New Housing Community in Columbia, MO Features Thomas Kinkade Homes

Business Wire, August 14, 2006

MORGAN HILL, Calif. -- Thomas Kinkade-inspired homes will be featured in a new master-planned community in Columbia, MO, announced HST Group, LLC, the Northwest-based real estate development firm in charge of the project. About 100 luxury homes will feature architectural designs inspired by the artwork of Thomas Kinkade, the "Painter of Light(TM)" and world-renowned artist.

"The homes will be reminiscent of Thomas Kinkade's charming cottages that are found in many of his works," stated Rann Haight, Director of Architectural Design for HST Group. "We will also be concentrating our efforts on creating a village atmosphere and neighborhood streetscapes such as those found in Thomas Kinkade's painting, Lamplight Lane."

The 85-acre community, named "The Gates at Old Hawthorne," will be the second in the country to feature the Thomas Kinkade - Masterpiece Homes brand of design. The finished homes are anticipated to be valued between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Construction is targeted to begin in the fall of 2006 with the first home complete in July 2007. HST Group will design, build, and sell the homes in The Gates at Old Hawthorne.

The Gates at Old Hawthorne will be part of a larger development called "The Community of Old Hawthorne," which will be a 620-acre property comprised of a championship private golf course and approximately 1,000 residential dwelling units. The Thomas Kinkade - Masterpiece Homes designs will blend in well with the surroundings of the community with its rolling hills and natural streams running throughout the property.

"The Thomas Kinkade brand stands for the values associated with home and hearth, peace, joy, faith, family and friends. Partnering with HST in the creation of homes inspired by the artwork of Thomas Kinkade delivers on what collectors tell us inspire them most about Thom's work -- that they wish they could step into the world created in the painting. The Thomas Kinkade Company is pleased to align itself with such a visionary home builder," said Dan Byrne, CEO of The Thomas Kinkade Company.

HST Group has seen a tremendous amount of interest with its first community featuring the Thomas Kinkade - Masterpiece Homes brand. "The Gates of Coeur d'Alene" in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, broke ground in June 2006, and will feature five custom homes with designs replicating the look of manors and cottages found in Thomas Kinkade paintings. The luxury homes, which overlook Lake Coeur d'Alene, will be 5,800- to 11,000-square feet with values starting at $4 million.

"There has been so much excitement generated by the announcement of 'The Gates of Coeur d'Alene' that we could not wait to include the Thomas Kinkade-inspired home design in the new community in Columbia," said Steve Torres, Director of Construction for HST Group.

About HST Group, LLC

HST is a Northwest based real estate development firm that specializes in the creation of world-class quality neighborhoods that preserve open space and natural resources. Through strict and unique design and quality control standards, HST creates differentiation from its competitors that is not just cosmetic. HST communities become a lifestyle experience. To learn more about the Thomas Kinkade - Masterpiece Homes estates and other HST Group projects, visit www.hstidaho.com.

About The Thomas Kinkade Company

The Thomas Kinkade Company publishes the work of Thomas Kinkade and distributes his art and related collectibles through independently owned galleries worldwide, an extensive network of branded and licensed dealers, and strategic marketing relationships with more than 70 licensees. The company's primary products are canvas and paper reproductions that feature Mr. Kinkade's artistic unique use of light and his peaceful and inspiring themes. Mr. Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light(TM)," is the most successful and most collected living artist in U.S. history. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.thomaskinkade.com.