New Hope Program Turns Around Distressed Properties
A transformation has taken place in a northern New Hope neighborhood that the city says will not only improve property values, but also improve the quality of life.
It’s something rare for an inner-ring suburb: construction of a pair of new homes.
“There’s no more land, so in spaces especially like this, this is the second ring what we call this typically, it’s really hard to find space here,” said Robb Norling, owner of Fortis Builders.
Norling’s company was behind the recent construction of two homes in the 7900 block of 50th Ave. N. The project was made possible through the city’s Scattered Site Housing Program.
Through the program, the city’s Economic Development Authority buys distress properties, demolishes them, then seeks proposals from builders for the cleaned-up land.
In the latest case, the city selected Fortis Builders through an application process. The company then paid New Hope $161,000 for the land, property records show. A half-acre lot was split to construct two homes.
CCX News got a tour of one of them, a 4-bed 3.5-bath home totaling 2,900 square feet that was focused on functionality.
“These are middle of the road kind of homes, nice starter homes,” said Norling. “We do a couple things different with finishes just to kind of enhance the build a little bit.”
Fortis homes typically sell for between $380,000 and $580,000.
The New Hope home includes larger egress windows that bring in more daylight
‘Better Quality of Life’
In this particular home, the builder worked with the new owners on color and finishes that included the latest trend of champagne bronze faucets and hardware. Silestone countertops were another added benefit.
City officials believes its program serves a significant purpose.
“Ultimately, all that is to serve a better quality of life for all the citizens of New Hope,” said City Manager Reece Bertholf. “It’s kind of like the broken window theory. We really do try to target the lower-end housing stock in our community.”
Since the program began a decade ago, New Hope has turned around 30 properties.
“I like the word aggressive, but I also like the word successful,” said Bertholf.
For Norling, the end result is satisfying.
“The young couple that bought this, super enjoyable to work with, very kind. They’re super excited about the product. For me it means a lot,” he said.
