47th 'New Good Neighbor' Awards: Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., A Red Bank Rave

New Jersey Business, Jun 01, 2007

Building Profile

Architect

Hillier Architecture

Princeton

Builder

Turner Construction Company

Somerset

Mechanical Contractor

Van Praet and Weisgerber

Morristown

Financial Entity

Hovnanian Enterprises

Red Bank

Nominator

Honorable Pasquale Menna

Mayor

Borough of Red Bank

Hovnanian Enterprises, the nationally recognized homebuilder that designs, constructs and markets a variety of for-sale housing in 427 residential communities in 19 states, has built its own $15-million home in Red Bank, where it employs 286 workers. According to Red Bank mayor and NGN nominator, Pasquale Menna, the 65,000 square-foot structure constitutes sound and smart development that has taken an underutilized parcel of land and turned it into a great ratable to help the residential base without a draw on services.

The building was designed by Hillier Architecture and built by Turner Construction Company. The materials used and the scale of the exterior at 110 West Front Street is respectful of and complements Red Bank's traditional downtown architecture. Underground parking preserves green space while enhancing public safety. Light-filled interiors offer pleasant and healthy working environments. Additionally, Hovnanian has dedicated part of the riverfront facade for future expansion of Red Bank's riverfront boardwalk. Total construction employment during the build-out was 550.

Hovnanian's community contributions to the town of Red Bank during construction include: donating to the public Indian artifacts found during excavation; reconstructing and repaving Maple Avenue; removing overhead utilities; providing new pedestrian scale lighting; and planting trees to enhance streetscapes.

Hovnanian ranks among the largest homebuilding companies in the U.S., with total revenues of $6.1 billion from 20,201 homes built in fiscal 2006.