d e s i g n e r a r c h i t e
c t u r e.
s u s t a i n a b l e l a n d s c a p e s.
a m e n i t y a d j a c e n t.
a n a g r a r i a n – u r b a n c u s t o m
h o m e
c o m m u n i t y i n
C y p r e s s , T X
Business
Plan and Pro Forma
Development Executive
Summary
Barnwood is an innovative
development project designated for a 40 acre parcel in the growth corridor of
Cypress Texas. The Cypress area is
surrounded by thriving economic growth and development, and Barnwood will be an
iconic neighborhood that will fill the niche and gap in the local market for a custom
home community that has lots ranging from ¼ acre up to 1 acre + custom and spec
home sites. The parcel is adjacent to a
developing community with roads directly accessing the site. One access is off
Mueschke Road, and one on the Northwest side of the Cypress Landing
Development. The parcel is for sale at a
listed price that supports a healthy return, but further negotiation in price
is likely. The surrounding Municipal
Utility District can support additional development, and the MUD reimburses
development expense when the system is tapped—increasing ROI for
investors. The site is within 2 miles of
Highway 290, and 3 miles of surrounding retail and commercial districts
including a thriving outlet mall, various restaurants and grocery stores. It is
outside the flood plain and is unrestricted for development

Although
there are limited offerings in the area for a custom home community, There are
specific design and marketing elements that will be used in defining the
Barnwood community :
1. Custom homes will follow a deed restrictions
but be encouraged in a design that implements the considerations defined by
such architects and artists such as Sarah Susanka (author of The Not So Big
House series.) Simple designs in classic bungalow, farmhouse, and cottage
architecture will be the norm with thoughtful design implemented in all living
spaces- indoors and out.
2. Agrarian-urbanism (AU) will
generally follow the precepts developed by Andrew Duany and his planning firm
Duany Plater-Zyberk. This is the design of communities with a focus on an
agricultural element- specifically in gardening and fresh food production. These elements include private and community gardens,
mulch and compost areas, farmers markets, and other agricultural
considerations.
The inclusion
of these designer considerations adds dimension to the community, helping it
stand out from other residential communities whether they be tract, acreage, or
custom home. The marketing plan will
heavily draw on this angle marketing towards those who are looking for a
community that appreciates an agriculture element, nostalgic architecture, but
wants to be in the best schools and close to amenities. Various communities such as the Pinehills
near Plymouth and Serenbe outside Atlanta have done extremely well within this
concept
The project is designed to provide short term return
on investment for stakeholders. Initial
lot prices will be at or below market rates, but will be adjusted with demand Revenue
is produced in 5 ways:
1. Residential
custom lot sales. The Cypress area has limited lots available
this close to the center of town for custom/non tract development, and none
with a farmhouse/craftsman design angle.
We anticipate a strong demand.
2. Residential
custom spec home sales.
Charming designer homes with custom features are not currently available in the
greater Cypress area except for the highest end markets. Various pre-screened builders will be invited
to build custom spec/show homes in multiple square footage sizes in preparation
for lot sales and demand for custom homes.
3. Development
company home sales.
The M Charlie Lucas design company will act in capacity as builder as well as developer
in building spec and custom homes on a limited number of lots providing revenue
and definition to the community.
4.
Revenue return on development
expenses associated with acceptance of certain properties into the MUD
district. Expenses specifically
associated with water lines, sewer lines, treatment center expansion, and water
detention are reimbursable to the developer
5.
POA/HOA fees. Management fees paid for
community maintenance by homeowners on a yearly basis.
Various funding options are being researched and
considered. The opportunity has been preliminarily offered an option for
funding by Chasewood Bank in Houston.
The parameters for a $2,000,000 loan include a 20% down position by a
partner or group of partners with a liquid net worth equal to the total loan
amount. This initial $400,000 investment
will return the original investment and 50% of net profits. The preliminary profit/loss measurements put
this amount in the vicinity of $3 million split between partners- the investors
and the developer.
Project Charter
Barnwood-
a master designed residential use real estate development in Cypress, TX
Barnwood is an 87 lot
residential use community concept design based on principles of Agrarian Urbanism
(AU) and a pursuit of natural simplicity.
The proposed development is laid out within a 43 acre parcel in Cypress
TX. The community is adjacent to Mueschke Road, 1 mile from highway 290. The community is laid out with 37 ¼ acre
lots, 34 lots ranging from ¼-1 acre, and 14 lots that are 1 acre or
larger. The idea is to provide a canvas
for builders as well as homeowners to truly have the freedom to create a custom
residence that truly reflects who they are and how they live. Although there
will be very specific guidelines and restrictions, there will be greater
architectural freedom and many more options than the typical tract home
community

The design of this entirely
custom home community is appropriately defined as to meet the community theme:
“Designer architecture. Sustainable landscapes. Amenity adjacent.” The entire neighborhood is designed to
reflect deliberate attention to classic detail in whatever style of home is
built. There is a market for lots,
custom homes, and custom spec homes, and Barnwood will provide opportunity
within all three markets, in multiple property sizes The properties are sized
to fit exactly what the homeowner wants—nothing more, nothing less. No “one size fits all” mentality. We will be sustainable in considerations in
building as well as land use in promoting community and private gardens, and
appropriate agriculture opportunities in the larger lots. As for amenities, the properties are within
1.5 miles of the freeway, and 2 miles to shopping, restaurants, and other
amenities. The neighborhood is very
close to everything, yet feels miles away as it is surrounded locally by
gardens, meadows, and residential development
Some of the local community
accents will include:
-Community Gardens
- Detention park feature with outdoor spaces for
community gatherings, sporting activities, movie nights and other activities.
-historic street lighting designs.
-Cohesive design elements in all structures that
unify the space.
-Most lots will have rear entry garages that allow
the home, porch and landscaping to take center stage rather than the large
garage door.
- Homes may include multiple living areas** (see
below for further definition.)
-White picket fences.
-Sidewalks that lead to paths that circumnavigate
entire community.
-Colorful and complimentary home colors and styles.
-Low maintenance but well-appointed colorful
landscapes and gardens.
-Nature focused design enable homes to face a
neighborhood common park area for neighborhood interaction.
-Tire lane driveways.
** Multiple living areas refers to a
design concept that is relatively novel in the greater Houston area. It replaces the idea of the McMansion or sprawling
home with a more creative and thoughtful use of the space on a home lot. Championed by architects and designers such
as Sarah Susanka and books such as The Not So Big House and The
Simple Home, the entire use of the space is re-envisioned with certain
parameters taken into consideration.
The parameters include the option of creating 2-3 living spaces on a
lot, rather than 1 large structure that contains multiple rooms that are rarely
used by the average family. For example:
instead of a looming 4000+ sq/ft house on a standard lot, consider an architecturally charming 2200
sq/foot bungalow (living space 1) on the
same lot, with attention given to
exterior outdoor living, garden and porch spaces front and back. In addition to this home is a stylish studio
space above the garage (living space 2) that can serve as an attractive yet
private alternative for visiting guests or returning children. And ultimately, a petite yet charming pool or
garden side cabana (living space 3) can be another space available for
entertaining, visiting parents, or as a children’s getaway. These additional spaces can be closed off to
additional utility expenses when not in use, but fully functional as a living
space with functional kitchen and bath space included. These spaces create a fantastic amenity when
additional space is required.
The Community
The neighborhood is designed to
encourage a lifestyle that encompasses healthy living with expansive foot
paths. It encourages sustainability as
meeting the expectation of AU by being a walkable, garden oriented development
with most of ones daily destinations within a drive of a few minutes. Gardening and outdoor living are encouraged to
take full advantage of the included real estate. Where there are not productive
gardens, the natural and unrefined growth of wildflowers will be cultured and
encouraged as an alternative to the standard grass green space that requires
endless watering and maintenance.
Ultimately the community is designed to be the simple and classic
neighborhood of yesterday where neighbors can truly get to know neighbors as
they socialize in the parks, gardens, and walking spaces within the community.
The Cy-fair area is poised to
continue as one of the top growth corridors in the Houston area over the next
few years. With easy access to all points in Houston, and Houston well
established as the United States energy capital- in addition to its status as a
main shipping port, there is little doubt that the need for area housing will
continue to rise.
An interesting condition worth
noting is that although Houston is well established in many sectors, there is a
definitive gap in sustainable housing efforts and design centered developments. To meet this niche of the market, we are replacing
the “tract-home” business model in real-estate development, and focusing on a
designer neighborhood with designer spec and pre-sold custom homes, that still
meet middle class home price objectives. This project combines designer
architecture and sustainable development all in the pathway of the expanding
Houston Metroplex.
Project
Management
The
Project Manager will be authorized to select team members and negotiate and
justify final budgets. The majority of
the development work will be contracted out with specific scope(s) of work
(SOW) up for bid and contract. Spec and
custom housing will be provided by a prescreened group of custom builders.
Business
Case
The highest priority of the endeavor is to provide
a healthy return for the investment stakeholders. Revenue objectives include short term income
streams with the entire project estimated to be sold out in 5 years.
The ultimate
purpose of the project is to create a community that caters to the established
surrounding population and taps into the anticipated growth to the area. The
reasonable expense associated with land acquisition, combined with the
established area market as a growth corridor minimizes risk. The additional feature of offering lots
available for residents to build their dream home with a builder of their
choice is a relatively untapped market angle, but is a strong market segment at
higher price point homes in similar market demographics and can also offer
aggressive potential returns.
Residential Land
and Home Sales:
The 40 acres of the parcel will be dedicated to
developing 87 residential lots, 12 of which will be completely built out by the
developer as spec cottage and custom residences. The remainders are variously sized custom
home parcels ranging in size between ¼ acre to over an acre which will be built
out or sold as lots as the market dictates.
Land Use:
The estimates of pricing and costs are based upon
an analogous model of recent area development and contractor pricing. The initial proposed breakdown of land use is
as follows:
Cottage lots ¼ acre district
37 +/-11,000 sq ft lots = 7
Acres
Expansive lots custom district: ¼ acre – ¾ acre lots 34 lots = 11
Acres
14 Acreage lots (1+ acres) = 16 Acres
Roads, on street parking, neighborhood entry points =
3 Acres
Green space, wildflower gardens, community gardens,
detention =
3 Acres
Total: 40
Acres
Financial
Assumptions
The estimated
income stream for the project is based on the following assumptions:
1. Included in the project is the
construction of 10 spec/model homes averaging 2200 sq. ft., $85 sq. ft. sale
price, and producing a base $25sq. ft. return.
2. The 27 ¼ acre custom home lots
are sold at an average value of $4 per square foot (10,887 sq/ft, $43,550)
3. The 34 ¼- ¾ custom home lots
are sold at an average value of $3.25 per square foot ( 24,000 sq/ ft, $78,000)
4. The 14 single acre lots are
sold at an average value of $2.20 per square foot (43,560 sq/ft, $95,000 per acre)
This income production is broken down below. More detailed financials are found at the end of the pro forma.
Reimbursement
from utility district
infrastructure upon sale of properties =
$270,000
Reimbursement of revolving loan for spec home construction = $650,000
Heights district-
10 homes x 2200sq/ft x $25 sq/ft =
$550,000
27 Custom ¼ acre home lots -
$43,550 x 27 lots = $1,175,850
34 Custom ¼ - ½ acre home lots -
$78,000 x 34 lots =
$2,652,000
14 Custom single acre home lots -
$95,000 x 14 lots = $1,330,000
Total lots-
85
Total revenue-
= $6,627,850
Expenses:
Direct Costs
Land Acquisition (est.) @$1.25 sq.ft. =
$1,355,000
Road/sidewalk construction:
2500 linear ft x 28’ = 70,000sq/ft @$4.75 sq
ft = $332,125
Infrastructure:
Water, Sewer, Electrical, U-verse
2500 l/f @ $80
(Assuming tap in to local established utility districts) =
$200,000*
Engineering, Surveys, Permitting, dirt work
and Plat--
($4800 x 30 developed acres ) = $144,000
Cottage home construction-Revolving $650,000 to build 3 houses at a
time.
= $650,000*
Streetlights, community gardens and entry monuments = $ 200,000
Total Direct
Costs = $2,881,125
Indirect costs:
2 years P,I,
T, I on revolving $1.85M loan
= $360,024
Marketing
budget = $50,000
Project Team member salaries/commissions
2 years @$150,000 per
year = $300,000
2 year Adminstrative, office equipment and
rents = $30,000
Total
Indirect Costs = $ 740,624
Estimated project
capital expense- $2,881,125 + $740,624 =
$3,621,749
Gross income =
$3,006,101
The targeted advantage is not only a strong
revenue stream, but also the intrinsic benefit of association with a project
that is unique yet universally appealing, forward thinking yet classic. This is a project that will ultimately garner
appropriate publicity and its success will develop reputation for those that
were initial backers and key stakeholders of the project. It will be a highpoint on a resume,
investment portfolio, or brokerage history to have been associated with this
project.
*These expenses required for
development will ultimately be returned upon sale of last house
Additional
Project Considerations
The current sales market for custom homes and
property is limited and strong.
Projected sales figures start below market rate. If sales still do not meet expectations, options
for lot liquidation are available including discounting to a tract builder or
fire sale discounting are acceptable, and would still anticipate a positive
profit.
This proposal assumes a financially strong and
liquid partner to enable favorable loan terms related to down payment and
interest rate. If the partner prefers to
assume loan and interest payments for the property and development, this is
also a reasonable option that while assuming more risk due to up front capital investment
also maintains all the reward with minimal capital dispersed to additional
lenders or brokers.
Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
Strengths- Huge ROI potential, Great location,
area growth, area socio-economic population, Houston metroplex expansion,
school district, TIRZ availability, large investor pool, inexpensive capital, potential
city and county support and participation, following a nationally proven trend,
project profitable with pricing at or below area real estate values, locally accessible
workforce, and experience in development, negotiation, and design. Virtually no
surrounding neighborhoods in decline or poverty, strong consumer market, Development
experience, project management certification and experience, relationships with
HGAC and GHBA.
Weaknesses- No firm contract on property,
no firm investors, no committed buyers, no confirmed lender partners, much
larger project than previously embarked on, subject to ultimate utility district
tie in expenses.
Opportunities- higher than expected increase
of property value, artistic colony reputation opportunity, free publicity
through media outlets, develop reputation as forward thinking developer, gain
trust with lending outlets
Threats- NIMBYism, unrealistic pricing
or inflation on land, contractors, suppliers. Market fluctuations, deep
pocketed competitors, traffic congestion, lawsuits, noise pollution, land
bought out by speculators, unforeseen conflict with adjacent MUD or
neighborhood.
Conclusion
The final result being sought is the completion of
a community that meets the needs of the surrounding area, comes within planned budgets
and develops according to the planned schedules. The specific directives of the
development including identifying the ultimate deliverables are spelled out
below:
1. Measurable
Project Objectives by Phase
The project objectives and systems of measurement
are as follows:
Phase 1- Due diligence, prime partner
commitment, project feasibility completed, and network development
Objective 1--Actively network and negotiate partnerships and
contracts for the use of the land with the major stakeholders and builders.
Deemed successful when all potential stakeholders
have been contacted with clear direction of expectations if involved in
project.
Objective 2—Secure and finalize contracts with stakeholders. Ensure
expectations are realistic with overall project objectives
Deemed successful when sufficient stakeholders
have signed on to move forward with project.
Phase 2- Initiation
Objective 3 – Initiate development as defined in Project
Charter and Work Breakdown Structure and WBS Dictionary.
Deemed successful as milestones are met in WBS.
Management
Strategy
The
project will be generally managed by PMI principles and standards. The project team is yet to be determined.
The project management team
will be on the site throughout the entire process. The entire team will be updated monthly and
be well versed in what is expected to occur within the project over the short
term. The construction manager will maintain presence and typically be the
single point of contact for all subcontractor representation. The lead designer also playing the role as
well as lead project manager will ensure that nothing slips through the cracks
as the details and nuances of the project are implemented. The management strategy requires a clear
Scope of Work defining the expectations of the contracted agent, with a payment
schedule and rates clearly defined.
These will be contractually binding, and ensure adherence to all the
expectations put forth.
Economic
and area growth data and trends
1--The Greater Cypress absorption rate for
commercial space.
The Greater Cypress absorption rate for new
residential space .
The
77429 Zip Code is one of the most affluent zip codes in Harris County; nearly
77% of the population has an income over US $50,000 and 42.65% earning over
$100,000.[6]
The Cypress urban cluster ranks 50th in the top 100 highest-income urban
areas in the United States.
2--The
following is a report from a local real estate blog that includes a chart
indicating a steady demand of homes in the premier development of the Cypress
area.
“What
a month of home sales in Bridgeland! Bridgeland sold more homes this past
month than any other previous month.”
Bridgeland
Real Estate Market Report
(The
data was compiled using the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) Multiple Listing
Service. (MLS.) Please look at the chart
above that I compile each month. You can see the monthly home sales in
Bridgeland. When you compare this year’s home sales to last year’s home
sales, you can see an almost 200% increase in home sales. Bridgeland is
developing faster than anticipated.
3--According
to NPR: “…a
report by the Brookings Institution finds Houston is now one of the world's
fastest growing metro economies…
The Global
MetroMonitor tracks economic growth in the world's 200 largest metro areas,
both in terms of employment and per capita income. For 2011, Houston came in at
number 19. The only other U.S. city to crack the top forty was Dallas at
36.”
Project management plan outline
I. Initiating Process
1.
Project
charter
2.
Identify
Stakeholders
3.
Business
Justification
4.
Project
management Plan
5.
Collect
requirements
II.
Planning
Process
1.
Define
and document Stakeholder needs to meet Project objectives
2.
Define
Scope
3.
Define
description of Project and Product
4.
Create
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
1.
Subdivide
deliverables and work into smaller, manageable components
2. Define Activities
3.
Identify
specific actions to be performed to produce project deliverables
1.
Sequence
Activities
2.
Estimate
resources for each activity
3.
Estimate
durations—Time
4.
Create
Schedule
5.
Estimate
Costs
6.
Determine
budget
1.
Plan
Quality
2.
Determine
level of finish and Product compliance
II.
Monitor
and Control
1.
Human
resources skills and Staffing
2.
Risk
and Risk management activities
1. Quantitative risk
2. Qualitative risk
3. Risk/opportunity responses
4. Contingency fund
c. Procurement Activities
2.
Executing
Process
1.
Perform
work to achieve objective
2.
Quality
control/Assurance
3.
Project
team development and management
4.
Information
distribution
5.
Manage
stakeholder expectations
6.
Conduct
Procurement
7.
Monitor
and control Project work
i.
Progress
reporting and measurement in regard to scope, schedule cost resources, quality
and risk.
8.
Integrated
Change control
i.
Review
and approval of changes to original scope
9.
Control
and Verify Scope
i.
Ensuring
deliverables are acceptable in regard to original scope
10. Control Costs and Schedule
3.
Closing
Process
1.
Finalize
all activities across all management process groups
2.
Close
Procurement
3.
Closing
Meeting