The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony, and a door to a large sunroom.

The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony, and a door to a large sunroom.

The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony, and a door to a large sunroom.

The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony, and a door to a large sunroom.

On the Market: A contemporary house in rustic Weston

WESTON The contemporary house at 132 Lords Highway in the Lower Weston neighborhood is more refined than it is rustic, yet it fits perfectly into its countrified Arcadian setting.

This particular location on a level and sloping property of just over three acres near the end of a cul-de-sac allows its owners to experience the best of indoor/outdoor living in the center of Weston. The private woodland oasis, nestled at the end of a scenic country road, abuts the 37-acre Grace Robinson Nature Sanctuary, which is managed cooperatively by the Connecticut Audubon Society and the Aspetuck Land Trust and offers hiking trails. Also close by is Lachat Town Farm and 1,756-acre Devils Den Nature Preserve, the latter containing 20 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and it is part of the extended 70-mile Saugatuck Valley Trails System.

Even with all this nature and solitude, there is also convenience. This house is only minutes from the towns award-winning schools, the public library, gas station and market; and for commuters, the Merritt Parkway is only about 12 minutes away. Metro-North Railroad train stations are accessible in Wiltons Cannondale area and the Saugatuck section of Westport.

The 3,940-square-foot house was built in 1978. It was first expanded in 2002 and has undergone continuous remodeling thereafter, according to the co-listing agents. As a contemporary house, it had an open floor plan to begin with but one that was improved upon with successive renovating projects. Today, the floor plan is not only open, it is flexible, which is important to todays home buyers.

A long, paved driveway opens up to provide ample parking for gatherings of friends and family, which can certainly be done safely on this spacious property. A slate path, lined by attractive shrubbery and perennial plantings, leads to the covered front porch. In the foyer there is a floating staircase. The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood-accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony and a door to a large sunroom. The sunroom accesses a large, raised wood deck.

The dining room also has a wood-accented ceiling and is open to the updated eat-in kitchen, which features soapstone counters, a center island, glass-front cabinetry with a breakfast bar for two, new appliances and a door to another raised wood deck. In the casual dining area there is built-in seating with storage.

There is a den, which is currently used as a music room, which has a fireplace. Between the den and the spacious family room, there is an office with a built-in desk area that would also work as a homework or distance learning station. In the family room, which could also be a play or recreation room, there are two built-in window seats, a wet bar and a full bath, making this area that could be converted into a fifth bedroom or an in-law or au pair suite, depending on the needs of this homes next family.

As currently arranged, this house has four bedrooms, all on the upper level. There is also another flexible use room on this floor, currently serving as a recreation room. The master suite has a walk-in closet and a luxurious bath with a contemporary double sink. One of the other bedrooms has a door to a private balcony.

For more information or to make an appointment to see the house, contact Laurie Crouse and Valerie Martins of Laurie Crouse & Associates and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Crouse at 203-984-8154 or lauriebcrouse@gmail.com, and Martins at 929-270-9393 or valmartins.ct@gmail.com.

STYLE: Contemporary

ADDRESS: 132 Lords Highway

PRICE: $839,000

ROOMS: 9

FEATURES: 3.01-acre level and sloping property, located on a cul-de-sac, two separate private decks, screened porch, wet bar, skylights, pre-wired for cable, flexible open floor plan; only minutes from Westons award-winning schools, Weston Center, Lachat Farm, Devils Den Nature Preserve, Grace Robinson Nature Sanctuary, Georgetown shopping district and the Cannondale train station; about 12 minutes from the Merritt Parkway, possible in-law or au pair suite, two fireplaces, lots of closets and storage, possible in-law or au pair suite, Westport beach rights, attached two-car garage, zoned central air conditioning and propane heat, mud room, attic, no basement, private well, septic system, room for a pool, four bedrooms, four full and one half updated baths

SCHOOLS: Hurlbutt Elementary, Weston Middle, Weston High

ASSESSMENT: $480,700

MILL RATE: 32.37 mills

TAXES: $15,560

HOA FEE: $140, paid annually (covers snow removal)

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On the Market: A contemporary house in rustic Weston - Westport News

Whether for your own personal enjoyment, to help your family spread out, or even if you're just thinking of increasing the value of your house, crafting a more permanent place of respite outdoors can be worth the investment it takes to do it right.

According to KV Harper, founder and principal of Kex Design + Build in New Orleans, the biggest considerations for a backyard renovation are how you plan to use it and what your budget is. The cost for a backyard remodel can vary greatly, with total spend averaging anywhere from a couple thousand dollars for basic landscaping to more than $40,000. For bigger budget projects that can creep into the $20,000 range, like adding an outdoor kitchen, consider a Discover personal loan (which allows for flexible repayment terms for all loan amounts of 36 to 84 months) to help cover the costs.

Getting inspired? Here are a few ideas to consider.

A small DIY pathway or patio can be constructed for less than $1,000 with materials from a big box retailer. Professional installation adds $5 to $15 per square foot, and higher-end materials, such as flagstone will also bump up the cost. Pea gravel or a similar material is the most cost-efficient. I really like crushed granite as an inexpensive hardscape that can provide a nice clean backdrop for furniture, Harper says.

If you have children or pets and dont want to deal with mowing the lawn, artificial turf is an option, though it can be expensive, at $5 to $20 per square foot, compared to $0.90 to $2 for sod.

Sheds are often under-utilized. Instead of using it as a place where rusty garden tools and old bicycles go to die, transform it into useful real estate. A small shed can easily accommodate an art studio, a reading lounge, a playroom, or even a daybed for overnight guests. There are literally thousands of models on the market, many designed to look like miniature houses, complete with porches.

A small shed can easily accommodate an art studio, a reading lounge, a playroom, or even a daybed.

If you aren't wiring for electricity, or concerned about climate control, the only real cost is buying a shed that comes with at least one window to let in light. These can be found at home improvement retailers and big box stores for a couple thousand dollars.

Running electricity and insulating the shed so that you can use it when the weather is hot or cold adds a few hundred dollars to the budget. The average cost of installing insulation is $0.64 - $1.19, so for a 100-square-foot shed, it would be around $120. Hiring an electrician is $50 to $100 an hour.

Dining al fresco on warm evenings is the best part of summer. Adding an outdoor kitchen and dining room can be a dream come true for many home cooks, but they can be expensive, costing up to $21,000 (or much more for a luxury setup).

Maintenance and weather should be key considerations when thinking about the design. One of the first things to consider for an outdoor kitchen is the weather, notes Harper. Outdoor kitchens can get hot, so you want to design to accommodate shading either naturally or with a pergola.

Maintenance and weather should be key considerations when thinking about outdoor kitchen design.

For the grill, Harper recommends gas over charcoal because it is easier to maintain and clean. She adds that you will want a durable heat-resistant stone for the flooring and countertops. Natural stone is one of the priciest materials you can choose, at $25 to $45 per square foot, but will hold up much better than cheaper options like stucco or manufactured stone.

Other add-ons that can increase your budget include plumbing for a sink, a built-in grill, refrigeration, or special features, such as a pizza oven or fireplace.

Add native plants and grasses around a sauna or hot tub for ambiance and privacy, or consider a pergola with curtains for an even more secluded escape. If either is too much of a commitment, you can achieve spa vibes by adding a small fire pit or chiminea, a water feature, and fragrant flowering vines or shrubs such as lavender.

I think the easiest way to transform a small yard is to create a design that maximizes space by using built-in seating or dining, she says, which is something she did in her own backyard. I recently added a small deck to replace the stairs from our kitchen to the backyard. It was less expensive than doing a wide deck, and now the deck functions as stairs and a place to relax.

She adds that light landscaping with hardscape materials is another inexpensive way to transform a yard. Think a pea gravel and paver patio combined with native plants that will thrive in the existing condition. In other words, if your yard only gets a few hours of sun, dont waste space trying to grow a vegetable garden.

A design that maximizes small spaces? Built-in seating or dining, says Harper.

For any backyard transformation, be sure to budget for furniture. A small patio can be outfitted for less than $1,000, but a full outdoor living and dining room set up will be significantly more. Harper recommends waiting until prices drop to invest in new pieces. I know its hard, but try to buy outdoor furniture at the end of the season when it goes on sale. Most big box retailers put outdoor furniture on sale at a deep discount around the first week of August, she says.

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The Real Costs to Build 5 Different Backyard Retreats - HouseBeautiful.com

East county residents are ready to move forward as the county continues to work on reopening.

Many residents have spent the past three months confined at home and quarantine has served to highlight every flaw and outdated fixture that appeared fine before March. With the county lifting restrictions, many residents are looking to update their homes, add a home workspace or make things more accessible for elderly loved ones.

James Carey of Carey Bros. Remodeling is a third-generation licensed contractor. His company has over 40 years experience in the East Bay and this year he said, there has been a significant spike in homeowners looking to add an attached bedroom or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for an adult child or aging parent.

The reason for that is the aging population, and with the COVID thing the kids are not at school, they are living at home, so that is the straw that broke the camels back, Carey explained. So people are saying we need this extra space and we need an ADU. Lets go ahead and build that space that we have been talking about.

Carey added that the lack of affordable housing in California is another driver of the ADUs, and local and state government has made it easier to build one by reducing the distance a dwelling can be placed in relation to the property line, fast-tracking the permitting processes and lowering permit fees.

Carey said many of his jobs include the request to make things accessible by widening doors, adding ramps, and installing grab bars and easy-to-operate doorknobs and faucet fixtures. He noted these do not have to look institutional, but come in many attractive designs and finishes.

Carey said one thing homeowners are not loving right now are sunken living spaces. In the 70s and 80s, said Carey, it was very vogue to step down into the family room. But now, many of his customers are asking him to bring those floor levels up thereby removing a barrier for people who may struggle with steps.

Joe Lindsey, owner of Brentwoods White Rhino Construction, said he firmly believes the pandemic has affected the remodeling and construction business.

A lot of people, instead of wanting an entire remodel, they want to do a reface, Lindsey said. Instead of spending the money to do a whole bathroom, they just want to change out the shower door, add new fixtures and paint the cupboards I think its because they are uncertain about the future and the economy.

Despite uncertainties about what might lie ahead, Lindsey said his business began picking up in mid-June. Some big trends he sees are painted, two-toned cabinets; large subway tiles; and pocket doors. Lindsey recommended homeowners installing pocket doors to create space in small rooms invest in a steel framed door that wont warp and require readjustment over time.

One thing his customers are getting rid of is bathtubs.

A lot of people are getting rid of the bathtub and just doing a shower, he said. I recommend they keep one, for resale value, but a lot of people dont want any.

Carey Bros. Remodeling is located at 2624 Verne Roberts Circle, Suite D107, in Antioch. For more information, call 877-734-6404 or visit http://www.careybros.com.

Continued here:
Remodeling in a COVID-19 world | Living - thepress.net

From the Greater Orlando Builders Association

The Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA), the authority, educator and promoter of the housing and building industry, announces new dates for the 67thannual Parade of Homes Orlando.

Central Floridians are invited to safely experience 65+ of the best of the best homes throughout Orange, Seminole and Osceola County and surrounding areas during the FREE, self-guided tourSat., July 18 through Sun., July 26, 2020.

We are pleased to announce the new dates for this highly anticipated event featuring Central Floridas most inspiring homes. Whether youre looking for a new home, wish to re-imagine your current home or are searching for a spark of inspiration, the 67th Annual Parade of Homes Orlando is open to everyone interested and enthused by stylish home design, said Rick Caccavello, Parade of Homes Orlando chairman and president of Central Kitchen & Bath.

Parade of Homes Orlando showcasesCentral Floridas most inspiring homebuilders and designers. Discover innovations in homebuilding, architectural design, energy efficiency, smart homes, outdoor living, interior style, remodeling and pool design.

For more photos, information and directions to this Apopka home visit

While things may be a little different this year, guests can safely visit 65+ entries ranging from new communities, new homes, whole house renovations and specialty remodeling. All participants have extra safety practices in place in compliance with all local, state and healthcare organizationguidelineswith Parade attendee comfort in mind for the continued prevention of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Complimentary guidebooks are available at Parade of HomesOrlando entrylocations and Trustco Banks throughoutgreater OrlandoMonday Saturday and daily at select Sherwin-Williams stores beginning July 13.

Search for entries and plan your Parade route by visitingwww.ParadeOfHomesOrlando.com. The website is your go-to resource to find home and builder information, individual participant daily hours, guidebook pick-up locations, driving directions and more. Plus, enter to win the kitchen appliance and cabinetry package valued at $10,000 presented by Central Kitchen & Bath and Aggressive Appliances.

This years Showcase Home, Casa de los Reyes by Turning Leaf Custom Homes. Located in the heart of Winter Park, this sprawling 5,764 total square-foot home features a custom Mediterranean design with five bedrooms, five and a half baths, media room, study room, gated courtyard front entry, hand-selected concrete barrel roof tiles, custom pool design and much more. With numerous green-building elements, this custom development is Home Innovation National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Registeredand has received gold level certification.

For more information, visitParadeofHomesOrlando.com.

Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA) is the authority, educator and promoter of the housing and building industry representing more than 700 members and 25,000+ employees. Since 1953, GOBA has served the construction industry in Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties. The intention is to foster an environment within the association and within our neighborhoods to create opportunities for building relationships, businesses and communities while balancing economic, social and environmental needs of our members and communities served.For more information, visitwww.greaterorlandoba.comand @BuildOrlando on social media platforms.

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Apopka house featured at 67th Annual Parade of Homes in July - The Apopka Voice

Kandi Burruss' husband, Todd Tucker, showedanother interesting side of himself as he gave a tour of his daughter Blaze's room, which he designed and decorated from scratch.

There are many ways to show and prove one's love for a child. Being there and going out of your way to make them comfortable are some of the common ones, but designing one's child's room is another heartwarming way of showing love.

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kandi Burruss' daughter Blaze is getting an overwhelming dose of love from her father, Todd Tucker, as he designed and decorated her room.

Todd Tuckershared a video of the room on his YouTube channel,"Todd Tucker TV." The clip was a tour of Blaze's room and the remodeling that went into creating a beautiful sleeping area for her.

In the video, Todd, who worean all-black costume while sporting his full beards, carried seven months old Blaze in his hands as he gave viewers a chance to see the gray-themed room he put together. Heexpressed that:

"I decorated. I designed. I picked the colors, the furniture, the pillows, the accents. I did the bathroom... all for my little baby girl right here, Blaze."

He started by showing the marquee letters which spelled "Blaze."He attested that the reason he used the marquee letters and the light was that he believed every child needed to see their name in lights before seeing them in "light."

Blaze alsocame along for the tour,dressed in a pink ruffled jumper and was all smiles as her dad pointed out to the things he had done. He highlighted that not everything in the room was newly bought as he preferred to use old stuff if they still functioned.

Todd then showed the gray-themed room walls and pointed out that certain things like the baby cot, the drawer, and the rocker had been handed down to Blaze by her elder brother, Ace.

Another exciting highlight of the room was the bed, which had a roll-out bed. On the bed Todd said: "As Blaze gets older and has friends come over I don't need to spend too much money on it later."

The bathroom was also in shades of gray and white, and the wall had a mosaic feel to it. Blaze's closet perhaps stole the show as it was filled with various colorful outfits befitting of her style.

Kandi Burruss madea brief appearance in the eleven-minute videoand explained that when it came to designing, Todd had the upper hand. While she loved the style, she added that the wall could use a little design later on.

Kandi and Toddwelcomed Blazeon November 22, 2019, via a surrogate. The couple opted for surrogacy due to the complications Kandi faced with her previous pregnancies.

The ever-smiling Blaze entered the family andendeared herself to everyone's hearts,and even the world, with hermillion-dollar smile, which earned her a modeling gig.

Aside from redecorating rooms, Todd is also invested in his community. He has promised and urged others to use what they have to make a change in others' lives.

Link:
Kandi Burruss' Husband Todd Tucker Shows off His Daughter Blaze's Room Which He Put Together Himself (Video) - AmoMama

Fridays and Saturdays are typically the busiest summer days of the week. When the Fourth of July and very warm weather falls on a weekend, it can be especially busy.

July 3 Officers were called to a local hotel. A man told them that he had met a woman at a gas station who agreed to accompany him to his room. When he awoke the next morning, she was gone as was twelve dollars in cash and his 9 mm handgun.

July 3 A young woman called the police to report that a few months ago her boyfriend threatened to shoot up a school. When the officer asked her for her address, she supplied it. Grand Rapids, Michigan.

July 3 A man reported the theft of a window air conditioner. He explained that the ten-year-old unit was mounted on a vacant house he is remodeling. I guess we know the temperatures must really be hot when thieves are out stealing air conditioners.

July 3 A deputy was flagged down by a motorist who reported a man was drunk and crazy in the middle of Fifth Street at Third Ave NE. When officers and the deputy arrived, they found a man who was obviously drunk, standing in the middle of the street shouting obscenities at passing motorists. Officers tried to calm him and escort him to the curb. It didnt work. When he shouted an obscenity aimed toward a female officer he was handcuffed and marched off to jail.

July 3 Hospital Security reported that a woman who was high on drugs and went running out of the hospital emergency room, yelling and screaming. They chased her through the parking lot and finally got her stopped at Golf Course Road. The woman was shouting incoherently and had lacerations on her arms. Officers managed to get her back to the emergency room.

July 4 A woman asked for police assistance stating that she had let some people park a camper in her yard and now they are refusing to pay her and refusing to leave.

July 4 Officers were called to a house on a report that a man had been assaulted. When they arrived, they found the bloodied homeowner. He claimed that a stranger kicked in his front door, entered his house and began punching him, yelling something about money owed to him. The man then left, returning a few moments later and started kicking the homeowner. He then drove off. Officers spotted the vehicle while en route to the call and they stopped it. They arrested the driver for Assault, Burglary and DWI. He was placed in jail.

July 4 A local hotel called, reporting that a woman had been assaulted by her husband. Investigation revealed that the couple had travelled to Grand Rapids for the weekend to look at some vacation property. That night they got into an argument in their hotel room. The husband head butted and choked the wife who then ran from the room. The husband was arrested and went to jail.

All told, over a three-day period, Grand Rapids Police Officers responded to nearly one-hundred calls.

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Policing the Rapids: Fourth of July responses | Columnists - Herald Review

Why wouldn't the homes people plan to buy, build, or remodel reflect some of the lessons learned during this pandemic? Almost everything else in our world has been affected in some way by this situation.

When your home becomes your office, gym, or your child's school, it is not unexpected that you'd want more room, some dedicated spaces, and some other pertinent or practical changes.

For many Europeans, bidets are not only astandard way of life, many countries require them by law. Here in the U.S. - -not so much. And while they'll never be legislated here, people are coming around to their benefits.

Due to the Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020, companies that make and market bidets have seen a boost to their bottom lines. (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)More homebuyers are seeing them as a necessity, along with smart bathroom technology items like touchless toilets.

Something I've never really cared for is the open floor plan that has been a staple of home design for decades. You couldn't watch a home buying or remodeling show on HGTV without the prospective client mentioning that they wanted the "open floor concept". Well now, that may be changing.

Having the capability to self-isolate from other family members became very important over the last 6 months, and thanks to the continuing unknowns of our current crisis, will continue to be so.

Bigger lots are becoming more desirable for the same reason; more space between you and other people. Multi-generational homes are becoming popular due to the fact that people didn't like being separated from lovedones living in senior communities.

Finally, because more people have been avoiding shopping in stores and e-commerce has climbed to new levels,not to mention the fact that porch pirates have been very busy lately, designers are being asked to add safe package drop-off areas to homes.

Source: Livability

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COVID-19 Will Change Homes According to Real Estate Experts - KSOO News

An artists rendering shows the new Jefferson Elementary School, which will be built behind the football field at South Middle School. The city codes office issued a nearly $18 million permit for the project last month.(Photo: Provided)

HENDERSON, Ky. -- The Henderson County Board of Education secured a nearly $18 million building permit last month for construction of a new two-story Jefferson Elementary School at 800 S. Alves St., behind the South Middle School football field.

The new Jefferson Elementary will feature 17 classrooms; three kindergarten rooms; a media center; music, computer, art and special education rooms; a gymnasium with a stage; a cafeteria; and offices and related facilities.

The building will accommodate up to 400 students, contain 57,250 square feet and sit on a school system-owned tract covering about eight acres.

In an earlier statement, Superintendent Marganna Stanley said the school will also include learning labs, spaces for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education, an energy-efficient design and a safe learning environment for our students.

Enrollment at the current Jefferson Elementary this past school year was 340 students.

The new school will have its own entrance off Alves Street and its own parking lot.

Additional parking will be added on the campus of South Middle to help alleviate the on-street parking that occurs during school functions and events. That will include a new staff parking lot at the corner of South Alves and Cherry streets that will incorporate a new parent drop-off/pickup zone and a new event parking lot on South Alves near Norris Lane.

Earthwork for the project has begun, and the building is projected to be completed during the 2021-22 school year, according to Steve Steiner, assistant superintendent of administration for Henderson County Schools.

The construction manager for the new Jefferson Elementary will be Codell Construction and the architect is Hafer Design.

The new school will replace the 56-year-old Jefferson Elementary building, which was judged in a 2011 facility evaluation to be in poor condition. Stanley has cited issues ranging from the need to replace the HVAC system, windows and doors to improve energy efficiency as well as learning spaces (that) are chopped up. They are not conducive to 21st century learning by any means.

The new Jefferson will be the third elementary school here bearing that name, following the current school on South Green at Jackson Street, which opened in 1964, and an earlier Jefferson School at the northeast corner of Jefferson and South Elm streets.

The building permit for the school, the biggest issued here in years, brought the total value of new construction authorized last month to nearly $20.8 million.

The other major commercial construction project that got the green light in the city in June was a $1.1 million interior remodeling permit for the Walmart Supercenter store at 1195 Barret Blvd.

There were no commercial or industrial permits issued by the county in June.

Permits for five new single-family residences were issued in June, including three in the city two of which will be Habitat for Humanity of Henderson homes, both on Cumnock Street and two in the county. A permit was also issued for one residential duplex.

Residential construction was developing at a reasonable rate earlier this year, especially out in the county, before the Covid-19 pandemic set in. The county codes office issued 16 permits for new homes during the first four months of the year, but only two since for a total of 18 at mid-year.

The city issued no permits for new houses in April and May. Through the first six months of 2020, it has issued seven.

So halfway through the year, the city and county have issued a total of 25 permits for new single-family homes with an average construction value of $129,960 (excluding the value of land and other non-construction related expenses). New residence permits in the county have an average construction cost of $147,000 compared with $118,267 in the city.

For the first six months of the year, the city and county have issued permits authorizing nearly $28.5 million of construction, obviously dominated by the Jefferson school project.

Here are the permits issued by the city and county last month:

City

Commercial, accessory: Holy Name Parish, 511 Second St., $250,000.

Commercial, new: Gary W. and Brenda Crawford, 1705 S. Green St., $97,000; and Henderson County Board of Education, 800 S. Alves St., $18.0 million.

Commercial, remodel: Walmart Real Estate Business Trust, 1195 Barret Blvd., $1.1 million.

Demolition, single-family residence: Margaret L. Pruitt Estate, 1027 Stewart Ave., $4,290; and Audubon Kids Zone, 1414 Powell St., $3,400.

Residential duplex, new: Gary and Lisa Attebery, 1616 Roosevelt St., $75,000.

Manufactured homes, new: James and Cynthia Lambert, 2820 Sunset Lane, $39,900; and Mark Stefansky, 510 Watson Lane #13, $48,000.

Single-family residential accessory: Jason Messeman, 912 Watson Lane, $8,000; Chelsea M. Mills, 2014 Morning Dove Ct., $2,500; Bradley W. and Priscilla Woosley, 1661 Bruce St., $5,000; Stephen R. (Sr.) and Amy Lynn Brann, 2708 Brettwood Lane, $4,500; Daniel P. and Abbie Boswell Pennaman, 1321 Glengary Way, $2,500; John and Karen Totton, 2361 Green River Road, $10,000; Shannon R. and Danielle Troutman, 101 N. Partridge Lane, $28,000; Marion E. and Lisa G. Gross, 2019 Summer Hill Lane, $4,000; Melissa Burkes, 1303 N. Green St., $3,000; Robert Wayne and Vicki A. McClure, 1809 White Oak Ct., $2,500; Michael V. and Amber C. Chandler, 1250 Alastair Dr., $6,000; Aaron Gregory and Melissa L. Pritchett, 334 S. Main St., $18,000; John F. and Nancy L. Klein, 665 Constanza Dr., $15,000; and Ernest Mays, 1024 Clay St., $1,000.

Single-family residential addition: William I. Markwell, 923 S. Main St., $20,000; and AJ Rentals LLC, 843 Cherokee Dr., $30,000.

Single-family residence,new: Habitat for Humanity of Henderson, 1233 Cumnock St., $115,000; HCM LLC, 1463 Arrow Way, $149,800; and Habitat for Humanity of Henderson, 1535 Cumnock St., $90,000.

Single-family residence, remodel: Mark A. and Donna L. Nally, 1340 Adams Lane, $75,000; Kentucky Apartments LLC, 1914 Powell St., $15,000; and James Martin Coursey Jr. and Carley Monet Haase, 2392 Balmoral Dr., $3,000.

Sign: Eastgate MHP LLC c/o Drew Warner, 1713 Franklin Ave., $800; Brad D. Higginson, 625 S. Main St., $950; Clifton O. Williams, et al, 1228 Second St., $600; Community United Methodist Hospital Inc., 1305 N. Elm St., $44,917 and $4,200 (two permits); Bob J. Vanzant, 2751 U.S. 41-North, $27,000; and Gardenside Center LLC, 2606 Zion Road, $13,565.

Total estimated construction value: $20.2 million.

County

New residence: Thompson Homes, 16246 Kentucky 136-East, $120,000; and Alex and Abbie Walters, 4182 Dr. Floyd Rd., $175,000.

Room addition: Eric and Joy Ries, 8976 Kentucky 1078-South, $20,000; Gregory Perkins, 4026 Kentucky 136-West, $8,000; Kelly Deep, 4346 St Olaf Circle, $32,442; and Glenn Kerr, 1377 Kentucky 416-East, $15,000.

Sign: New Hope Baptist Church, 5514 U.S. 60-East, $35,000.

Manufactured home: James Ambrous, 6711 Crooked Rd., $10,000.

Garages/utility: Dusty Risley, 5271 Kentucky 1299, $20,000; Carl and Christi Honeycutt, 11002 Kentucky 1078-North, $25,000; Jimmy McGann, 6057 Bauern Ct., $45,000; Larry Alexander, 4153 Briscoe Benton Rd., $15,000; and Tim and Cordelia Ann Shelton, 5792 Cairo Hickory Grove Rd, $5,249.

Miscellaneous: Harley Heath, 7134 Airline Rd., $44,900

Total estimated construction value: $570,591.

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$18 million permit for new Jefferson Elementary among those issued in Henderson - The Gleaner

Two years after it first emerged from stealth mode, Flagships Foghorn Therapeutics has nabbed its first Big Pharma partner as Merck signs on to the biotechs vision of drugging the very shape of DNA.

The deal, worth up to $425 million but with the upfront cash undisclosed, comes as Foghorn nears a pivot to a clinical stage biotech. The Cambridge-based company has added nearly 60 staffers from the 25 it had when it first emerged out of Flagship and, CEO Adrian Gottschalk said, they have finally refined the screening technology at the heart of the company, with plans to file their first IND towards the end of the year.

In the last 6 months, actually prior to the conversations with Merck, we had industrialized our ability to interrogate the biology, Gottschalk told Endpoints News.Weve made some very nice progress, really starting from scratch several years ago.

First founded in 2016, Foghorn is one of a spate of recent biotechs that try to treat cancer by targeting how genes are expressed, as opposed to trying to change the genes themselves or inhibit the proteins they code for. Michael Gilmans Arrakis Therapeutics is built, like Foghorn, on drugging DNA regulators called transcription factors and earlier this year got $190 million upfront and several billion in milestones for a deal with Roche. Syros, another Flagship-backed company, attracted considerable buzz several years ago by going after so-called super-enhancers, though they have since struggled to find traction in the clinic. More broadly, the still-juvenile field has yielded few major in-human successes.

Merck has already signaled its belief in the approach, at least in certain manifestations. Last year, they bought up Peloton Theraepeutics and its late-stage, kidney cancer transcription factor drug for $1 billion in cash and another $1 billion in milestones.

Foghorns twist, Gottschalk said, is looking at how these factors interact with these spherical structures on top of DNA, called chromatin remodeling complexes. Basically, human DNA contains billions of genes, not all of which are turned on at any point in time or in any cell. That DNA sits in tightly compacted strands called chromatin at the nucleus at the center of the cell, and one of the ways the body can decide which genes need to be turned on is to open and close those strands.

The molecular thing that determines whether and where genes are turned on is the interaction between those transcription factors that carry instructions and the chromatin remodeling complex that does the opening and closing. Foghorn compares it to air traffic control, the two types of proteins telling the genes where to launch and where not to launch. And Gottschalk cited data that suggest around 25% of cancers can be chalked up in part to those biological controllers getting their signals crossed.

For the last four years, Foghorn has developed a high-throughput screening system to allow their scientists to model both the transcription factors and the remodeling complexes and figure out which molecules can modulate each. Though high-throughput screening is about as common a word in the drug industry these days as pancakes are in the diner industry, Gottschalk said that was no easy feat. The chromatin remodeling complexes are just that complex and they needed to set up a system that could handle proteins as much as ten times as large as the ones most screens handle.

Under the new deal, Merck has essentially licensed one of the factors Foghorn has just begun testing, buying exclusivity on any potential drugs that emerge to target it. Internally, meanwhile, Gottschalk said that after years building their systems, the company is preparing to soon bring a few of its 10 preclinical and unnamed programs into the clinic for several genetically-defined cancers that currently have few good treatment options.

I think this biology has been unexplored and unexploited as drug, and I think the time is right, Gottschalk said.

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Merck dangles up to $425 million to team with Flagship's Foghorn Therapeutics on drugging the shape of DNA - Endpoints News

Doing laundry is a relatively boring task. But it doesnt have to be done in a drab, boring room.

With a few strategic changes, even a small laundry room can become a space thats appealing to be in and can double as a room for other activities too.

Laundry rooms dont need to be a space that we apologize for anymore, says New York-based interior designer Deborah Martin.

Here, Martin and two other designers HGTVs Brian Patrick Flynn and Miami-based Raquel Mothe, of Mothe Design offer advice on turning a basic laundry room into a space you love.

Especially in older homes, one of the least convenient things about the laundry room is where it is often far from where laundry gets generated.

If youre remodeling, Flynn says, consider relocating your laundry room as close to the master bedroom as possible. In fact, make it part of your master bedroom closet, if theres enough space.

This makes it way easier for homeowners to tackle their laundry without having to bring it back and forth across the house, he says.

And though its a splurge, its worth considering having more than one space where laundry gets done.

When working on new luxury home projects, Mothe says, she often includes one laundry room on the houses main level for cleaning things like small rugs, pet toys, pool towels and other household items. She puts another laundry space with similar design and the same machines on the second floor near the bedrooms.

Have fun with color and pattern, the designers say.

Mothe rarely uses white for a laundry room, aiming for a cozier vibe.

If there are colors you love but think are too bright for other rooms, Flynn suggests using them in your laundry room. Its also a great place for patterns that seem too much for a living room or bedroom. Wallpapers a good way to do that.

Nine times out of 10, Flynn says, I find that simply adding wallpaper to a laundry room or laundry closet instantly makes it feel more inviting.

If youre updating the floor, Martin suggests creating a cheerful space with an interesting tile design.

Martin and Mothe both advise including a really large sink in a laundry room. And Martin suggests adding a drain in the floor.

We never plan for accidents, but accidents happen, she says.

Martin also recommends built-in bins or baskets for separating clothes.

And make sure you have plenty of space for drying items that you wont be putting in the dryer. Lets say you are washing a silk blouse that you are not sending to the dry cleaners, Mothe says. Install a bar with hangers or a retractable hanging rack.

Mothe also adds drying racks for clients who will be washing things like sneakers and other shoes.

Laundry rooms need plenty of light, and that can include what designers call statement lighting something gorgeous that brightens the room and adds a dose of style.

Flynn suggests adding a pendant light or even some kind of chandelier, if space allows.

Recessed ceiling lighting is also helpful, Martin says, especially over areas where youll be trying to get out a stain or sorting clothes.

And if youre doing new construction or remodeling, Martin says, give your laundry room plenty of windows. Even if were just doing laundry, she says, We can enjoy a little light. We can enjoy a view.

Dont forget to add a few tall cabinets for things like brooms or ironing boards, Mothe says. And she thinks its worth investing in high-quality countertops.

A detail like that, she says, can make a difference between a regular laundry room and a luxury one.

If your laundry room also includes open shelving, Martin suggests storing items in apothecary jars or large Mason jars. Theyre a nice option to store stray things like collar stays, misplaced buttons or even detergent pods, she says. Theres no reason we cant put our detergent in something pretty.

But do add plenty of closed storage, since much of what you may be storing probably isnt especially attractive, Flynn says.

Concealed storage is super important, especially counter-to-ceiling when possible. There are so many essential supplies involved with laundry and not many are aesthetically pleasing, Flynn says. Keeping everything behind cabinet doors is key.

Martin has one client who uses her laundry room to cut and arrange fresh flowers. So the room was designed with extra storage space related to that hobby.

If youre building or remodeling, consider expanding your laundry areas size and purpose, perhaps combining your mudroom and laundry room.

This is especially good for active families with kids and pets, Flynn says.

Ive found that the more space allotted to a laundry room, he says, the less of a task space it becomes and the more of a social space it begins to feel like.

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Take your laundry room to the next level - Minneapolis Sun Times