THE BUILDER'S JOURNAL: Building Confidence in the New Home Marketplace

BIA Supports Habitat For Humanity Builders

Habitat Builders Blitz 2008 opens door to Roseville couple's dream Home

The Community of the Year: The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Cottages & Trailside Announce New Plans

DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR: Mill River, Lyon Township

MILL RIVER: Grand Opening Makes A Splash!

Traditional New Home Communities - Old Design Is New Again

HUGE NEIGHBORHOOD RISING: Development Will Include Homes At A Wide Range Of Prices

Builder Industry Association Names Builder of the Year

OAKLAND BUSINESS REVIEW: Mill River Rolls On With Three Builders

CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS: The Price Is Right

Midwest Door & Window: Congratulations

Hometown Life

Future 50 of Greater Detroit

Features in this Great Room such as a soaring cathedral ceiling, hardwood flooring, central fireplace, and second level bridge overlook are details that transform ordinary living spaces into memorable homes. Photo courtesy of Palazzolo Brothers.

Palazzolo Brothers

Building Confidence in the New Home Marketplace

By Jim Akans

When Sam and Sebastian (Buster) Palazzolo began building new homes in Sterling Heights back in 1984 the Southeast Michigan economy was clearly in a recession. Interest rates and unemployment were over 13%, housing starts were down, and much like today, it didn't seem like a good time to be building homes in Michigan. Yet, the two brothers acquired home sites and advice from two of their uncles, Cosimo Lombardo and Dominic Moceri, founded their new

company, Palazzolo Brothers, and as Buster recalls, "We worked hard to make things happen."

Twenty-four years later, Palazzolo Brothers is one of the most highly regarded new home,. multi-family, and rental community innovators in Southeast Michigan. Palazzolo Brothers embrace two previous generations of family tradition in the homebuilding industry. It is a heritage that has also launched two other highly successful building companies, Lombardo Companies

and Moceri Homes, and collectively the three generations of builders have built over 75,000 homes in Southeast Michigan in just over 50 years. Palazzolo Brothers have learned to weather the tough times in the marketplace by listening to the needs of the home buyer, adapting to market conditions, and rolling up their shirtsleeves to build housing opportunities for their customers.

Sam notes, ''A builder must adapt to the current market situation in order to

Kitchens are the centerpiece of the home, and thoughtful design creates a kitchen space that is not only functional, it is also a destination for entertaining family and friends. Photo courtesy of Palazzolo Brothers.

survive. We built homes back in 1984 in an economic environment that was worse than what we face today. We accomplished that by getting out in the field, out in our sales office, and listening to, and responding to, the customers needs. That is the same approach we are taking today."

The results speak for themselves. In 2007, Palazzolo Brothers built 75 homes; nearly 1.5% of the reported 5,556 housing starts for the nine county Southern Michigan area for the year. To accomplish this admirable feat, the company completely re-evaluated their product offerings and financing alternatives for their customers, implementing "value engineering" into their home designs and developing a wide range of "real estate

solutions" to help new home shoppers become new home owners.

Buster states, "In the years preceding the burst in the housing bubble homebuyers didn't want to put a down payment on

a new home. In the 1980's, people were accustom to putting ten to twenty per cent down which is where bank financing is moving again today ... getting back to a mind set where the bank feels

See Page 14

A Selection of Communities Featuring Palazzolo Brothers Homes

• Tall Oaks-Located in Clinton Township east of Romeo Plank, north of Canal featuring condominiums priced from the $180,000's.

• The Preserves-Luxury Home Apartments from $890/month located in Sterling Heights west off Ryan south of M-59.

• Bella Court-Single Family Homes from the $270,000 range in Sterling Heights south off Morivan west of Hayes.

• 'Trailside-Located in Washington Township off Mound Road north of 26 Mile featuring Single Family Homes fro~ the low $200,000 range.

• Mill River~ Multi-generational community with single-family homes, townhomes and detached condominiums from the low $100,000 to $350,000 range in South Lyon off Milford Road just south of Grand River.

• Rivers Edge at Cherry Hill-Homes from the $230,000 range in Canton Township's highly acclaimed Cherry Hill Village located off Cherry Hill Road west of Ridge.

A new home remains the ultimate American Dream. Palazzolo Brothers have learned to weather the tough times in the marketplace by listening to the needs of the homebuyer, adapting to market conditions, and rolling up their shirtsleeves to build housing opportunities for their customers. Photo courtesy of Palazzolo Brothers.

Continued from Page 7

the homebuyer has an investment in the home as well."

Sam adds, "Yet there are still ways to work with the buyer who doesn't have a down payment. One is an FHA loan, and the federal government has actually increased the maximum FHA loan ceiling to $297,000 here in Michigan. VA loans and MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) loans are another option. Some banks will also accept seller concessions, where the down payment is built into the sales price of the home."

Among other "real estate solutions" offered by Palazzolo Brothers are lease to own programs, where a portion of the purchaser's rent payment in a Palazzolo Brothers community is allocated toward the down payment for a new home built by the company The company will also purchase a buyers existing home at 100 % of appraised value to help facilitate a new home transaction.

Sam states, "Builders need to be working with multiple mortgage companies and become active in their local Associations to learn what options are available for their home buyer. The Real

Estate Association and Builder's Association have been holding joint functions so builders and Realtors can net work. That is a great opportunity to expand a potential sales force from one person in a model home to thousands of area Realtors."

Value engineering is another key component to Palazzolo Brothers success in the new home marketplace. As Buster notes, "It used to be all about amenities. As builders, we put more and more amenities in the home and prices continually rose. No"') homebuyers are looking for the ultimate home value per square foot."

In most of their communities, Palazzolo Brothers offer two base prices for the home, one that includes a care fully packaged selection of amenities, and another that comprises a basic home value yet still offers optimum design features and square footage. Techniques such as creating bonus .• rooms above the garage or providing a third story home theater or play room by finishing the attic area are economical ways to turn unused space into additional square footage.

14 The Builder's Journal of Greater Detroit April/May 2008

Sam adds, "Regardless of the amount of amenities, today's new homes are more energy efficient, offer lower maintenance, and have design and layout features that reflect today's lifestyle. So for the majority of homeowners, a new home is a definite improvement over their existing home."

Marketing a new home or community in the 21 Sl Century also requires an ad aptation in strategy Sam observes, "I recently read that over 65 % of homebuyers go to tlle internet at some point in their home search and that ap proximately 26 % start with the internet. The days when the homebuyer jumped in the car to look for a new home are fading fast. So builders must include web marketing as part of their sales strategy or they may not ever get the opportunity to sell to a growing segment of potential homebuyers."

Diversifying is yet another survival tactic builders can utilize in a less than stellar market environment. Commercial construction and remodeling are areas the homebuilder can easily adapt their business and trade skills to. And as energy and environmental concerns rise in the consumers mind, homebuilding itself is evolving to address a new era of construction methods.

Sam states, "This is a great time to learn how to be a "Green" or ENERGY STAR builder. 2008 is also the year to implement plans for a new emerging market by growth in population, jobs and income. Even though it may seem there isn't as much to do right now, there is actually more. To quote my uncle, and Hall qf Fame Builder, Dominic Moceri; "You have to get up every morning and go to the station because you never know when your train is going to come in." While Michigan is currently a tough market for new homes, there is still plenty of business out there."

For more information about Palazzolo Brothers, visit their web site at www.palazzolobrothers.com or call (586) 739-9162.

TBJ

BIA Supports Habitat for Humanity Builders

		Two of the volunteers at the building site were Amber Lee, a student at Macomb County Community College and Thomas Epps, a student at Marygrove College. These students are the recipients of the Building Industry Foundation Scholarship funded by BIA's Foundation and awarded by the Michigan Colleges Foundation. Additionally, the Women's Council of BIA gathered subcontractors and suppliers to obtain materials and professional labor for the project. The Council
Despite the economic condition of the home construction industry, Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan's (BIA) Charitable & Educational Foundation is supporting Macomb County Habitat for Humanity in its 2008 Builders Blitz. The Foundation donated $10,000 toward the construction of one new home in Roseville, as part of its mission to "promote and to improve the availability of housing opportunities for all persons." This was supplemented by a $625 donation by the Women's Council of BIA. The Association has also rallied BIA members to make donations of their building expertise, materials and services for the construction of the home during the week of May 31 - June On Saturday, June 7, the home, located in Roseville, was dedicated. LaTonya Edwards is the new homeowner and will live there along with her two daughters, Takoyia, age 4, and Ta'Laja, age 8. "Although the Foundation's budget is significantly reduced this year, our Board believes it is our mission to continue to support housing-related charities to the extent we can," said Peter Burton, Foundation Chairperson, of Burton-Katzman Development. "Helping someone realize the dream of homeownership is one of the most valuable contributions we can hope to make to our community." BIA builder members Palazzolo Brothers Construction, LC & Associates and OM Homes, Inc. have teamed up to construct the home. "We are proud that our builder members have stepped up to fill this need in the community, even at a time when our own industry is experiencing the most difficult of times," said Peter.

	sponsored a kick-off party, hosted by BIA member ClOT-Detroit, for all BIA members and guests who participated in the program. Through this event the Council raised $625 for the program and presented the new homeowner with a mailbox and house numbers to affix to her new home. Earlier this year, BIA's Sales & Marketing Council donated $750 to Habitat for Humanity as part of the SAM Awards program. This donation marked the fifth year that the SMC has supported Habitat for Humanity.
	The Charitable & Educational Foundation of the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan was established in 1991 to promote and improve the availability of affordable housing opportunities for low income families throughout Southeastern Michigan. It also created a viable opportunity for BIA members to give back to their communities by volunteering their professional talents and skills, and making cash and in-kind contributions to help meet the needs of those less fortunate .•
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SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2008

Habitat opens door to Roseville couple's dream home

ROSEVILLE -- Right now, life couldn't get much better for Latonya Edwards.

She has two young daughters and is in the midst of planning her wedding to longtime boyfriend Anthony Jones in August.

But the icing on the cake came this week when the duo helped build their very own home -- a lifelong dream they didn't think would ever come true -- as part of the nationwide Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz 2008.

"I thank God every night," said Edwards, 28, who was fed up with her cramped and run-down Mount Clemens apartment. "It's unbelievable. It can't get much better. For me, this is the top."

The couple worked alongside about 100 volunteers -- including Macomb County professional builders, contractors and unskilled helpers -- about 12 hours a day to finish the estimated $95,000, three-bedroom, one-bathroom home on time. The Roseville home was the only one built in southeast Michigan -- and was among 300 or so nationwide -- as part of the blitz, during which the homes were completed from start to finish in five days.

"These are all professional builders who are making a difference for affordable housing," said Daniel Wiiki, executive director of Macomb County Habitat for Humanity. "We help people who never could afford it on their own. It's incredibly rewarding."

Wiiki said Edwards' application was selected out of a pool of about 30 earlier this year because she fit the requirements: ability to pay the no-interest mortgage, willingness to spend 250 hours working on the home and need.

"It's not a giveaway," he said. "They have the pride of knowing they paid for it."

Edwards said the Habitat for Humanity organization was a blessing because her payments through a conventional mortgage would have been too expensive. But now she can appreciate the opportunity to pay for an affordable home and help install the windows and put up the drywall.

"We're both very excited and very blessed," said Edwards, a nurse assistant at Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center. She said her family plans to move into the home -- which sits across the street from Macomb Gardens Park -- at the end of July, so they have time to add their personal touch.

But what makes this project even more special is the fact that, in light of this economic hardship, the builders still chose to lend a hand, Wiiki said.

"(The economy) has really been a stretch on the builders and suppliers," he said. "But they're giving up their own time. It's really encouraging."

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2008

The Community of the Year Introduces the Opportunity of a Lifetime

Lyon Twp’s Mill River offers luxury living and scenic surroundings at low prices

New excitement is springing to life in every direction at Mill River, the award-winning Community of the Year, centrally located in the booming I-96 residential corridor between Novi and Brighton.

Tucked away along the edge of the scenic Huron Valley Trail System, which winds its way to Kensington Metropark to the north and downtown South Lyon to the south, Mill River is truly a place where life’s simple pleasures can be rediscovered.

The 150-acre master planned community is the combined vision of the Moceri Companies, Palazzolo Brothers and Lombardo Companies.

“Collectively, our families have built more than 75,000 homes for Michigan families,” Dominic J. Moceri says.

“For three generations, we have strived to create Michigan’s finest communities with premier club amenities for a lifestyle filled with friends and fulfillment, recreation and relaxation, comfort and convenience.

“Our goal at Mill River was to fuse that level of quality with homes designed to meet a variety of lifestyles and every stage of life, including attached ranch condos, duet condos, traditional single-family homes and coastal inspired cottage-style homes.”

Prices are certainly in the buyer’s favor: Oakmonte condos start from $129,990, and spacious single-family homes start from the low $200s. The Buyer Assistance Programs for renters and those with a house to sell offer buying solutions for nearly everyone.

Although 100 families have already made their move to Mill River, which is on the west side of Milford Road between Grand River Avenue and 12 Mile Road, Moceri’s partner, Sam Palazzolo, says the builders are not resting on their laurels.

“Our spring collection is absolutely irresistible. We listened to our family buyers at Trailside and created all-new plans, including a fabulous 2,400-square-foot ranch, a larger colonial that’s nearly 3,000 square feet, a first floor master plan and available three-car garages. Every site is a walkout, which is included in our base price.”

At the Cottages, a new Palmer plan offers up to five bedrooms with a third-floor option; prices start in the low $200s.

Duets at the Reflections have new streamlined floor plans with more volume, more luxury upgrades included, and incredible value from the $200s.

The attached ranch condos at Oakmonte are still remarkably priced from the low $100s, with an expanded Crestwood plan featuring a larger, open kitchen and an available 6-foot soaker tub. Two-car garage plans are now available at Oakmonte for the f first time.

Now, during Mill River’s Spring Model Opening Celebration, special opportunities are offered to purchasers of homes and condos in inventory. All homeowners enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a spectacular clubhouse, wireless café, fitness center, resort-style pool, outdoor spa and fire pit, tennis and sports courts, lakeside parks, trails and more.

Enjoy life’s simple pleasures and the luxury ones at Mill River. You can afford it.

Family ties inspire family
living Resort-Style Living, Luxury in Four Neighborhoods

Reprinted From Detroit News Homefinder
September, 2007

When three distinguished builders who also happen to be cousins – Moceri Companies, Palazzolo Brothers and Lombardo Homes – pool their talents, the results are bound to garner attention. That’s the case with Mill River in Lyon Township, which has already won a number of prestigious awards, including 2007 Community of the Year. “Mill River is a diamond in the real estate economy,” says Sam Palazzolo. “We have sold 95 homes since opening our doors on Mother’s Day 2006.” Offering such unique perks as a basketball court that converts to a skating rink in the winter, it’s no wonder the community is a popular choice for so many homebuyers. “Mill River is a vibrant, multi-generational, resort-style community,” Palazzolo says.

The entrance features an old- fashioned water wheel and a dancing fountain. Gazebos, lakes and wooded areas dot the well-manicured grounds. Local attractions include golf courses, restaurants and shops. There is direct access to the rails-to-trails path system, offering pedestrian and cyclists convenient access to Kensington Metropark or the South Lyon business district. At the heart of the community is a 4,850-square-foot clubhouse reminiscent of that at a luxury resort. The space offers a quiet spot for reading and relaxation, a Wi-Fi café, fitness center, tennis courts and a well- equipped kitchen and snack bar. Outdoor amenities include a swimming pool and whirlpool spa. The spectacular site has provided the perfect setting for special events such as weddings, baby showers, bridal showers and fundraisers. Mill River consists of four distinct neighborhoods, of which Trailside and Cottages have sin- single family homesites available.

Trailside offers traditional homes with at least 2,500 square feet of living space. Floor plans include design details such as skylights, fireplaces, cathedral ceilings and walk-out locations. The Cottages at Mill River feature front porches, brick and stone exteriors, and first-floor master suites. Their coastal- inspired design is geared toward today’s trend of casual and com- comfortable living in under 2,000 square feet. “We have a home for everyone, as low as $209,900,” says Bonnie Zemanski, sales associate for Trailside and Cottages. If maintenance free living is preferred, condos in Mill River begin in the $120s. Mill River has exciting news to share.

This foyer, in the Trailside neighborhood of Mill River, features luxury at its finest. Trailside’s home plans include up to five bedrooms and a first-floor master suite.
Photo by Alan Davidson

“We are introducing a new three-story floor plan in the Cottages,” Zemanski says. “At Trailside, a new series of home plans include offering up to five bedrooms, and a new first-floor master.” Specials include a buyer pro- protection program, trade in/trade up, and rent-free living while your home is being built. As a limited fall bonus, premium walkout sites will include par- partially finished lower levels.

The Optimum Package, which incorporates the most popular options available and offers a maximum discount of $25,000, includes a granite kitchen; all appliances including washer and dryer; sod and sprinkler; up to five recessed cans; ceiling fan prep; maple cabinet upgrade; maple cabinet crown moldings for the kitchen; hardwood or ceramic tile in kitchen, nook, powder room and foyer; and cased windows. Mill River clearly offers something for everyone to enjoy. “With today’s hectic lifestyles,” Zemanski says, “there is no greater reward than resort- style living.”

Mill River, Lyon Township
Lombardo Companies, Palazzolo Brothers, Moceri Companies

Reprinted From Building & Apartment Management
December, 2006

The three BIA builders who collaborated on Mill River in Lyon Township are understandably proud of its “Development of the Year” designation.

Mill River features four distinct neighborhoods, each designed to complement lifestyles of multigenerations; each arranged around a lavishly landscaped park area. The piece de resistance is a centrally located center called “The Club,” which offers year-round, vacation-like living.

Mill River began with a vision. A dream team of builders from Moceri Companies, Palazzolo Brothers and Lombardo recognized the potential of this picturesque, well-located 189-acre site owned by Earl LaFave of Beck Companies. Their goal, defined after considerable planning, was to create homes for every homebuyer: first-timers, growing families and down-sizers. Mill River’s prices, ranging from the $140s to the low $300s make them uniquely affordable for today’s market. “I wanted to enable multi-generational living,” says Dominic J. Moceri, “to make it possible for Junior to ride his bicycle to Grandma’s.”

Most likely, Junior and Grandma would plan to meet at the 4,850 square foot community clubhouse. A virtual family resort, it’s another source of the builders’ pride. The beautifully appointed clubhouse features a cozy area for reading, viewing TV and visiting. The spacious gathering area includes tables and chairs for bridge or canasta; it’s next to a Wi-Fi café and a well-equipped kitchen and snack bar. Men and women’s locker rooms are adjacent to the fitness center. A unique palm reader security system offers keyless entry from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The swimming pool is surrounded by lounges and umbrella tables; there is also a Whirlpool spa.

Beyond the pool is a natural setting so gorgeous that one resident has already reserved it for her wedding. An allseasons sport court offers tennis and ice skating. Nearby Kensington State Park beckons residents with hiking and biking through direct access via the adjacent Huron Valley Trail. Golf courses, fine restaurants and quaint shops are a short drive away.

Visitors to Mill River can’t miss the old-fashioned wooden water wheel and the impressive stone archway at the entrance. Driving down winding roads, they encounter gazebos, two huge lakes, a pond, several wooded areas and lush landscaping.

While all three
builders have
family ties,
Mill River
represents their
first collaboration
of this type, and
they are immensely
pleased with the results.

The neighborhoods reflect their respective builder’s expertise. The Oakmonte neighborhood features 1,100 square-foot to 1,600 square foot all-inclusive condominiums offering three floor plans, all with master suites, attached garages and private entrances. Reflections, a more elegant neighborhood, has ranch and one-and-a-half story attached “duet” condominiums which include a great room, dining room, luxurious first floor master suite and full basements with an abundance of walkout sites.

Trailside is a traditional neighborhood with colonial, Cape Cod and ranch homes readily meeting the needs of growing families. They have three or four bedrooms and several appealing design elements such as skylights, fireplaces, cathedral ceilings and finished lower levels.

The Cottages at Mill River are detached, single-family “coastal-inspired” homes featuring covered front porches, colorful brick and stone exteriors, open blended kitchens, ample living and dining space and this unusual feature: bumper pads in the garage.

While all three builders have family ties, Mill River represents their first collaboration of this type, and they are immensely pleased with the results. Their grand opening last May was a festive event with prizes, refreshments and trolley rides to the seven designer models. A new program, the New Home Wedding & Gift Registry, gives homebuyers a unique opportunity to afford upgrades. Mill River has set a new standard for a mixed-use, well priced community.

Mill River, Lyon Township’s most anticipated new resort-class community, opened with a splash on Thursday, May 11th, 2006. Distinguished guests mingled in The Club and enjoyed a ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as trolley-ride tours of each of the four communities comprising Mill River. Visitors also got the chance to register for the Just Ducky! prize drawing – 10 lucky winners received a Kensington Metro Park Season Pass. The grand prize winner, Krista Patzach, with Real Estate One, had a lake within the Mill River community named after her and $1,000 was donated to Western Oakland County Trailway Management Council on her behalf. Terrific food, invigorating company, exhilarating prizes: The success of Mill River’s Grand Opening Event established this community as the place to be.

Guests register and receive their Just Ducky! drawing ticket.

Mill River’s first guest tosses his Lucky Duck in the pool.

Continuous Trolley Tours guided the visitors to each of the four distinct Mill River communities.

Council member and Treasurer of Lyon Township Patricia Carcone accepts a check from Dominic J. Moceri for a $1,000 donation on behalf of Mill River for the Western Oakland County Trailway Management Council.

Guests had the opportunity to tour designer, decorated model homes in each of the four communities at Mill River, featuring a total of 7 models.

Builders and distinguished guests, l-r: Sam Palazzolo, Palazzolo Bros.; James Bonadeo, Bonadeo Bros.; Irv Yackness, Executive VP, Building Industry Association; Frank Moceri, Moceri Companies; Dominic J. Moceri, Moceri Companies; Buster Palazzolo, Palazzolo Bros.; and Irv Strickstein, National Lumber.

The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony took place in front of the clubhouse. l-r: George Pakula, Moceri Companies; Kick Knoblauch, KLM Landscape; Kelly Poniers, Moceri Companies; Rob Lang, Glencorp Earthmovers; Dave Palawczyk, Moceri Companies; Jay Marshall, Star Contracting.

Old Design Is New Again

Traditional New Home Communities - Old Design Is New Again

Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) means that a new home community is planned from its inception to be less automobile-dependent and more likely to be a walk-able community and more likely to create friendships among the neighbors. These TND communities, such as Cherry Hill Village in Canton, Michigan and Celebration in Orlando, Florida, celebrate yesteryear through traditional planning and design.

These TND communities accomplish this in several ways.

*The communities mix single family homes with multiple dwellings and small commercial enterprises.

*Homes are much closer to the sidewalks than in other subdivisions. Garages often enter from rear alleys, making streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

*All neighborhoods have sidewalks that provide a route to take homeowners out of the residential streets and to the shops, parks and churches in the TND.

*Front porches are bigger and modeled after the porches of yesteryear, often wrapping around the side of a home.

*The multiple-family dwellings are often “brownstones.” While brownstone used to refer to a type of stone used in construction, today it more often refers to a row of terrace homes, sometimes called rowhouses, clad in brick.

*Small parks, sometimes called Pocket Parks, are tucked throughout the TND, inviting children and their parents to gather and socialize.

A village square gets prominent attention in a TND. In addition, live/work buildings are developed on the main street. This means that a retail store provides the owners with living quarters above it, much like early downtowns throughout the country.

Because of the variety of home sizes and styles in a well-planned TND, a young couple could conceivably move into one of the community’s smaller homes or a brownstone as newlyweds, then move to a larger home after they have children. Then, when they are empty nesters, they could move back to a smaller home or brownstone, all without ever leaving their neighborhood and their friends.

In a well-planned TND, different builders within the community offer plenty of choices for consumers. For example, River’s Edge at Cherry Hill Village offers ranches, Cape Cods, and colonials. Many of these have walkout basements as well, providing even more usable square feet. River’s Edge, which is one of several neighborhoods within Cherry Hill Village, has two builders: Palazzolo Brothers and Vincent Homes.

That feeling of yesteryear usually stops at the front door of the homes, though. Each home’s design meets the modern needs of today’s society. Exterior construction feature include brick and lap siding, along with full basements. In addition, the homes include energy efficient furnaces and air conditioners. Inside, a feeling of spaciousness comes from the nine foot ceiling height or, in some plans, vaults, cathedrals, or tray ceilings. Palazzolo Brothers and Vincent Homes offer superb wiring for today’s high tech needs, including low voltage wiring. Granite kitchens, walk in closets, hardwood floors, open lofts, and other luxury features also play a prominent role in any TND home.

The best TND designs have yesterday’s porches, but today’s kitchen. They have yesterday’s fireplaces, but today’s closets. They have yesterday’s streetscapes, but today’s safety features. What was old in home design and neighborhood planning is once again new.

Huge Neighborhood Rising

Development Will Include Homes At A Wide Range Of Prices
By DOUG HENZE

LYON TWP.- A group of three builders plans to bring nearly 500 homes to the township, on a site once slated for industrial space.

Mill River, now under construction on a 150-acre site at Milford and 12 Mile roads, will include 491 single-family homes and condominiums when completed in about two and a half years. The development's partners, Auburn Hills-based Moceri Cos., Lombardo Cos. of Washington Township and Palazzolo Bros. of Sterling Heights planned to hold an 11 a.m. grand opening ceremony today to show off their home models.

Homes will range from 1,100 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet and start from the $140,000s to the $300,000s. Construction has been under way at the development since December.

"Mill River truly offers something for every generation; it is an active community for active families where everything is included and everyone is included," said Dominic J. Moceri, a partner in Moceri Cos.

Mill River neighborhoods include:

Moceri's Oakmonte, featuring 1,100-square-foot to 1,600-square-foot stacked condominiums with master suites, attached garages and private entrances.

Reflections, also by Moceri, a neighborhood of ranch and one-and-a-half story, attached "duet" condominiums, ranging from 1,500 square feet to 1,800 square feet and offering great rooms, master suites and attached garages.

Trailside, a Palazzolo Bros. neighborhood of 1,800-square-foot to 3,000-square-foot-plus colonial, Cape Cod and ranch single-family homes with three or four bedrooms, walkout basements and fireplaces.

Cottages, by Palazzolo Bros., offering 1,500-square foot to 1,800-square foot single-family homes with front porches, first-floor master suites and open living areas.

Mill River amenities include a 4,850-square-foot clubhouse with a library, card room, kitchen and Wi-Fi cafe, a fitness center with men's and women's locker rooms, an outdoor pool and spa with a sun deck and a tennis and all-season sports court.

The development site also includes winding foot paths, overlooks and gazebos.

More than 80 homes have been sold so far.

"We have invested a tremendous amount of time and attention to detail to ensure that the residential opportunities at Mill River are second to none," said Sam Palazzolo, a partner in Palazzolo Bros. "We are confident its popularity will endure for years to come by appealing to the market's multi-generational housing needs."

	The first big *Sales Event* at Mill River on January 21st created plenty of interest and spurred new home sales as savvy buyers took advantage of pre-construction pricing at each of the community’s four unique neighborhoods. Young professionals, new families, families in search of more room and grandparents looking for a great place to enjoy retirement visited the exciting Mill River, offering homes for everyone at prices everyone can afford.
Dominic J. Moceri welcomed three generations of home buyers to Mill River.

SOLD! A lucky Oakmonte buyer selects her home.

They came, they saw, they signed... the attractive, single-family homes at Trailside enticed many.

Reflections Sales Manager Krisann Hester points out all the benefits of Mill River.

Reflections Sales Manager Krisann Hester congratulates a happy couple, one of the first homeowners at Reflections.

Half the fun for new homeowners was selecting the site of their new home.

Sam Palazzolo of Palazzolo Brothers, one of Mill River's builders, points out the family advantages of the charming Cottages at Mill River.

December 2005

Buster and Sam Palazzolo — Palazzolo Brothers
Builder Of The Year

“Building homes, building communities, building confidence.” That’s been the Palazzolo Brothers motto for over 20 years. Their hands-on, hardworking business style earned them 2005 BIA’s Builders of the Year award.

Being named Builder of the Year was an unexpected honor, according to Buster, who explained that he and his brother were very proud to join the past honorees, many of whom have had more years of experience.

The foundation for Palazzolo Brothers began in 1984 with 13 lots in Sterling Heights, purchased from their uncle, Cosimo Lombardo. Sebastian Palazzolo (Buster), a graduate of Western Michigan University, had just returned from Dallas after working for Pulte Homes; his younger brother, Salvatore (Sam), was completing his business degree at Wayne State University. Their 1,500 square foot ranches and 2,000 square foot colonials sold slowly at first, due to a recession. “However,” says Buster, “we worked hard to make things happen.”

Their next project was 94 sites in Woodfield, a community with minimal visibility off Van Dyke Road. This community lacked potential, according to more seasoned builders. With Palazzolo Brothers determi