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Inside the City Walls

Oak Hill in Burbank, Calif., caters to the professional lifestyle

By Melinda Sheckells

Downtown Los Angeles, with its towering skyscrapers and recently revitalized entertainment offerings, is the backdrop for a versatile new infill development in the Pasadena Hills. A dazzling view of the City of Angels' economic center isn't the only thing that Oak Hill, and its builder RW Hertel & Sons, has to offer move-up buyers - quality, price and convenience are the developments other immeasurable attributes.

"[The area] was chosen because there was a great need for housing," says Maia Stuart, marketing director for RW Hertel, noting that this is the company's first infill project. Infill projects are defined as any development, residential or retail, in a densely populated area. They are often a part of urban revitalization programs.

Always looking to be on the cutting edge, RW Hertel & Sons allots space in its floor plans for functional rooms that other builders may neglect.

"We try to put a home office in every floor plan we build," Stuart says.

With three flexible floor plans to choose from, ranging in size from 2,284 to 2,909 square feet and a close proximity to downtown, Oak Hill is ideal for the professional family who wants to move-up but not out of the area.

The project, which had its grand opening on July 15, already has 18 of the 87 homes sold.

"Plan Two, the Linda Vista is appealing to buyers because of the super family room and large entertainment center option," Stuart says.

The floor plans

The Pasadena, measuring 2,284 square feet, features three bedrooms, three baths and a powder room. A flexible floor plan allows for an optional fourth bedroom, home office, game room and fourth bath.

The second floor plan, The Linda Vista has an outstanding super family room, four bedrooms, two baths and a powder room. Versatility is a highlight of this model, which comes with a family room or fifth bedroom as two of the many options available.

The largest floor plan, The San Marino, features four bedrooms and three baths, a teen room with study alcove, as well as options that include a fifth bedroom, super family room, den and home office.

In addition to the spacious, but not overwhelming floor plans, only the best appliances are offered as standard. Purcell Murray, a high-end appliance distributor, furnished each residence with top-of-the-line Thermador appliances. Granite slab countertops also are standard, with Pro series Thermador units available as upgrades.

Many builders now offer designer appliances as standard due to the advanced tastes of their clientele. "Today's buyer is more sophisticated and they are especially educated about quality in the kitchen," Stuart says.

Wiring for work and play

While the kitchen is undoubtedly the most important room in the home, buyers are becoming more discerning about what goes into their walls. In an effort to provide only the best, RW Hertel & Sons contracted with Home Tech Works to offer a prewire "smart home" infrastructure in each residence, with upgrades to include many different types of entertainment and network options. Oak Hill homes come wired with the "digital plumbing," necessary to compete in today's market, says Glenna Wiseman, president of Home Tech Works.

The smart home systems support low voltage specifications including an Internet network, a computer network, an entertainment network, a security system and surround sound for a home theater. Designed so the homebuyer can either choose a full package of options or opt for something smaller, tailored to their specific needs, the system accommodates every technological desire.

Installed before the walls are completed, the option will always be there for buyers who are not sure about the smart features that they will need in the future. Without any internal work, it is possible to install additions. "We are always looking to be on the leading edge. Home technology is something new that buyers are keen about," Stuart says, also noting that builders who offer such modern conveniences as controlled lighting and smart security systems see increased sales and customer satisfaction. "Even if they are not ready now, we make it standard with the ability to add on later," she says.

Commitment to the community

Founded in 1964 as a family business, RW Hertel & Sons began operating under that name in 1994. Priding themselves on being a local builder, the company has had much success with communities in their own backyard - San Luis Obispo and Ventura County. Oak Hill is the companyÕs first venture into Los Angeles County.

With developments ranging in size and price, Stuart says that the company matches a number of buyer profiles: from entry-level, to move-up, to luxury. "We build in the prime coastal communities that people desire to live in," Stuart says. "In the past few years we have grown into the Los Angeles and Sacramento markets. We established a Northern California division two years ago."

Future projects include an attached/detached combo development in San Luis Obispo scheduled to open in the fall.

For more information, please contact the Oak Hill sales office at 323/ 256-0833.

The Pasadena $505,000
The Linda Vista $535,000
The San Marino $555,000