Civita's new homes: It's all about the roof decks

The Altana roof deck offers standard features that include granite countertops, outdoor kitchen, fireplace and TV hookup.

At Altana, the latest project at Mission Valley's Civita, it's what's up top that counts.

Two of the four models offer roof decks, outfitted with built-in fireplaces, kitchens, granite countertops and TV hookups.

"We believe that the buyer in San Diego is very active and outdoorsy," said Mike McMillen, vice president and project manager for TRI Pointe Homes. "Not only do we give them some private yard space but also natural light. We thought it would be nice to enhance it with a rooftop deck."

The 45-unit project off Friars Road at Mission Center Road, where sales of eight units will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, offers prices ranging from $642,900 to $777,900 on floor plans of 1,668 to 2,180 square feet. (The "TRI" stands for Think-Renew-Inspire.)

Models 2 and 4 offer the roofdecks on the third floor, while Model 3's two-story offers a balcony off the master bedroom.

In the last two weeks, potential buyers also have admired the decks, said one of the sales managers, Sheila Travers.

"I just love rooftop deck living," said Richard Eichstedt, a restaurant manager who recently moved from Florida to North Park. With Edwin Hunter, a health care professional, he's looking to buy. "The rooftop deck is what sold us."

McMillen said TRI Pointe includes the decks and features in the base price, even though they added $30,000 to the construction cost: "We felt that was something we're conscious of what the market wants and desires."

Altana is Civita's first single-family-home project and buyers, while being members of two homeowner associations, will own their structure and be responsible for maintenance. For the attached for-sale homes elsewhere in the 230-acre master-planned community, the association is responsible for the exteriors.

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Civita's new homes: It's all about the roof decks