Jim formed Local Homes, Inc. as a pilot for an "Urban Infill" builder franchise program. He bought a narrow lot in a marginal neighborhood and designed a 3 bedroom, 2-bath ranch for it. He ordered the house from a reputable modular factory and the garage, foundation, and porch panels from a panel shop. The house sold for the predicted price upon completion. It is the most attractive house in the neighborhood. Results of this project show the community enhancement possibilities and financial feasibility of infill housing. LHI is being positioned for national markets.

In 1994 Jim helped form Automated Builders Consortium (ABC), a coalition of over 100 firms whose goal is to help rebuild America's cities through the establishment of urban-based housing factories. Since then he has built houses using prototypes of two new systems. The first is FoamCon* permanent insulated concrete foundation and wall forms. The second is a whole-house footing-to-peak structural system named SteelStix*. This “erector set” of steel composite studs, trusses and rafters can be erected with a socket wrench and skinned with a screwgun. The open-web configuration of SteelStix* provides unmatched ease of plumbing, wiring and HVAC. The thermal transfer of light gauge steel is eliminated with SteelStix*.

In 1997 Jim formulated the CommonWealth Enterprise Club* program. This is a complete approach to community redevelopment. The focus is on credit creation, job creation, owner-occupied housing and asset building.

<< Previous    1  2  [3]  4    Next >>