COMMUNITY OFFERS MIX OF LIVE/WORK SELECTIONS

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, of the 16.6 million businesses in the country, approximately 49 percent are homebased. And today, millions more people are discovering the convenience of telecommuting.

As working from the home becomes more like business-asusual, homebuilders are designing more innovative living spaces to accommodate the growing need for viable at-home office space.

“With today’s changing workplace, live/work homes have become increasingly popular,” says Alan Boeker, president and COO of Port Blakely Communities, developer of the award-winning Issaquah Highlands master planned community. “Oftentimes local zoning prevents these uses. Our community planning efforts are specifically designed to address that.”

Issaquah Highlands has two home collections with live/work homes on the market: Brighton on Park and Starpoint.

Priced from the low $600,000s, Brighton on Park has five live/work town homes and six traditional town homes available. Located adjacent to Issaquah Highlands’ retail village, these homes were built by Noland Homes.

The in-home office includes a half bath and is conveniently accessed directly from the street, main living space or garage. The separate entrance to the town home is lined by classic wrought iron fencing that surrounds a courtyard.

“These homes are not only perfect for at-home service-type businesses, but the additional space is also ideal for a guest or roommate who may prefer a secondary on-street entrance,” says Noland Home’s marketing manager, Katrina Hupp.

Upstairs, homeowners will enjoy a classically tailored home with wainscoting and porcelain tile in the entry. Kitchens are outfitted in granite countertops, Jatoba Brazilian cherry or oak wood flooring, natural cherry kitchen cabinetry, and energy efficient GE Profile stainless steel appliances. Spacious living rooms are warmed by Heat-n-Glo gas fireplaces topped by a custom mantel. The additional three bedrooms, including a master suite with a five-piece master spa, are located upstairs.

Starpoint was built by GMP Homes and is located across the street from Blakely Hall. The community of 92 condominiums includes five live/work lofts. Only one remains available.

The loft’s entrance is off of Starpoint’s exterior entry, which will also include additional retail. The home boasts a great room design with vaulted ceilings, a gourmet kitchen and powder room on the main level and a second-floor loft bedroom with bath and walk-in closet. Offering an urban design, the home stylishly showcases natural stones as well as a full stainless steel appliance package.

“Starpoint and Brighton on Park give buyers a fantastic selection in live/work styles. In addition, they are strategically located within the community to take advantage of the buzz of activity from the retail village or Blakely Hall,” says Boeker. “For those people not ready to own, there are also live/work spaces available for rent at Avalon Wynhaven.”

As with all of the homes at Issaquah Highlands, Starpoint and Brighton on Park are built with the environment in mind. Starpoint achieved the highest Built Green rating for multi-family homes in the community and Brighton on Park homes are both Built Green and Energy Star certified.

“The homebuilders at Issaquah Highlands are strongly committed to building homes and condominiums that are good for the environment, the community and the homeowner,” says Boeker. “Their enthusiasm for environmental responsibility has spilled over to the residents as well.”

Issaquah Highlands offers more that 1,500 acres of parks and open spaces, including wooded trails, an off-leash dog park and sports fields. At the entrance of the community, homeowners enjoy the convenience of the High Street Retail Village, which includes regional favorites like Sip Wine Bar and Restaurant, Sorella Salon and Spa, Caffe Ladro, Agave Cocina & Tequilas Restaurant and Ricenroll.

The community has continually been recognized for its distinctive approach to community building that includes environmental stewardship, timeless architecture, pedestrian friendly neighborhoods, and hightech innovations. Its many awards include a Gold Nugget Award for its innovative design of a sustainable Built Green home, a Silver Award for Master Planned Community of the Year by the National Association of Homebuilders, and two Green Globes by the Green Building Initiative. Most recently the community was recognized for Best Sustainable Community and Best Master Planned Community by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference.