Ellwood by Richmond American at Beacon Park

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irvinehomeshopper said:
Shape recognition. Too many projects in Irvine looks just the same. When you look at a house and especially the stucco box I bet you can't decipher which project it is. When you look at Nolan, Nash or Nathaniel you may not remember which plan it is but you will definitely remember Ellwood. I work hard on those shapes and forms rarely seen in Irvine. Identity is incredibly important to setting itself apart from the cookie cutter templates.
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To be fair, sheeple in Irvine are looking precisely for uniformity.  It's what Irvine is infamous for.  If they wanted originality, they'd be looking elsewhere in the first place.
 
Whether I agree with his analysis and predictions or not, I do appreciate IHS for being here for all these years sharing his thoughts with us.  Where are all the other local architects?  I'd love to talk to the person who designed Hidden Canyon but he is not here to offer us his insights.  IHS has been consistently innovative over the past 20 years; if there's an inch of unrealized salable square footage in a certain structure or lot, you can be sure IHS will find it.
 
Who would dare to be here when big brother is watching and discourages those who want to share insights. I am grateful that Five Point is focused on quality of life in plan, lot sizes, walkable community and avoiding the predictable.
 
I know about your parents generation. I practically housed all of them and some of you were literally born in those homes. As much you don't want to admit you want to stand out among the crowd. Your tone speaks otherwise. The hipster or techie generation are looking for identity, uniqueness and willing to experiment a life different from their parents and certainly not buying an inferior and miniature version of their parents house.

WTTCHMN said:
irvinehomeshopper said:
Shape recognition. Too many projects in Irvine looks just the same. When you look at a house and especially the stucco box I bet you can't decipher which project it is. When you look at Nolan, Nash or Nathaniel you may not remember which plan it is but you will definitely remember Ellwood. I work hard on those shapes and forms rarely seen in Irvine. Identity is incredibly important to setting itself apart from the cookie cutter templates.
Click to expand...

To be fair, sheeple in Irvine are looking precisely for uniformity.  It's what Irvine is infamous for.  If they wanted originality, they'd be looking elsewhere in the first place.
Click to expand...
 
Kudos to IHS - Ellwood in my Opinion has everything a typical family could want plus its it unique to boot. The slightly above average shopper can move up to this product and not want a thing. Plans 2 and 3 Knock it out of the Park, plan 1 has a bit to be desired. I hope to see more projects like this in future developments. Unfortunately the mellos (second car lease) put this just out of my price range. Totally makes sense if we had young kids and wanted Irvine school district. My last one is just leaving Northwood though and I think MV may be my next move.
 
Ellwood is not a luxury 3,000 sf project. I certainly don't want to see the price tag be over $1m. However with Ellwood's less footage the plans accomplished just as much as the luxury products in term of bedroom size and count.

I was hoping that the price could be less for affordability. The smallest plan is just a little over 2,000 sf. I studied all of Irvine's 2,000 sf competitions and rarely the homes come with a BR down, a wrap around porch and 4 BR with all walk-in closets. Plan 2 and 3 are just outstanding and both over shadow the Plan 1.

Take the plan 1 out of the context and compare it to other 2,000 sf products then the plan begins to make sense. 
 
irvinehomeshopper said:
Ellwood is not a luxury 3,000 sf project. I certainly don't want to see the price tag be over $1m. However with Ellwood's less footage the plans accomplished just as much as the luxury products in term of bedroom size and count.

I was hoping that the price could be less for affordability. The smallest plan is just a little over 2,000 sf. I studied all of Irvine's 2,000 sf competitions and rarely the homes come with a BR down, a wrap around porch and 4 BR with all walk-in closets. Plan 2 and 3 are just outstanding and both over shadow the Plan 1.

Take the plan 1 out of the context and compare it to other 2,000 sf products then the plan begins to make sense.
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did you leave any signature on your architecture work in irvine?
 
You mean you didn't notice this window in the master closet?

2r3bce8.jpg
 
irvinehomeshopper said:
However with Ellwood's less footage the plans accomplished just as much as the luxury products in term of bedroom size and count.
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My favorite IHS designs were the ones he did for Calpac.  Calpac is famous for making a 2.000 sq ft home live like a 3,000 sq ft home, thereby saving homeowners big $$$. 
 
First time poster, long time reader. The amount of collective wisdom, knowledge, and advice is truly amazing. I lived in Irvine over 15 years ago when I attended UCI. Irvine was really good to me - met my wife there.

Now I work in LA and we have 3 young kids. About a year ago, we looked really long and hard at Orchard Hills. We really like Messina Plan 2, but after a lot of consideration, we decided that I couldn't do the daily commute to LA. We even stayed at the Residence Inn in Irvine for a week to test the commute (I drove & took the train).

So, we ended up in a smaller and older home in South Pasadena. Why am I posting here? The designs at Ellwood are really intriguing, and I feel IHS really hit his target audience. After the kids feel asleep, my wife and I spent quite some time discussing the rooftop deck and floorplans.

I can't move to Irvine anytime soon (barring a job change), but I think IHS really knows me, my family, and understands my upbringing.
 
I swung by the sales office yesterday at Ellwood.  Phase 3 is all reserved/sold.  They plan to release phases every couple weeks until they are sold out.  Phase 3 was about 20k increase in the base price.  I forgot to ask how much phase 4 would increase. 

As people have on the board have alluded to, we (my wife and I) did buy in Ellwood in Phase 1.  We considered other options, but ended up at Ellwood for our reasons despite the high as $&^* mello roos.
 
akkord said:
I swung by the sales office yesterday at Ellwood.  Phase 3 is all reserved/sold.  They plan to release phases every couple weeks until they are sold out.  Phase 3 was about 20k increase in the base price.  I forgot to ask how much phase 4 would increase. 

As people have on the board have alluded to, we (my wife and I) did buy in Ellwood in Phase 1.  We considered other options, but ended up at Ellwood for our reasons despite the high as $&^* mello roos.
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Welp since you threw your hat out there I'll come "clean" too. (Probably bumped into you in the sales office from reading y).

We picked up Ellwood on phase 2. Went in a day before grand opening and took a look at the floor plans.

Basically all of IHS positive points for Ellwood stood out to me as well, so I discussed it with the wife, went to feed the kiddo and we came back with a check (got the last premium lot which became available when 1 buyer backed out of from phase 1).

A note that only select lots will have entire wrap around fence/walls. In that for most lots, you'll be using a part of your wall (garage side) as the neighbor's backyard wall. Always hated that.

Home gallery is early Sept so I'll give some insight on those when it rolls around - though I suspect it'll be usual pricey upgrades. (There's already a silly 5k horizontal stair rail thing priced into our pick).

Anyways I know someone previously asked if there are Ellwood buyers, so there's two here at least to chime in occasionally.
 
capboba said:
akkord said:
I swung by the sales office yesterday at Ellwood.  Phase 3 is all reserved/sold.  They plan to release phases every couple weeks until they are sold out.  Phase 3 was about 20k increase in the base price.  I forgot to ask how much phase 4 would increase. 

As people have on the board have alluded to, we (my wife and I) did buy in Ellwood in Phase 1.  We considered other options, but ended up at Ellwood for our reasons despite the high as $&^* mello roos.
Click to expand...

Welp since you threw your hat out there I'll come "clean" too. (Probably bumped into you in the sales office from reading y).

We picked up Ellwood on phase 2. Went in a day before grand opening and took a look at the floor plans.

Basically all of IHS positive points for Ellwood stood out to me as well, so I discussed it with the wife, went to feed the kiddo and we came back with a check (got the last premium lot which became available when 1 buyer backed out of from phase 1).

A note that only select lots will have entire wrap around fence/walls. In that for most lots, you'll be using a part of your wall (garage side) as the neighbor's backyard wall. Always hated that.

Home gallery is early Sept so I'll give some insight on those when it rolls around - though I suspect it'll be usual pricey upgrades. (There's already a silly 5k horizontal stair rail thing priced into our pick).

Anyways I know someone previously asked if there are Ellwood buyers, so there's two here at least to chime in occasionally.
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Just like I previously said.

Ellwood = home run, due to the uniqueness

Too bad I can't say that for the other parts
 
I really appreciate feedbacks and being here and the earlier IHB forum I learned a lot about all of you. As I design I have on my wall board your handles and check you off as I finish my design. Unfortunately density and scarcity of land I can't accomplish everything. I could never check off some of you like "IHO" the lot is never wide enough. I really appreciate the Cal Pac comments. This builder really raises the bar for entry level housing. I have been collecting a lot of data here and I know I can even do better the next time. I will be designing many more projects and master planning this future city to fit your lifestyle at the Great Park.
 
capboba said:
akkord said:
I swung by the sales office yesterday at Ellwood.  Phase 3 is all reserved/sold.  They plan to release phases every couple weeks until they are sold out.  Phase 3 was about 20k increase in the base price.  I forgot to ask how much phase 4 would increase. 

As people have on the board have alluded to, we (my wife and I) did buy in Ellwood in Phase 1.  We considered other options, but ended up at Ellwood for our reasons despite the high as $&^* mello roos.
Click to expand...

Welp since you threw your hat out there I'll come "clean" too. (Probably bumped into you in the sales office from reading y).

We picked up Ellwood on phase 2. Went in a day before grand opening and took a look at the floor plans.
Click to expand...

Congrats to both of you!!  You guys got yourself a winner here.

I wonder if IHS can sign your new house.  The house might worth even more if IHS ever become the next I.M. Pei.  Oh wait, maybe IHS is I.M. Pei.
 
irvinehomeshopper said:
I really appreciate feedbacks and being here and the earlier IHB forum I learned a lot about all of you. As I design I have on my wall board your handles and check you off as I finish my design. Unfortunately density and scarcity of land I can't accomplish everything. I could never check off some of you like "IHO" the lot is never wide enough. I really appreciate the Cal Pac comments. This builder really raises the bar for entry level housing. I have been collecting a lot of data here and I know I can even do better the next time. I will be designing many more projects and master planning this future city to fit your lifestyle at the Great Park.
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IHS, when are you going to build me a 3-car garage single story home in Irvine???
 
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