ARTERY HOMES 9/13/07 1:09 PM Page 277
says it continues to sell and attract buy- ny says, can receive a check for $5,000
ers to its communities.
“While builders in Florida and the Mid-
west have been hit hard by the downturn,
we have been insulated somewhat due to
the effect the federal government has on
the area’s economy, the growth in private
sector jobs, the overall strong economy
and low interest rates,” said William Zah-
ler, senior vice president and general man-
ager, in a statement.
“That’s not to say that we have not felt
it; however, we have taken steps to
strengthen our sales team and our mar-
keting effort. Smart tactics over the long
run will be what sustains successful com-
panies. We have been building homes for
a half-century and have certainly seen
the market much worse than it is today.”
One of Artery’s strengthening steps was
to hire a new sales team and invest in ex-
tensive sales and marketing training. The
company also launched a green building
program, Energy Star, and an environ-
mentally friendly homeowner-referral pro-
gram called “The Friendship Tree.” Artery
homeowners, whether they purchased
their home last year or today, the compa-
ground, trails and pocket parks. Artery
and have a new tree planted in their yard
whenever they refer a friend or family
member who purchases a new Artery
home. The referred homeowner will have
a “Friendship” Tree planted in their yard,
as well.
As a result, Artery Homes has seen an
increase in sales. At Maple Valley Estates
in Hagerstown, Md., the company says, it
has sold five homes in its new section,
Fontaine Crossing.
Maple Valley Estate features single-
family homes starting in the low $300s.
Artery says the community includes
“stately homes” on quarter-acre sites,
which are set among quiet cul-de-sacs.
Included in all the homes are nine-foot
ceilings, Whirlpool appliances, hardwood
flooring in the foyer and two-car garages.
Artery Homes is celebrating the “grand
closeout” of its courtyard homes at County
Center in Prince William County, Va. The
company explains County Center is a vi-
brant mixed-use development of retail, off-
ices and stylish homes. The community
features a community center, swimming
pool, town green, basketball courts, play-
says the community is convenient to shop-
ping, restaurants, schools and recreation-
al opportunities, including golf and The
National’s minor league baseball stadium.
“It’s not surprising that we’re almost
sold out,” said John Kline, sales manager
for the community, in a statement. “There
are not too many communities in this
area that offer homes from over 1,900 to
2,800 square feet with a pool and other
amenities in such a convenient location
from the low $400s.”
The company also has several new com-
munities in progress. Artery says it recent-
ly opened Andalusian Preserve, a com-
munity of 10 estate homes from $1 mil-
lion on three- to five-acre wooded sites in
Brandywine, Md. In late August, Artery
Homes began presales at Poplar Square
in Hagerstown. This community will fea-
ture three-bedroom townhomes, as well
as green space, playgrounds and a pond.
“Since we are a regional builder, we are
able to work with our customers to help
them design the home they want, which
is something the larger builders are just
not willing to do,” Zahler said. ■
OCTOBER 2007 ■ CONSTRUCTION TODAY ■ 277