floor owner's suite, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and stunning covered front porch. This plan also features a flex room with the option for a guest suit with full bath on the first floor. The large owner's suite has ample closet space and a bath with seated shower. In addition to some additional storage space in the walk-up attic, the home has a charming courtyard off off the breakfast area.

If you are interested in The Villas at Briar Chapel and wish to have buyer representation, please contact Peter Winkler to review floor plans, available homesites, and answer any questions you might have about the specific features/specs of these new plans.

Briar Chapel Energy Auditor Named 2010 National Energy Star Partner of the Year

Southern Energy Management (SEM), the company that audits homes built in Briar Chapel to determine if they meet or exceed a minimum Bronze rating in the GHBT Certification Program, has been named a 2010 National Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

SEM is being honored for its work in qualifying new homes to earn Energy Star certification, including those built in Briar Chapel. The company also received the award in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and joins just three other companies in the U.S. that have received this award four times.

SEM recently certified its 5,000th Energy Star home, and serves more than 300 builders across the state. In fact, there are just over 10,000 Energy Star qualified homes in North Carolina, and SEM has verified almost half of those. Since SEM began inspecting and verifying Energy Star new homes, the company has helped offset about 1.9 million pounds of carbon emissions through its Energy Star services alone, saving North Carolina homeowners a total of $2.2 million on utility bills.

SEM will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010. To hear the team react to news of the award, watch the following video: