Wanted: Environmentally friendly homes for New Kent show

The Home Building Association of Richmond and East West Partners are looking for 10 builders interested in constructing environmentally friendly houses in Patriots Landing in New Kent County.

The houses will be built as part of a Single-Site Home Show to display the latest trends in construction in one place and at one time.

Builders would commit to buy a lot at Patriots Landing, which is being developed by East West Partners. They would build a home that fits the concept and furnish it for open tours for three weekends and two weeks next year.

Houses will range from 1,700 square feet to 2,300 square feet. Each will include technologically advanced or green features. Homes in the subdivision are for sale from about $350,000 to the mid-$600,000s.

The goal is to introduce the Richmond region to a simpler, greener, more affordable, easier way to live, according to the organizers. The first showcase is expected to become a signature event for the industry and builders association.

"As our industry slowly emerges from this most recent downturn, this is a wonderful opportunity for HBAR members to brand themselves as an innovator and a trend setter," they said in a statement.

"The special event at Patriots Landing is a new HBAR event and is not going to replace the Parade of Homes," said David Reel, spokesman for the builders' association.

The annual Parade of Homes, an open house tour of 71 houses constructed by 26 builders in the Richmond and Tri-Cities areas, starts today. The scattered-site home show has been held each year since 1951.

This year's Parade of Homes is this weekend and the following two weekends, Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Plan books with addresses, descriptions and maps are available at area Ukrop's and Kroger grocery stores and the local homebuilder headquarters at 400 N. Ridge Road in western Henrico County.

To take part in the special event at Patriots Landing, builders should contact Victoria Moody at (804) 282-0400, ext. 2, or .

Contact Carol Hazard at (804) 775-8023 or .