Comstock Homes
L.A. Buyers Seek View, Location
Comstock Homes masters high-density building with The Promontory at Signal Hill.
By Melinda Sheckells

The staff of Comstock Homes doesn't have time for fancy titles. "No titles, just a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction," says Bob Comstock, when asked for his position title. A division of Comstock, Crosser & Associates, Comstock Homes has been building residences throughout Southern California under that customer service philosophy since 1994. "We have been in business since 1979. During the first 15 years we were primarily in commercial," Comstock says.

The challenges of high density
Building in the Southern California market is no easy task. Land is scarce and expensive, and the entitlement process can be lengthy and legally complex.

"The big change in the market has been entitlement and finding sites that are adaptable," Comstock says. "Signal Hill is a phenomenal place to build because it is equal distance to downtown Los Angeles and Orange County." Comstock Homes is currently building several communities in Signal Hill under the name The Promontory.

The company's successes in Signal Hill are due in part to the builder's close relationship with the City of Los Angeles and existing residents. Comstock characterizes the City as his partner in development. As a result of this positive relationship, the entitlement process on the project only took about 11 months, a notably abbreviated cycle for a new home community located within a high-density area.

Home sweet "smart" home
Comstock's newest community, The Promontory, Westbluff Estates, is located in the highly desirable Signal Hill area. It is a collection of 51 homes with "smart" capabilities by Home Tech Works. The fully integrated residences offer a structured wiring package that allows homeowners to install several phone and fax lines, set up a computer network and turn the family room into a state-of-the-art home theater.

Westbluff's three floor plans range from 2,217 square feet to 2,764 square feet and have three to five spacious bedrooms. Buyers can choose from Cottage, Tuscan or Santa Barbara exterior elevations.

Interior amenities include custom maple handrails, standard laundry cabinets, media niches in the family room, voluminous nine-foot ceilings, and wood and gas burning fireplaces. Westbluff's deluxe kitchens feature 12-inch by 12-inch granite countertops, cast iron sinks and General Electric Profile appliances. Classic ceramic tile in the master bathroom accents six-foot tubs available in Westbluff's Plans Two and Three.

French doors, three-car garages and old-fashioned front porches, per elevation, highlight the exteriors of these lavishly appointed homes.

Flexible floor plans that allow buyers to determine how they will use their space are one of the assets of Westbluff Estates. Plan Three has an optional second floor retreat or fourth bedroom. Plan One can be customized with a lower level fourth bedroom, office or bonus room.Plan Two offers buyers the flexibility of an additional upstairs bedroom or loft.

In addition, this gated community features a private recreation area with pool and spa, scenic walking trails and, above all, a prime location.

And then of course, there is the view.

"It is one of the few areas that offers views to die for," Comstock says. "You get an ocean and city view."

In high demand
Response to the community has been overwhelming. The buyer demographic at Westbluff Estates range from entry-level to move-up.

"It is interesting to note that around 71 percent of the people who look at the homes come from within one mile of the site," Comstock says. "And around 30 percent come within a 5 to 10 mile radius. People in the area have been waiting for something like this."

Currently under construction from Comstock is an equestrian community known as Rancho Verdugo Estates at Shadow Hills, located in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains and Creekside, located in West Covina. Both are scheduled to open at the end of summer.

For more information on Comstock's residential projects, visit www.comstock-homes.com.

Inside Comstock Homes:
APPLIANCES: GE
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Professional Design Inc.