First Major NW Production Builder to Offer Solar as a Standard Feature

Portland, Ore.—September 22, 2009—Legend Homes announced today that it is building a new line of affordable, energy efficient homes that include solar electric systems.  The first EarthSmart-branded homes will be built at Edgewater on the Tualatin, the new home community in Tigard, Oregon.  Legend Homes is the first builder in the Portland area to offer solar energy systems to customers buying production-built homes.  The new homes at Edgewater represent a pilot program to offer solar energy systems as a standard feature.   A ground-breaking celebration event is scheduled for Sunday, September 27^th at Edgewater on the Tualatin. 
“Homebuyers today are focused more than ever on ensuring their homes deliver longterm value,” said Jim Chapman, President of Legend Homes.  “EarthSmart homes will not only be affordable for the average buyer, but they will deliver longterm cost savings in the form of lower energy bills.” 
Legend EarthSmart homes will be more energy efficient and earth friendly than any production homes currently available in the Portland metro area.  All homes will meet the newest Energy Star requirements and, in many cases, exceed current energy efficiency criteria in anticipation of the more stringent requirements expected to be announced by Energy Star in 2011. 
Homes built for 21^st Century Lifestyles
The Edgewater neighborhood is located at SW Fisher Road and SW 131^st Avenue offering easy access to downtown Portland, Washington Square and Bridgeport shopping malls, and the semi-private King City golfcourse.   As with all Legend communities built since 2003, homes are Earth Advantage New Homes certified and residents enjoy unique outdoor amenities such as bike paths and a centrally located neighborhood park, complete with play structures, playing fields and sport courts. 
When completed, the Legend EarthSmart pilot program will comprise 138 additional neighborhood homes that range in price from mid $290,000 to $330,000.  Four single-family designs are offered in sizes ranging from 1,805 square feet to 2,092 square feet.   Floorplan options include special features such as dual master suites, main-level bedrooms with full baths and up to four bedrooms. Homeowners will be able to choose between three architectural styles- Fresh Traditional, Original Bungalow and Northwest Contemporary- helping to create varied streetscapes.  

All EarthSmart homes are built with the goal of delivering higher energy efficiency, healthier indoor air quality and greater attention to environmental responsibility.   New Legend EarthSmart homes at Edgewater will include the following as standard features:

• Solar Photovolatic System
• 91.5% efficient gas furnaces
• Whole house fresh air ventilation system
• Water saving faucets and valves
• Energy Star qualified dishwasher
• Electric car charging stations
• High energy efficient windows
• Earth Advantage & Energy Star certified
• Low impact and native landscaping

Based on current energy market pricing, these features are expected to help homeowners save as much as 30% in energy costs.  Additionally, EarthSmart buyers will be able to receive up to $2,000 in tax credits for buying a solar home.  Optional features to enhance the sustainability of the homes include retractable clotheslines, raised bed planting areas, and garden rainbarrels for storing rainwater.  
“The new EarthSmart homes are another example of Legend taking a leadership role in raising the bar on energy efficiency,” said Duane Woik, Builder Outreach Director at EarthAdvantage.  “Currently, Legend is building production homes that will challenge the rest of the building industry to offer the same level of performance in the Portland metro area.”
Legacy of Innovation
Legend Homes is considered the local leader in building affordable high quality, energy efficient homes with artisan appeal.   Known for creating unique street-scapes, Legend-built homes have been in high demand by home-buyers and designs have often been emulated by other home builders.  In the last 40+ years, Legend has built and sold more than 12,000 homes and homesites throughout Oregon.   
In addition to attention to high quality construction and family friendly design, many Legend communities feature neighborhood parks, greenspaces, walking and nature paths, children's play structures and sports courts.  
The launch of the Legend EarthSmart collection of homes represents the team’s focus on extending its leadership in earth-conscious architecture and construction as it enters this next phase of community development. 
EarthSmart Launch Party
The Legend EarthSmart Sustainability Party celebrating ground-breaking of the first EarthSmart home will be held on Sunday, September 27^th, 1pm to 4pm at Edgewater on the Tualatin.  All attendees will have the chance to enter a drawing to win a 2010 Toyota Prius, sponsored by Energy Star.  Scheduled events include three presentations by leading home industry experts in Oregon.  
1pm- Earth Advantage.  Mackenzie Winchel, Residential Technical Specialist, will provide guidance to homeowners on how to assess the energy efficiency of their current home. 
2pm - Watkins & Associates.  Taylor Watkins, Partner, will provide insight on maximizing home value through choice energy efficiency upgrades.  Watkins & Associates is a local leader in data collection and green appraisal of homes in the Portland metro area.    
3pm - LiveLight Solar Energy.  Keith Knowles, President, will highlight the benefits and affordability of home solar energy systems. 

Directions:  SW Pacific Hwy (99W), West at Beef Bend Rd, South on 131^st, West on Fischer, follow signs.
About  Legend Homes
Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1965, Legend Homes is the award-winning builder of more than 12,000 home sites, homes, town homes and condominiums in planned communities throughout Portland and Corvallis.  Their high-quality, green-built homes are crafted with premium materials to ensure structure strength, better air quality and energy efficiency.  With seven communities throughout the region, there are new homes designed to fit the needs of almost any prospective homebuyer.  For more information, visit www.legendhomes.com.

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