President Eric Katz began building homes in 1990, but the corporation has been in development for more than 30 years. Having taken a look at the northern Massachusetts building environment and seeing the death of commercial development potential, he focused on residential building. The family business notwithstanding, "I had the opportunity to do a residential development," he says, "and it went very well. We just continued on from that point." Holder of an economics degree from Tufts University, Eric says he feels he is capitalizing on a "natural feel" for construction and architecture, and how they interact. He has continued building commercial developments as well, concentrating his efforts in the Chelmsford, MA and Portsmouth, NH area.

In 1990, his company produced about 20 homes, but the number of new constructions has steadily risen. In 1997, the figure was about 50; in 1998, he estimates the number at 80. In Chelmsford, a 71-unit active adult development is in progress, and in Exeter, another three projects are underway. Concentration is on single-family homes, but Eric is quick to note that this includes detached condominiums as well as "true" single-family homes. "Our square footage ranges from about 2,000 to 3,500 and our prices from just under $200,000 to the high $300,000s. In the Exeter market, we have first-time homes, larger executive homes, and an active adult community where the homes are smaller but offer all the amenities commensurate with that lifestyle."

Eric notes the differences among the homes produced depend upon square footage and the target market. The same quality amenities are included in the trade-down homes as the executive homes. Whether taking a sketch from an architect as a starting point, or coming up with our own, Katz Development does all its own design on its in-house CAD system. Part of the idea behind this, Eric points out, is to avoid the sameness in appearance from one home to the next. Unique floor plans are a major selling point for Katz Development.

"We specialize in developing neighborhoods," he says, "and don't buy individual lots. We design the landscaping, avoid removing trees as much as possible, and ensure the existence of open space in all our neighborhoods. Rather than build custom homes on single lots, we offer customized floor plans and elevations in the neighborhood to the individual buyers. I consider ours a full-range development company. We go in, obtain the land, get the approvals from the town, build and market our own homes."

Eric uses the same subcontractors and suppliers for all the corporation's projects. "Our suppliers and subs have been with us since we began concentrating on the residential market," he explains. "I feel fortunate that this has been the case. They appear to enjoy working with us, and we certainly benefit from the atmosphere of cooperation that results. They like the security of knowing that, once they've completed one house, there will be another waiting. It helps to always have the sub on site, whether they're doing a new home or going back to service a customer who's already moved in. They're there when we need them, and likewise, we're there for consultation and guidance as needed."

Exeter Falls is nearly complete, Exeter Farms is nearing 50 percent and the corporation is just getting started in its new active adult community, Meadowood at Exeter which offers 45 homes. The next couple of years hold promise for constant activity in the three developments, and Eric says the corporation continues to look for new areas along the seacoast to develop. "Exeter was chosen because of the seacoast location, which is attractive, as well of its centralized location between Boston and Portland, ME--less than an hour's drive to either city. Also, Exeter is well known because of the Academy, and an excellent school system. Exeter also offers all the nice amenities you'd hope for, such as hospitals, restaurants, entertainment and shopping outlets.

"We feel we have a good understanding of the active adult market," he notes, "and we try not to overburden these buyers with the expenses of amenities such as tennis courts and pools, giving them what they want instead. This includes such things as walking trails, putting greens, and a community building. These features don't cost the buyer a lot, in terms of monthly fees, but they're nice to have and will be used."

The active adult lifestyle homes at Meadowood at Exeter are "basically scaled-down versions of what the buyers already have, but with the focus on single-floor living," Eric states. Guest rooms or home office space may be found on the second floor, but master bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms and the like are always on the ground floor. The emphasis, inside and out--no matter what level or type of home--is on a mix of contemporary and traditional styling. The designs lend themselves well to a pleasing streetscape. Along with this focus comes a concentration on producing a home as near to perfection as is humanly possible. In line with this, each home comes with a warranty that goes beyond any warranties offered by companies whose products are used in building the home. This is why the original subcontractors are used for service after the sale.

The use of a lot of open space around the homes in the Katz Development communities is attractive not only to buyers, but to the city's leadership as well. Even where square footage of the lot itself is not large, having the home surrounded by so much open space is quite attractive to buyers, and gives the development a feel of openness and room to breathe.

"People have to like the homes, the floor plans, the neighborhood and the town," Eric says, "but as well, they have to like their builder! One thing I pride myself on is that we not only produce great neighborhoods and homes, but that we pay particular attention to punchlist items and aftersale service. The question of success applies as much to customer satisfaction after the sale as it does to building nice homes. We try to create a good reputation everywhere we build, so that our very best reference--a satisfied buyer--is always there. And if someone doesn't like what they hear, call me personally, because I want to attend to it."

Builder/Architect Magazine is proud to feature Katz Development, your honest reputation and quality homes have earned you the respect of your peers.

For more information, call Katz Development Corporation, 180 Middlesex Street, No. Chelmsford, MA 01863; (978) 251-8761.