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Plano, Texas
Field Evaluation: Carl Franklin Homes, Parker Place Homes
Carl Franklin Homes, whose recently completed development "Vistas at Kensington Park" in Dallas, Texas, served as a PATH Field Evaluation site, is now scheduled to begin construction of another eight home urban-infill subdivision in the nearby city of Plano, Texas. The new project, Parker Place Homes, will feature "work force" homes built in conjunction with the Plano Housing Corporation, a not-for-profit community development organization whose mission is to create home-ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income Plano residents. Carl Franklin Homes' participation in the PATH program will continue with evaluations of several PATH technologies at Parker Place.
While specializing in affordable housing, Carl Franklin Homes is also committed to building with advanced technologies for energy efficiency, durability, and cost effectiveness. This helps assure that maintenance, utilities, and other costs of home ownership will be as affordable to buyers as their mortgage payments. The homes at Parker Place will be constructed using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for better thermal efficiency. Geothermal HVAC systems will use consistent soil temperatures to provide efficient, low cost heating and air-conditioning.
Planned PATH Field Evaluations for Parker Place include Decorative Floor Finishes, which have the appearance of terra cotta tiles or other natural materials, but are incorporated into the surfaces of highly durable, easy to maintain structural concrete floors. The evaluation will help determine how to best integrate the finishing process into the overall construction schedule, and the marketability of such surfaces to buyers.
Several local and state leaders were present at a groundbreaking ceremony for Parker Place in April, 2002. Speakers included Jeran Akers, Mayor of Plano; Sam Johnson, US House of Representatives; Florence Shapiro, Texas Senate Senator; Jerry Madden, Texas State Representative; and Bob Fuller, NAHB Research Center.
Construction of the first house started in August 2002. After the slab was in place, a grid was cut into the concrete floor to simulate tile grout lines. In November 2002, the stain was applied and a clear sealer was used as a final finish. Reaction to the appearance of the finished floor has been favorable.
Content updated on 10/4/2004