ERIN EDGEMON, Business Editor
Posted: Sunday, July 13, 2008 7:56 am

In less than three weeks, construction is slated to start on townhouses in the Weston Park residential and commercial development along New Salem Highway.

When completed Weston Park developers say the community will have one of the highest quality recreational areas in the region and bring “unparalleled value” to Murfreesboro.

“There isn’t anything like this in Murfreesboro,” Randy Chastain, president of Parkside Homes and vice president of community developer Stonebridge Development, said.

More than 65 homes in the 630 residential unit development have been constructed. Approximately, 57 homes have been sold to date.

Weston Park runs along New Salem Highway near Exit 80 off Interstate 24.

Construction recently started on a $1 million pool complex, consisting of a junior Olympic pool, children’s pool and lap pool and a cabana. The complex will begin to open within the next five months.

Townhouses, which will be constructed by Parkside Homes, will list for between $168,600 and $220,000.

Four different price points and four different builders are currently in Weston Park: J.O. Clark is building homes from $170,000 to $210,000, Deer Creek Construction from $300,000 to $400,000, Concord Homes $280,000 to $350,000 and Parkside Homes carriage houses $220,000 to $260,000.

Other amenities in the development will include fishing lakes, playground and children’s interactive fountain, exercise and fitness stations and environmental exhibits and markers.

“These homes and this recreational system really raise the bar for Murfreesboro,” Chastain said. “It’s as nice of a system as we’ve seen in Middle Tennessee. And this is a community — you can walk through the entire project. It’s not just a community of homes; it’s a recreational venue. People will enjoy going out for a walk after a long day and greeting their neighbors.”

Realtor Lori Cummins, of Bob Parks Realty, said the low-maintenance town homes, which are now available for presale, will appeal to young professionals and retirees.

Chastain said the slowing housing market has impacted the development of Weston Park.

However, the key to having a successful community is providing a wide variety of price points, having efficiency in building and use of property and providing convenience and amenities to homeowners, he said.

Chastain said the developers and builders are making every square foot in Weston Park count.

“We strongly feel that in this time of economic pressure, we have designed a community that will give our customers a home they can afford with uncompromised quality,” he said.

Development of the retail portion of Weston Park will begin after the opening of the Publix Super Market at the corner of New Salem Highway and St. Andrews Drive, Chastain said.

Construction has yet to begin on the super market.

Publix spokesperson Brenda Reid has said the store is slated for a 2009 opening.

Phase II of Weston Park, which will include additional townhouses, carriage homes and retail, is scheduled to begin in two years, Chastain said.

Parkside Home’s LEED-certified homes also will be a feature of that portion of the development, he said. On average, these “green” homes cut electric and water bills in half.

Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com.

For more information, visit www.westonparkliving.com