Interest Rates Drop to 5.03% - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 31, 2008) — The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending December 26, 2008.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 5.03 percent from 5.04 percent, with points increasing to 1.24 from 1.17 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio loans.

Victor Receives a 2 Year, $100,000 Planning Grant

"Victor, Idaho, may seem like a sleepy little town, but the Vermont-based Orton Foundation, recognizing the city’s unique qualities, has chosen Victor as one of four communities nationwide in which to pilot its Community Heart and Soul planning program.

With a $100,000 grant from the Orton Foundation and a matching commitment from the Victor City government, Victor is poised to engage in a planning process over the next two years that seeks to ensure smart, inclusive, community-oriented growth into the future.

The grant will fund a series of planning activities, create two part-time positions with the city, and develop implementable timelines for the vision that emerges from the planning process. The two-year grant, with possibility of an extension, will focus on providing a transportation plan, capital improvement plan, design guidelines for downtown and implementation schedules.

Main Street will receive particular attention as the heart of Victor and the most visible symbol of the city’s identity.As part of the matching contributions required by the foundation, the city will hire a part-time project coordinator and a part-time grant writer for the next two years."

By Rebecca Watters, Teton Valley News, Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Teton Valley History - Pierre's Hole

Teton Valley was originally known as Pierre's Hole. Rich in beaver, it was a favorite stomping ground for British + American fur traders and trappers between 1819-1840.

Pierre's Hole was the scene of the annual rendezvous of mountain men and suppliers - The Great Rocky Mountain Fair - in 1932.

Teton Valley was permanently settled in 1882.

Information courtesy of Teton Scenic Byways.

Winter Construction Status

With the first major winter storm for the 2008/2009 season bearing down on us this weekend, we are fortunate to have completed all of the concrete construction activities for this year.

A relatively mild Fall allowed us to work through mid November and complete our Concrete Footings + Foundation Walls without hindrance from snow.

At this time, we have prepared the entire job site for the winter conditions. We are now busy having sub-contractors bid on the various segments of construction that will occur next year.

With the New Year just around the corner, it's time to reflect on the #1 milestone achieved by the project team in 2008....

#1 Milestone - CONSTRUCTION!

After days, weeks and months of planning, design, entitlements and meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, there is one single milestone that provides an enormous level of satisfaction to each and every member of the project team - CONSTRUCTION!

That which has been visualized 1,000's of times through sketches, spec. books, elevations and sections is now reality. The Concrete Footings + Foundation Walls shown in this picture and visible to every person that passes by the job site, reveal just how big and majestic this project will be.

Introducing - Nery Ortiz - Architectural Drafter - Dubbe-Moulder Architects

Nery Ortiz received her Architectural Drafting degree in 2001, applying her skills at two design firms before starting her career at Dubbe-Moulder Architects in 2004. Nery’s commitment to detail and consistency has led her to become a valuable member of the team. Her ability to adapt to any assignment and her capacity to work in a team driven environment has led to the success of many projects, including Trail Creek Crossing.

Raised in Teton Valley, Idaho, Nery grew up with the grandeur of the mountains in her backyard. She has participated heavily in both skiing and snowboarding, starting at a very young age. Her love of the outdoors is not confined to snow sports, as she also loves to fish.

Nery was a member of the first Teton High School female soccer team, and hopes that someday the Teton Valley will offer a women’s soccer league to any takers. Her competitive spirit would surely make this type of endeavor a success!

Introducing - Clayton Davis - Project Manager - Dubbe-Moulder Architects

Clayton Davis’ role as Project Manager for the Trail Creek Crossing development has given him a chance to show off both his design talent and his leadership skills. His prior experience has included historic renovation and preservation projects, custom homes, and land planning projects.

Clayton’s love of the outdoors propelled him to complete a solo trek to both Annapurna and Mt. Everest Base Camp. Originally from Pennsylvania, he arrived in Idaho’s Teton Valley in 2005 searching for world-class powder. Like most skiers that come here, he was not disappointed! In addition to skiing, mountaineering, backpacking and white water canoeing, Clayton also finds occasion to jump on his mountain bike and traverse the many trails here in Teton Valley.

When this former Eagle Scout finds “down time”, he can be identified by his faded and beat up Philadelphia Phillies ball cap and a tattered Hawaiian shirt. His life was recently made even more worth living when he witnessed the victory of the Phillies over the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 World Series. When they do it again in another 28 years, Clayton will more than likely be found celebrating under a swath of gray hair on Long Beach Island.

Introducing - Ben Weisbeck - Architectural Drafter - Dubbe-Moulder Architects

Ben Weisbeck’s vocational background is based in the construction field. From pouring concrete to framing, his exposure to the build process has run the gamut. After having achieved his Bachelor Degree in Architectural Technology, Ben is now driven to pursue the design side of the design-build industry.

Since starting at Dubbe-Moulder Architects in July of 2007, Ben has been assigned to multiple high end residential projects in addition to tackling drafting work for Trail Creek Crossing. During his employment at DMA, he has demonstrated admirable problem solving skills and an innate ability to communicate effectively at all levels of a project.

Originally from Upstate New York, Ben started cross country skiing at the age of 3, while he managed to work his way into downhill by the time he was 7. The motivating factor for him to move to Jackson Hole was to “experience some of the best skiing in the lower 48”. Unfortunately for Ben, he sustained a case of tendonitis to his ankle during his very first ski season in Jackson Hole. This battle wound brings him one step closer to becoming a local.

Introducing - Kurt Dubbe - Principal - Dubbe-Moulder Architects

After almost thirty years in the architectural industry, Kurt Dubbe has established himself as a key player in the Jackson Hole, Wyoming architectural community. In addition to maintaining his role as principal at Dubbe-Moulder Architects for over ten years, his passion for historic preservation has led him to be assigned as the Wyoming advisor for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Kurt turns a critical eye toward the character of the building, sustainability issues, and budgetary limitations. Having completed hundreds of projects throughout his career, he is well-versed in guiding interdisciplinary teams through complex and unique project related issues. This ability has proven especially critical on the mixed-use development of Trail Creek Crossing.

When Kurt is not focused on his vocation, he likes to enjoy a tasty microbrew. Additionally, he is adept at woodworking and has been designing and constructing his own furniture for years.

Engineering System Solutions - Our Design Engineers

Engineering System Solutions unites multiple engineering disciplines to create a higher quality product for our clients. ES2 provides the following consulting services: Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Engineering. These services are performed in-house providing clients with a greater opportunity to put more of what makes ES2 great into each project. With collaborative efforts between disciplines, ES2 has found that including multiple disciplines within a project further accommodates the needs and wants of the client. The needs and wants of the client can also be met in a timely fashion due to the collaborative efforts in-house. Additionally, if a client needs questions answered, they only have to call one company – ES2.

ES2 is again a pioneer in the engineering industry. In conjunction with the various consulting services mentioned above, ES2 offers in-house Structural Steel Detailing. Structural Steel Detailing allows ES2 to collaboratively and collectively design the structural aspects of a project, while completing the Structural Steel Detailing. Practical and cost-savings construction methods, RFI elimination, and more accurate bids are few advantages this program offers clients.

Combining services is just one more way to provide Value, Quality, and Service to clients. Earning business, trust, and loyalty from clients is the ultimate goal and what ES2 strives for on a daily basis.

Photo Names (from L to R): David Porter, Hugh Staiger, Markell Bateman, Justin Judy, Kelden Boren.

Introducing Kelden Boren, Electrical Engineer - Engineering System Solutions

Name: Kelden “fre$h” Boren

Role:

- Electrical Engineering Principal for 2-1/2 years at ES2

Experience:

- 8 years of electrical engineering

- 12 years as a Licensed Journeyman electrician, involved in the electrical construction trade

Responsibilities:

- Electrical design of Trail Creek Crossing including; power distribution, site lighting design and photometric study

Other Skills

- LEED Accredited Professional who has completed several LEED buildings and enjoys helping with “green” design

Past Work Experience:

- mixed use commercial/residential buildings

- shopping centers

- retail stores

- medical buildings

- custom residences

Other Interesting Info:

- In my previous life I worked on the design of several buildings for the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park

- I am the biggest Cleveland Indians fan in Idaho – Go Tribe!

Friends of the Teton River Partner with Stakeholders to Restore Trail Creek

Reproduced with permission from Friends of the Teton River.

If you have difficulty viewing this image, please contact us for an email copy.

Progress Report - Concrete Footings + Foundations

R+M Concrete are nearing the end of their work building the concrete footings and foundation walls. Today's progress photos show sections of wall covered in blankets. These walls were poured on Tuesday and once the intial concrete strength test is completed, forms will be removed and blankets reinstated until design strength is achieved.

We expect to complete the Concrete by mid-November.

Glenn Hudson, Project Superintendent, Larkspur Construction Inc.

Over the past 3 months, Glenn Hudson has been our 'go to guy', managing the construction activities in the field.

Glenn brings over 30 years of construction experience on projects throughout the US including a Titanium Plant; Roads + Bridges; Rapid Transit (Subway Systems); Wastewater Treatment Plants; Cogeneration Plants (Energy Sector); Coal Mine Development; and several Residential Home Remodel's.

Steady Interest in Sales + Leasing

Trail Creek Crossing is pleased to report a steady flow of interest in the sales and leasing of commercial space.

From the encouraging feedback we have received so far, it is clear that our local business owners have a solid understanding of market cycles; they understand the importance of business planning; and they are excited about the chance to be part of a new location where they can gain from the synergies created by clustering several businesses under one roof.

Existing Jackson Hole, Idaho Falls and Rexburg businesses recognize that many of their current and future customers reside in Teton Valley and therefore having a place of business in Teton Valley gives them the best opportunity to service their customers.

Concrete Foundation Work Commences

Concrete is here!!!!

Over the past 2 weeks the team at R+M Concrete have begun the task of forming, reinforcing and placing concrete in the foundations at the south of the building. R+M will move on to foundation walls over the next week, before repeating the sequence in the center and eastern wings.

Here's a movie clip of R+M Concrete's team in action.

Building Pad Completed

The Building Pad is completed, compacted and ready for foundations!

Over the past 2 weeks, we have brought in many loads of gravel, compacted and repeated in 8" layers. Our Engineers have conducted field tests on the compacted material and we are now moving onto our concrete scope of works.

Meanwhile in the background, out of sight, work is proceeding on the detailing and fabrication of the structural steel.

Tin Cup Challenge

A few weeks back, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley held the very first Tin Cup Challenge. The event held on Saturday July 19th 2008 was the culmination of the Valley's fund-raising efforts for local non-profits.

Over 400 people participated in events held on the day including a marathon, half-marathon, 10km, 5km and diaper derby races.

Just this week the Community Foundation of Teton Valley held the Non-Profit Award Presentation evening and announced that the Tin Cup Challenge had raised over $900,000! This was an incredible achievement for the first year of the event.

Congratulations to the Community Foundation of Teton Valley, Volunteers and Race Participants for a tremendous event.

Why Build a Mixed-Use Development?

Mixed-Use Development is a term used to describe buildings that incorporate more than one type of occupancy. These types can include residential, office, retail, wholesale, and many others.

In the early parts of our history, mixed-use development was a very common form of construction commonly found on Main Street's in every town and city where a shopkeeper would have their residence immediately above their place of business.
With the invention of the motor car, the need to live in close proximity to your place of business diminished and thus the evolution of suburbia.

There are good and bad aspects of every type of development. We have all had the opportunity to experience the less positive aspects of surburban living as we sit idle in traffic during our daily commute. For those fortuntate to live in Teton Valley, this experience will be unfamiliar. And therein lies the key to the selection of Mixed-Use Development for this project.

Teton Valley is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. It is one of the last places in the US that does not 'feature' an interstate motorway connecting suburbia with various places of business. As members of the Teton Valley community, it is our responsibility to embrace the beauty and amenity available, and ensure that 'growth' is managed in a sustainable fashion.

There are a number of key sustainable benefits in building a Mixed-Use Development;

1. minimizing vehicle trips - by positioning commercial services within walking distance of home and businesses, people are less likely to use their car to run errands.


2. exercise - hopefully I haven't shocked anyone yet, however, reducing small vehicle trips lends itself to walking between errands, perhaps even using stairs, all simple forms of exercise that had been lost in our past car centered habits


3. communication - when we step out of the time capsule that is our SUV or truck we create the opportunity to meet/greet/communicate with our neighbors


4. safety/security - one less vehicle on the road is one less chance of a traffic accident, equally, buildings which feature a constant level of activity involving people moving in and around places of business provides an inherent level of surveillance.


5. carbon footprint - it took 5 points before I hit specificially on the 'green' stuff. A multi-storey building has a smaller footprint on the earth which reduces the amount of earth disturbed in construction and associated landscaping. These elements reduce the amount of heat that is rejected from impervious surfaces thereby reducing the contribution to global warming; also, multi-storey buildings offer energy efficiencies by integrating building systems and realising the compound benefit of successive insulated floors which ultimately reduces carbon emissions;


6. density - slightly higher densities provide the critical mass that our public infrastructure yearns for in an effort to support public transportation


7. ......many more......

So, these are some of the reasons to build a mixed-use development. There are a number of other benefits that we will talk about in future posts.

Excavation + Compaction of the Building Pad

In late July our Contractors worked to clear undergrowth and unstable surface material ready for excavation to begin.

Now, our Contractors are working through a detailed sequence of layering and compacting the earth in order to prepare the Building Pad for construction of the foundations.

In keeping with our Environmental Plan, Contractors are have a water truck passing over the work site to keep the dust under control during these warm and breezy summer days.

Work Commences at Trail Creek Crossing!

Work has commenced on the construction of Trail Creek Crossing's first building.

Contractors began with the installation of Erosion and Sediment controls including silt fence and wattles. These controls are required by the Environment Protection Agency, and are used to prevent construction debris from contaminating nearby waterways.

Large equipment is being used to remove surface growth material and top soil in preparation for the detailed excavation of foundations.

Teton County Fire District - Training Day

On July 12th, Teton County Fire District took the opportunity to use the old house on the Trail Creek Crossing property for a day long Training Exercise. The Live Fire Training Exercise focused on fire attack skills; horizontal ventilation skills; drafting skills and leadership.

Once the tactical training exercises were completed, the Fire District burned the entire house. Fire Chief Mike Hoyle noted that the house was fully engulfed within 10 minutes of the fire commencing.

For those of us observing the exercise it was frightening to see how quickly a home can be taken by fire. If you don’t already have a fire management plan in place for your house, please make it a priority. Keep a defensible space around your property; keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket accessible inside your house and most importantly, make sure your family knows what to do.

Special thanks to the dedication and commitment of the volunteers at the Teton County Fire District.

New blog

Teton Land Development Group is proud to present a new addition to their website in the form of a blog which will be updated with news and information about the developments of the Trail Creek Crossing site in Victor, Idaho.