The Shea Homes Universe

This article first appeared in the PB December 2006 issue of Pro Builder.

Sidebars:
Saguaro Heights at Vistancia
Eight is not Enough
Highlands Ranch Town Center
Costa Azul
Manresa at Summer Lake
Sanctuary at Stonebridge Estates
Watermill at Adeline's Farm
Trilogy at Glen Ivy
Sierra Sky at Whitney Ranch

Shea's eight divisions spread across several states. While product design varies from state to state and community to community, the merging of art with sound building science remains a constant.

RICK ANDREEN, president of Shea's Active Adult division, explains how the company's flexible approach allows different divisions to capture local architectural styles and market demands. Shea understands that both second-home buyers in Colorado can be very different from Active Adult buyers in Southern California.

"They give us a lot of leeway to be successful," Andreen says. "We're dealing with a buyer who is a lot more particular than the standard buyer. On average, they've owned 7.4 houses, including 3.2 new homes. That's well above the average. They have discretionary income, and a lot more time.

"Think about this," he adds, "a move-up buyer typically has two people in the household working all day, so it's dark by the time they get home. If they get a settlement crack in the foundation, they don't worry about it too much. The active adult, on the other hand, is sitting there all day, watching the crack grow."

Saguaro Heights at Vistancia

Set against a backdrop of mountains in Peoria, Ariz., this single-family home community of 51 homes that "harmonize with the desert" is about half completed and sold. Shea's Arizona division's community includes about 1,700 acres of open space. Homes range in price from $330,000 to $402,000, in sizes ranging from 1,721 square feet to 2,766 square feet. The Web site, like all of Shea's interactive community Web sites, includes a "live-lot map," where potential buyers can choose a lot the same way they might pick an airline seat.

Web site: www.sheahomes.com

Eight is not Enough

Shea's eight home divisions will likely expand to include Florida soon.

Shea Homes, Southern California (Brea, Calif.)

Shea Homes, Inland Empire (Corona, Calif.)

Shea Homes, San Diego

Shea Homes, Northern California (Livermore, Calif.)

Shea Homes, Colorado (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)

Shea Homes, Sacramento (Roseville, Calif.)

Shea Homes, Active Adult (Scottsdale, Ariz.)

Shea Homes, Arizona (Scottsdale, Ariz)

Shea Financial Services (Aliso Viejo, Calif.)

Highlands Ranch Town Center

BROWNSTONE COLLECTION

Like many big builders, Shea recognizes the growing appeal of traditional neighborhood planning. This community south of Denver includes 359 brownstone-style townhomes, sized from 1,332 square feet to 1,835 square feet. Unit prices range from $231,900 and $295,000. That price point — along with the promise of semi-urban living (with homes in close proximity to retailers) — has attracted both move-up and first-time buyers. The Colorado division reports that the second and final phase of construction is underway.

Web site: www.sheahomes.com

Costa Azul

Set in the highly prized Newport Coast region of Southern California, this luxury single-family project is about half complete, with Phase 5 of 14 underway. Full build out will include 64 homes priced at $2 million or more. These homes will become part of Pacific Ridge, a gated community. They are being offered in three base plans, with numerous options and amenities, in sizes ranging from 3,601 square feet to 4,889 square feet. Most amenities aim at the California lifestyle, including indoor-outdoor living spaces, single-level living, three-car tandem garages and pool cabanas.

Web site: www.sheahomes.com

Manresa at Summer Lake

Described as the latest in "Destination Living," this community in Oakley, Calif., features 132 upscale single-family homes priced between $661,000 and $800,000 to be built in 13 phases. Shea's Northern California division is now completing phase three. The community is being sold for its resort-style living, with amenities such as a swimming and recreation center and hiking trails. The four base floor plans range in size from 3,660 square feet to more than 4,300 square feet, with four-car garages. Web site: www.sheahomes.com

Sanctuary at Stonebridge Estates

With lots for 82 single-family luxury homes in San Diego, this upscale community is set on the edge of a nature preserve called Mission Trails Regional Park. Despite prices that start at $1.3 million, Shea has kept the design options relatively simple, with just three base floor plans. Homes at Stonebridge range from 4,435 square feet to 5,599 square feet. Each plan includes thee to five bedrooms, an interior courtyard and the option of a four-car garage. Paul Barnes, division president, reports that his team just completed phase three of seven.

Web site: www.sheahomes.com

Watermill at Adeline's Farm

"Old Europe meets American Vernacular" might be a good way to describe the design theme and marketing for this community of 147 large, single-family homes in Winchester, Calif. Shea's Inland Empire division offers three floor plans in one-and two-story variations, ranging in size from 2,651 to 3,198 square feet. Prices range from $452,000 to about $525,000, with luxury perks available such as four-car garages and home offices. The builder reports that phase 5 of 11 is underway, with 72 units sold and about eight lots currently available.

Web site: www.sheahomes.com

Trilogy at Glen Ivy

One of the latest offerings from Shea's Active Adult division, this community in Corona, Calif., includes both single-family and attached "lock and leave" product. The homes are marketed for their quiet seclusion within close proximity to Los Angeles. The site is located next to the rolling hills of the Cleveland National Forest. Sales to date have been strong, thanks in part to a price range from the mid $300,000s to low $900,000s. The builder reports that the community's 1,300-unit build out is 86 percent complete. A wide range of floor plans also appeals to buyers, with both modest and more luxurious models from 1,290 square feet to 2,300 square feet. Web site: www.sheahomes.com

Sierra Sky at Whitney Ranch

Located in Rocklin, Calif., this community of 134 single-family homes includes three relatively similar floor plans. The marketing plan targets move-up buyers looking for good-size homes with a few luxury amenities, such as master suites, high ceilings and optional bonus rooms. Shea's Sacramento division also emphasizes easy freeway access, proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and "open, flowing floor plans." Prices range from $500,000 to $600,000 for floor plans that hover around 3,000 square feet.

Web site: www.sheahomes.com