What looked like an ordinary construction site just a few months ago has been transformed into a gallery of modern masterpieces. On exhibit is Tidewater Builders Association’s Homearama 2008, presented by BB&T. It will be unveiled to the public Oct. 3-19. 

The event features seven veteran builders who have put their own creative touches on house designs originated by renowned residential designer Stephen Fuller. The Atlanta-based Fuller is known for his attention to detail and the use of authentic materials to provide the character and quality offered up in each home.

Each home will be completely furnished and landscaped and will stand as a tribute to the many skilled craftsmen and women who have contributed their talents to the final masterpiece. 

The site, The Wilshire Village at Ashville Park, developed by L.M. Sandler & Sons Inc., marks Fuller’s first master-planned community in Virginia.

“We try to offer something new and different every year, and this year is no exception,” said TBA President Ed Sadler.  “People are going to be amazed at what these builders have produced.  They’re also going to be impressed with all of the details that go into creating a community well outside the realm of the ordinary.”

“As usual, our visitors can also expect to see the latest products and services available for their homes, including the ultimate in green building,” added Sadler.

The Mothership, by Miller Custom Homes, offers Homearama’s first solar panels and its first graywater recycling system, among a host of other green features.

The annual Charity House to benefit Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, is named The Conner Glenn, in honor of the son of the loan officer who provided financing for the home. Conner, who was born with a chromosome deficiency, has been a patient of CHKD for most of his 14 years of life. Built by The Walters Company, Inc., the sponsors of the house are Monarch Bank, WVEC-TV 13, Cox Communications and Sinclair Communications.

The Virginia Arts Festival House, built by Cohen Homes, will celebrate and promote the arts and culture, and offer displays and performances of a variety of arts.

The Big League, built by Joey Corp., honors local major league baseball heroes who will provide sports memorabilia and personal appearances during the event.   

The Virginia Beach House, built by TCI Inc., reflects the history and culture of the host city.

The Monarch Bank Wedding House, built by J.F. Schoch Building Corp., will be decorated and ready to host a real wedding, awarded to a military couple.

There’s also a show within the show at the 200-booth exhibit center, where vendors will display the latest products and services available for homeowners.

The event is open to the public Oct.3-19 from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until
10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

General admission is $10 for a one-day pass and $17 for a two-day pass. Military guests and seniors (over 55) get a $2 discount. Children 12 and under, and guests in wheelchairs are free.

On Monday, Oct. 6, any military guest can take advantage of buy one, get one free admission with a valid military identification card. On Cox Communications “Two-for-Tuesdays” anyone presenting a Cox Communications bill gets two admissions for the price of one.

BB&T is the presenting sponsor. Official sponsors are the City of Virginia Beach, Dominion Virginia Power, Farm Fresh, Monarch Bank, Southern Hospitality Auto Group, and Virginia Natural Gas.  Select sponsors are Cutting Edge Water Sports and Superior Equipment Sales Inc. Promotional Co-sponsors are Cox Communications, RSVP Publications, and The Virginian-Pilot.