CCCIA recognizes top Showcase of Homes honorees
The Cape Coral Construction Industry Association on Thursday feted the most original and stunning homes in the city at its annual Showcase of Homes awards gala at the Palmetto Pine Country Club.
“These are the best in show for the homes in Cape Coral. Local builders take a lot of pride in what they do and we give awards for landscaping and the trades and the overall best home,” said CCCIA president Marty McClain. “We give the awards to the best home and individual awards for the best amenities.”
The homes were grouped by price points and were judged on landscaping, pools, indoor and outdoor, kitchen and bath and other categories, from homes under $250,000 to those $1.5 million and up.
Among the judges was city Councilmember John Gunter, who said the competition was as fierce as ever.
“Most of the houses were exceptional, with maybe a one- or two-point difference between the houses,” Gunter said. “There were some homes that could have won awards but weren’t finished yet.”
There can only be one “Best in Show” and this year it went to Koogler Homes with its “Modern Jewel,” as it won its class in $1.5 million and up as well as best overall Interior Dcor and Landscaping.”
“We have 45 years in the building industry. I believe the new ideas I put into this home, it will make a huge difference on the way we build homes in Florida,” said Don Koogler. “We’ve been known for high-end attention to detail and new features you don’t see in homes. No two homes we build are alike.”
Of the 13 divisions, seven homes won in sweeps.
Carol Congelos and Congelos & Beattie Development swept the category in the $800,000 to $900,000 division with “The Princess.” She said everyone is excited about the home they built, and that they were only as good as the people who helped build the house, meaning the skilled trades professionals who labored to make their home tops.
“We pride ourselves on having a really good team and a lot of that is family oriented and we’re excited we can bring this back to everybody,” Congelos said. “People want to see these homes that won awards and what the different builders can offer.”
A great house doesn’t have to cost millions. Tudor Villas swept in the $300,000 to $350,000 class with “Havana.”
“It was a fantastic thing. We changed our positioning from upscale homes to something more affordable,” said Lars Mansson of Tudor Villas. “It worked out well and we were very lucky.”
Even if they didn’t sweep, just to be named best house is still an honor. Arnold Roberts Signature Homes and the “Savannah Grand” won the $500,000 to $600,000 weight class.
“The Builders Showcase is such a great event for the builders and the community and all the vendors who work in the industry,” said Arnold Egan. “To be awarded an overall winner is a high honor. We have an outstanding model and team and we look forward to this event every year.”
These homes will be featured during the Showcase of Homes to take place starting this Friday through Sunday, and also running Jan. 24 to 26 and Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
For more information on the Showcase and to locate the homes, visit cccia.org/builders.