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From Backyards to Dream Abodes, Escondido is Buying, Building and Booming
Throughout the nation, people have been using the stay-at-home orders to re-evaluate their living spaces. Many are moving, or improving their homes, and this trend has found its way to Escondido as well.
“In Southern California, supply hasn’t been able to keep up with demand,” said Mike Strong, Escondido’s Director of Community Development. “Escondido is on the forefront of streamlining the residential construction permitting process to help reduce the delivery times so we can support getting housing built as quickly as possible in our City.”
The Community Development Department offers a full range of services related to urban planning and building. Strong and his team are working with these Escondido companies that are helping residents find new homes or customize their existing ones to their needs.
A Vibrant Community for Every Home Buyer
New homes in Canopy Grove.
Lennar has been building homes across America since 1954 and its Canopy Grove development in Escondido is a uniquely created master plan development with 380 homes, ranging from 1,500 square feet to 3,200 square feet with prices starting in the low $600,000’s to the mid $800,000’s.
“Our buyer profiles from the first-time buyer all the way up to the luxury buyer in one setting,” said Ryan Green, Lennar’s division president for the San Diego division.
What makes this development stand out is that it provides 14 different floor plans and homes for every lifestyle, he said. “At Canopy Grove, we placed an emphasis on creating spacious floor plans with thoughtful design details to meet the needs and desires of today’s most discerning home shoppers,” said Green.
These homes offer something for couples with or without children, pets, growing families and extended families who need separate spaces while living with the family. It’s rare to have such a wide selection in one area, and the Escondido location adds to the exceptional appeal these homes have for homebuyers.
“It’s a great location,” added Green. “We have trails, parks, and close proximity to the 15 and 78 for commuters. It’s a great community for a family looking to put down roots and thrive in an unparalleled Southern California location.”
Within Canopy Grove, residents enjoy access to parks, playgrounds, picnic pavilions with barbeques, a private recreation center, pools, a spa, and a fitness center. As the development grows, plans for commercial spaces will also be included giving residents a live, shop, and play environment.
Inside the homes, homebuyers will feel all their design needs and desires are being met. “Lennar prides itself on a signature program called, Everything’s Included ®,” said Green. This provides high-end features and popular upgrades, such as slab-quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and integrated home automation features all at no additional cost.
These features include state-of-the-art technologies and materials which make these homes feel custom. Some of the trends Green has seen include healthy home features such as purification and air scrub systems, security monitoring, and energy-efficient materials.
While COVID-19 has made home shopping a bit more difficult, Lennar has introduced a safe and simple way to buy a home. Virtual and self-guided tours allow potential buyers to experience the homes from the comfort of their computer or in-person. This gives them time to look at details, see themselves in the home, yet still have the ability to ask a sales associate questions after they have completed their tour.
Currently, 66 homeowners are residing in Canopy Grove and an additional 77 homes have been sold. Despite the pandemic, Green said now is a great time to buy a home and Escondido is a prime spot.
When asked if Lennar would be building more communities in Escondido, Green responded, “stay tuned.” For more information about Canopy Grove email Canopygrove@lennar.com or call 760-313-0613.
Making Custom Building Attainable
Since buying an existing house during the pandemic has gotten tough, inventory in San Diego is down and prices have skyrocketed, Escondido-based Buildable offers homebuyers a solution - custom home building.
“Most people feel they don’t have an alternative to buying an existing home and that a custom home is unattainable,” said Nick Parisi, Co-Founder and CEO.
Buildable Director of Real Estate, Ross Godwin, and co-founders Michelle Pettycord and Nick Parisi.
Buildable is changing that perspective. With Co-Founder and President Michelle Pettycord, the team created a business model that helps buyers through every process of homebuilding from envisioning their dream home to finding the land, to the build and design process, all of which takes place in a span of about 12-to-18 months.
Pettycord, who has been building houses in San Diego for 30 years, realized the need for this type of business. “I could see there was this major disconnect between people who wanted to build a house and people who wanted a general contractor. There was no support for what happens in between,” she said.
Building a home should be seen as just as feasible as buying an existing home. Many home buyers have come to realize for nearly the same budget, they can build a custom home. “Everyone has a vision for their perfect home,” Parisi said. “We can take that vision, understand their lifestyle, and give them creative opportunities to make that perfect home.”
A luxurious custom Escondido home.
Most projects start near a $1 million budget, including the land purchase which is typically 15%-to-35% of the budget.
“We are very good at guiding our customer through the process and giving them the most we can offer within their budget,” said Pettycord, whose expertise comes in her attention to details, including building for the future. “Sometimes we can prep for the client’s future dreams.” This includes laying piping or electricity for bathroom or kitchen upgrades at a future date.
Trends they are seeing in building include technology-enhanced homes and pet-friendly homes. When asked if white kitchens are still the fad, Pettycord answered, “a white kitchen is like a black dress -it’s always going to work.”
A custom-designed kitchen complete with modern technologies.
Another detail home buyers might not realize when choosing to build a custom home is that they create instant equity. “Most custom homes I’ve built in the last 10 years have instant equity from the day the homeowner turns the key,” said Pettycord.
She also added that Escondido provides more land and value to the buyer who is looking to build a custom home. Parisi and Pettycord both live in Escondido and have seen the homes they are building in the City increase in value too. They attribute that to the fact that Escondido is such a great place to live.
“There are a lot of great things about Escondido,” Parisi said. “It’s convenient for a lot of tech companies, there is easy freeway access, and if you're an outdoors person you have all these great trails and amenities.”
With Buildable, Parisi and Pettycord want to provide their clients with a personal touch throughout their building experience. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we are about creating that compelling experience,” said Parisi.
For more information about Buildable email, nick@simplybuildable.com or call 858-412-7121.
A Dream Backyard
JW Lumber Storefront.
JW Lumber is the place in Escondido for all your backyard needs.
“Fun fact: Our location was actually an old private airport,” said Brian Gonzalez, JW Lumber’s CEO. “Next time you’re driving the 78 junction, look down and you’ll see the airport hangar; that’s our building.”
The Jennings family has owned and run the lumber and outdoor building materials company since the 1950s and has been an Escondido staple tucked under the 78 and 15 freeways since 1982. Open to both builders and do-it-yourselfers, JW Lumber is a one-stop-shop for backyard needs from patios to decks to garden materials, lighting, and fencing. They also have siding for the house.
“We have all the materials you need to build your backyard dream,” said Gonzalez.
For builders concerned about sustainability, Gonzalez added, “Lumber is a sustainable renewable resource that is responsibly harvested, and once it reaches the end of its life cycle lumber naturally decomposes back into the earth.”
JW Lumber CEO Brian Gonzalez in the warehouse.
Like other forms of construction that have seen an uptick in home improvement business, JW Lumber has also noticed more people are focusing on outdoor improvements too. “Since people were staying home more during the pandemic, we’re definitely seeing people expanding their usable space outdoors,” said Gonzalez.
Trends Gonzalez is seeing in backyard design are low maintenance yards such as composite decking and aluminum patio covers. He also said black hardware is very popular because with the wood, it creates a very modern look.
He also said Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled products including grocery bags and recycled wood. This upcycling product also has a long and durable lifespan.
JW Lumber showroom features an array of decking options.
With Escondido’s hilly and rocky terrain, people are getting creative, building decks and adding shade to their slopes or rolling backyards. Even local restaurants have found their way to JW Lumber. As outdoor dining became the only option during the pandemic, many restaurant owners purchased picnic tables or framed patios and shade to help build out their outdoor eating areas.
“We definitely have the right materials that are going to endure the outdoors,” Gonzalez said.
JW Lumber is located at 1179 W. Washington Avenue. For more information call 760-745-6800.
Escondido’s Future
As the Southern California housing market continues to boom, Strong said the future continues to look bright for housing options in Escondido. “Escondido has a tradition of service, performance, and efficiency. This is what makes our City a great place to do business. It is about continuing to support the partnership with the building and construction community,” he said.
He added, “In the current market environment, home builder confidence is at near record highs. Years 2021 and 2022 look promising to have a diverse selection of homes for sale and rent in Escondido.”
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At The Centre, ‘Autojoyment’ Drives Enhanced Car Experience
Night view of The Centre
For over 40 years Judy Jones-Cone has made it her purpose to give customers an unforgettable car buying experience. In 2009, she opened The Centre on Auto Park Way near the 15 freeway where she brought her vision of creating an interactive destination while buying a car to fruition.
“She spent a lot of time thinking about how she could combine multiple experiences in one place,” said Drew Davis, the General Manager at The Centre. As a female owner, she approached the business very differently and really wants people to feel comfortable when they come here.”
What she has brought to Escondido is a mini-mall that gives customers both quality services and exquisite event spaces in one easily accessible location.
The 326,000 square foot, three-level, indoor/outdoor space starts with the dealership and car center on the ground floor. Where else can someone wait for an oil change and practice their golf swing at the golf simulator, give their children a distraction in the playroom, have some quiet time to answer texts and emails in the library equipped with massage chairs, or get a light meal and coffee at Culture, Craft, Coffee and Espresso? There is something for everyone!
The second floor offers meeting spaces, shopping and self-care. Meeting rooms and event spaces complete with advanced technology amenities are great for both small and large gatherings as we come out of the pandemic.
They also boast unparalleled views of the mountains and cityscapes. RocknHair is a full-service beauty salon that has clientele beyond just car buyers. For shoppers, JJ’s Boutique sells one-of-a-kind items for every budget, and Stephen Fishwick’s Fine Art Gallery holds many of the internationally renowned artists' works. For shoppers interested in real estate, AARE Realty is available to help find their dream home with the perfect garage to park their new Lexus.
Fine dining and breathtaking views await diners at Vintana.
The top floor is where Vintana Wine + Dine is located. The Cohn Restaurant Group’s, California-Cuisine restaurant serves lunch and dinner created by award-winning chef, Deborah Scott and is a well-known and favorite eatery for foodies throughout the county.
“We’re really excited that Vintana reopened,” said Davis. “Opening the restaurant on that third level has brought a bustling of life and activity again.” Currently, outdoor dining includes the complete lunch and dinner menu as well as ample, spacious seating with heaters. “Because we have two really large decks, it has great capacity,” said Davis.
Beyond the shopping experience, events are what makes The Centre unique. Event settings are available in various locations throughout The Centre from the art gallery, to the meeting rooms, the restaurant, and spacious outdoor balconies.
In anticipation of the public health restrictions rolling back soon, The Centre is able to book small meetings and events such as first responder, medical, and essential personnel meetings, church services, micro weddings, and celebrations for dates in the future. Hybrid events that have a few in-person guests and virtual guests online are also able to be booked. “We’ve ramped up all of our cleaning protocols,” said Davis who added they are abiding by the public health orders, clean and sanitize throughout the day, and adhere to mask wearing and social distancing rules throughout The Centre.
“The Centre has served many in our community as a top gathering place,” said Amber Tarrac, Escondido’s Deputy Director of Economic Development. “Pre-pandemic, many organizations and nonprofits used the gathering spaces for events, fundraisers, weddings, quinceaneras, conferences, and business meetings. Now with the restrictions lifting, it’s great to know The Centre is open and ready to serve our community once again. And with Vintana reopened, it’s time to return to one of the most happening dinner spots in town.”
Davis feels the location of The Centre is one of its best assets. “We love being here; the location is fantastic,” he said. “Escondido has always been very supportive and business-friendly. And the people of Escondido are awesome. We have so many local organizations that have held events and gatherings here over the years; it’s become a hub of activity and a celebration place for the community.”
Outdoor venues offer guests spectacular views and a unique dining experience.
Davis said he is seeing an uptick in bookings for events for future dates. Davis and the team are looking forward to the time when all restrictions will be lifted and they can safely create community events and concerts like those of the past, which have included artists such as Rita Coolidge, Shaka Khan, Al Jarreau, and Switchfoot.
“We’re really looking forward to being able to resume some of the things that the community has so loved,” said Davis.
Brewing Hope
In addition to creating a community gathering place, Jones-Cone makes philanthropy a top priority. Her private foundation, Guest House Ministries focuses on hunger and children’s issues.
New logo for Esperanza Coffee Company.
Her giving is extending to the Culture, Craft, Coffee and Espresso Cafe this Spring. This month The Esperanza Coffee Company coffee brand debuted and this fresh brew is being served at the cafe and is available in 12 ounce bags and K-cups will soon be for sale in the store and through a subscription model. Esperanza is the Spanish word for hope and a portion of the proceeds of this coffee will go to the charities Jones-Cone has supported throughout the years.
“Esperanza Coffee Company was born out of a passion for great coffee as well as a desire to improve the lives of children in our community and around the world.” said Davis. “This award-winning blend has been meticulously crafted by combining the worlds' premier coffee growing regions of Kenya, Peru, and Ethiopia to create a roast that is full body, clean, consistent, and has just the right amount of bright fruity acidity.”
At the heart of the brand and its organization is a desire to serve and to give. It has been part of their spirit and mission for decades to give a portion of our profits to causes that provide hope and change for children who have been impacted by hunger, AIDS, special needs, and/or the loss of their parents.
Additionally, the packaging will include stories about the recipients of the proceeds so customers can have a greater understanding of how their contribution is helping others around the world. The coffee itself is a fair trade, organic coffee roasted locally in San Diego.
Davis said this is a top-quality coffee that he feels customers are going to enjoy. “We spent a lot of time tasting different coffees and we’re super excited about this.” Be on the lookout for the Esperanza coffee brand launch this month.
From shopping to dining, car buying to giving, The Centre is sure to bring ‘autojoyment’ to everyone.
For more information about booking events, fill out the online form and a team member will contact you with date and pricing options.
The Centre is located at 1205 Auto Park Way. For more information call, 877-568-6118 or email info@thecentreescondido.com.