For Immediate Release:

Vaughan, Ontario, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Empire Communities Corp. (“Empire Communities” or “Empire”) announced today that it has closed its offering, on a private placement basis, of CAD$225 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior unsecured notes due November 1, 2029 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued at par and have been guaranteed by certain of Empire’s subsidiaries. Interest on the Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2025.

We’re planting the seeds for a bouquet of new homes in Flora, a new residential community coming to Hutto by our sister company, Empire Continental.

Flora will be 835 acres of exceptional living, with a location at the crossroads of county roads 394 and 133 just three miles from the heart of northeast Hutto. Austin and popular employment centers — including the new Samsung Austin Semiconductor plant — are a short drive away.

But you won’t have to leave the community looking for entertainment — you’ll find plenty right there.

With so much to offer in Flora, it’s fitting that we’re introducing two new series of floor plans to the Austin area. Our first, will be homes designed for 40-foot lots and priced from the low $300,000s. These homes will range from 1,527 to 2,649 square feet, offering three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms.

Larger floor plans for 50-foot homesites will range from 1,911 to 3,249 square feet an offering three to four bedrooms and two to 3.5 bathrooms.

Construction on two model homes will start soon in Empire Flora and expected to open in December.

Stay tuned for the announcement of pricing and the start of sales — we can’t wait to share these beautiful homes with you!

Basements, like most things, have evolved over the years. A hundred years ago, having a coal bin in the basement was the norm. Coal was delivered through a chute into the basement and homeowners lifted shovelfuls of coal into the furnace to ensure their homes stayed comfortably warm. Let’s celebrate the fact that most of us no longer have to do that. Today, basements are used for everything, including additional living spaces for extended families, a home gym, housing memorabilia collections, and a home theater. The possibilities are endless. Read on to learn whether finishing your basement is the right option for you.

Empire Communities provides a variety of finished basement layouts. Most plans offer the following options:

1.   A large leisure room with an optional full bath or powder room
2.   An extended leisure room for an expansive space
3.   A leisure room plus a guest bedroom and full bath; some plans offer a comprehensive suite

Be sure to ask your Sales Consultant about our finished basement layouts — they’re happy to help you find the right layout to suit your family’s needs. Then, you can start enjoying your valuable basement space as soon as you move in. Similar to choosing upgrades for the main living area, you can personalize your finished basement during your Design Studio appointment.

If you are planning to finish your basement after closing, here’s what our unfinished basements include:

• Poured walls and concrete stoop
• Fully weather-stripped door between heated and non-heated space
• Insulated common vertical walls with heated space
• Stairs with a handrail plus unfinished treads and risers
• 400-amp electrical panel, white toggle switches, keyless light fixtures, a smoke detector, and a receptacle for future sewer pump and alarm installation

 Some floor plans also have:

• Water supply to the bath area
• Tub and toilet drain lines
• Holding tank for future finish

 *Not all floor plans have these extras — see your Sales Consultant for details.

Adding more space to your home may cost more, but did you know that turning the unheated area into a heated living space can actually lower the cost per square foot? Empire’s finished basement options can add up to or more than 24% of living space to your home. Plus, homes with finished basements increase in value quicker than those with unfinished ones.

You can save money on the purchase price now by finishing your basement after closing, but will it be worth it in the long run? Consider the hassle of a renovation later — screening contractors, juggling schedules for consultations, managing rising costs of labor and materials, and dealing with the mess. Opting to finish your basement at build time is hassle-free if you plan on having it completed in the future. It is a matter of personal choice and what works for your budget, so be sure to discuss your immediate and future plans for the basement with your Sales Consultant who will help guide you through the decision-making process. 

We are pleased to share that our River Reserve community in Greer, SC, offers numerous basement opportunities. This provides residents with the opportunity to customize their living spaces to meet their individual needs. Whether you desire a tranquil retreat, an expansive entertainment area, or simply more storage space, these basement options offer versatility.

For more details on these offerings, please visit our community page. These plans enable you to design a home that aligns with your vision right here in River Reserve.

Moving into a new home can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help.

Explore our guide on choosing the right lighting for your home and five clever ideas to maximize storage space in your garage.

Published by Atlanta Real Estate Forum on September 28, 2022.

SVP of Sales and Marketing, Caroline Simmel with Empire Communities, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share 2022 milestones, new products and current Atlanta BeltLine developments. Simmel joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.

Austin, Texas Aug. 3, 2022: Representatives with Empire Communities, Mobile Loaves & Fishes and HomeAid Austin were on hand Tuesday to cut the ribbon on the Happy House, a new tiny home in Community First! Village.

Built and designed by Empire Communities, Happy House incorporates a dining room, living room, sleeping area and closet within 190 square feet. There is also an exterior closet and a screened-in porch. Residents of the 51-acre community have access to communal laundry, restroom and shower facilities, as well as outdoor kitchens, community gardens and more.

“Of course, every home we build is important to us, but Happy House and the other tiny homes being built in Community First! Village are truly life-changing,” said Terry Shuffler, Empire’s Central Texas Division President. “Many of the people living in the village have been homeless for years.”

The first phase of Community First! Village encompasses 230 tiny and RV/park homes and Phase 2 — now under development — will add an additional 200 tiny homes and 110 RV/park homes. Approximately 180 men and women found a home in the community’s first phase, with nearly 100 moved into Phase 2 of Community First! Village. Their average age is 58, and most have spent about 10 years living on the streets. Residents are expected to pay rent, and homes are fully furnished when they move in, including the stocked pantry and refrigerator.

HomeAid Austin brought in Empire Communities and others to build in the Community First! Village, a project of Mobile Loaves & Fishes. The builders work with trade partners to procure discounts and donations to help fund construction of the homes. Vendors helping with Empire’s Happy Home construction include: Builders FirstSource, Keith Barker Roofing, Wester Pacific, Kent Moore Cabinets, JSS Framing, JLJR Framing, 2A General Carpentry, Cool Insulation, Amptech Electric, Stans Heating & Cooling, AusTex Painting, Dan White’s Screens & Things, E&E Cleaning and Reliable Cleaning Services.

“We are so grateful for the generous support of our vendors,” Shuffler said. “We couldn’t have done this without them.”

Besides offering affordable, permanent housing, Community First! Village has communal areas such as an outdoor movie screen and community art house that encourage people to gather and build relationships. Residents also find employment opportunities in the village, and a Capital Metro bus stop there allows residents to venture into the surrounding area for work and other needs. Genesis Gardens sits on 2 acres, and Community First! Village neighbors and volunteers work side-by-side to cultivate produce given away at a free farmers market. An on-site clinic provides physical and mental health services. Also found on-site are a chapel, dog park, grill and hair salon.

Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry that has served the homeless in Central Texas for more than two decades. HomeAid Austin is the local affiliate of HomeAid, which aims to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to build new lives through construction, community engagement and education. Empire Communities builds in 11 Austin-area communities. Empire’s Central Texas Division President Shuffler is a HomeAid Austin board member.

Learn more about Empire Communities at www.empirecommunities.com. Information about Community First! Village can be found at www.mlf.org.

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About Empire Communities

Empire Communities is a residential builder/developer involved in all sectors of the new home building industry, including both low‐rise and high‐rise built forms. Celebrating over 28 years of building inspiring new places to live, Empire has an established tradition of creating prestigious award-winning new homes, communities and amenities and has earned a reputation for outstanding attention to detail and customer service. Since its inception in 1993, Empire has built over 28,000 new homes and condos. Today, Empire is one of the largest privately held homebuilders in North America with current communities in Toronto and Southwestern Ontario and the Southern United States. For more information, visit empirecommunities.com or connect on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.

For information contact:

Haunani Shipper @ 972.415.6002

Total PR

email hshipper@totalpr.com

Located on a private cul-de-sac in the coveted Avenue and Lawrence neighbourhood, Empire Maven’s two-storey townhomes include a terrace, a rear courtyard and access to Maven’s amenities. This limited collection of townhomes was designed for those who value privacy and space but enjoy the benefits of living in a boutique residence. Scroll to learn more about some of the units’ upgraded features and finishes, and to marvel at the beautifully-staged interiors of each home.

Upgraded Features and Finishes

• Hardwood flooring
• Pot lights on main floor
• Caesarstone countertops
• Custom cabinetry
• Upgraded backsplashes
• High-end appliances
• Ample storage
• Hardwood staircase with wrought-iron pickets
• Framed glass showers

The Leland

2 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,388 sq.ft.

The first of Maven’s luxury townhomes has an open-concept floor plan, particularly noticeable on the home’s first floor. As soon as you enter the door, you’re welcomed by a large living room with a dedicated area to host intimate dinner parties at home. Make your way to the beautifully-designed kitchen where you will find a spacious breakfast nook which has a stylish island for all your cooking and entertaining needs. While the home has two outdoor spaces on each floor, the private rear patio on the primary level is a coveted feature. On the second level, the primary bedroom has a terrace where you can wake up to the morning breeze or fall asleep to the sunset, with two walk-in-closets and a spa-like ensuite. A spacious laundry room is just outside the room with a linen closet across the hallway leading to the second bedroom — equipped with a terrace and ensuite of its own.

The Prescott – SOLD

2 Beds + Den | 2.5 Baths | 2,257 sq.ft.

Come home to an L-shaped patio situated at the front of Maven’s second townhome. Once you enter the front door, a spacious foyer guides you throughout the home, with a den situated beside the front window. At the other end of the home, the kitchen features an island, a breakfast area and a pantry for your storage needs. Enjoy the rear patio with enough space for entertaining with outdoor furniture and a barbecue. One of the most unique features of the home is its elevator which brings you up to the home’s second floor with ease. On this floor, there’s two oversized walk-in-closets — perfect for him and her — with a balcony located on the corner of the home. Not only does this room have a double-sink vanity in its ensuite, but it also has a dedicated seating area. The second floor also features a secondary bedroom, boasting an ensuite, walk-in-closet and large windows.

The Thaddeus

2 Beds + Study | 2.5 Baths | 2,360 sq.ft.

Similar to Maven’s two other townhomes, the Thaddeus has a large entry patio. In this floor plan, the living room is closest to the kitchen, making it seamless to entertain. A large breakfast area and dining room is located at the opposite end of the home, just in front of the private rear patio so you can enjoy outdoor views all day long. Just like the Prescott, this home also has an elevator to arrive to its second floor which is where the bedrooms, laundry room and study are located. Each bedroom has its own terrace — an enviable part of the home — as well as a walk-in-closet and ensuite. The study and laundry room separates each room, and is located on the second floor for ultimate privacy and convenience.

Interested in our limited release of townhomes, starting from the high $2 millions? Get in touch with one of our New Home Specialists to begin your homebuying journey, or tour the townhomes at our open house each weekend at 412, 414 and 416 Brookdale Avenue. Please note: Limited parking is available at the back of the Maven presentation centre, located at 1666 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON. Additional parking is available along Avenue Road.

Building a home with Empire in Houston, Austin or San Antonio consists of several important milestones. Our comprehensive breakdown of Empire’s stages of construction will give you a better idea of what to expect. Read on to learn more about the steps that go into building your new home.

Pre-Start Meeting

Prior to the start of your home, Empire will schedule a time for you to meet the Construction Manager who will oversee the construction of your new home. At this time, your Construction Manager will go over the details of the homebuilding process with you and answer any questions you may have.

Pre-Cover Meeting

At this meeting, Empire will verify that all options are installed correctly up to this point and address any concerns. The meeting occurs after all plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins are installed and structural punch is complete, but before the installation of insulation has begun. The Construction Manager will also verify your exterior brick and paint selections, and discuss the remaining options and upgrades for your home. Shortly after this meeting, you will receive a survey from an independent research firm for feedback purposes.

Next, discover our other homeownership resources for new home buyers. Learn about Online Sales Counselors, HOA fees, and how to read your home’s floor plan.

Images courtesy of: Designblendz (Foundation).

The Happy House may not be Empire Communities’ largest home underway in the Austin area right now, but it just might be the one with the biggest heart.

With just 190-square-feet of living space, Empire’s tiny home is being built in Community First! Village — a 51-acre community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. Community First! Village is a development of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, a social outreach ministry that has been serving the homeless in Central Texas for more than two decades.  

The appropriately named Happy House floor plan features a dining room, living room and sleeping area, with interior and exterior closets and a screened-in porch. Residents have access to a communal laundry area, restrooms and shower facilities, as well as outdoor kitchens, community gardens and more.

At Empire, there’s an underlying feeling of care that runs intentionally throughout our entire organization, driving what we do and how we do it. It’s present in all facets of the business, and is even reflected in our core values — by caring for our customers, having a caring attitude, building caring relationships and caring for excellence. We embrace everything that has potential to make a positive impact and strive to inspire others to do the same. With that said, Empire is as proud of our 190-square-foot Community First! Village home as we are of the much larger homes we’ve built in the Greater Austin area, just knowing that it’ll help someone in need.

The first phase of Community First! Village comprises 230 tiny, RV and park homes with Phase 2 — now under development — adding an additional 200 tiny houses, as well as 110 RV and park homes. Approximately 180 men and women found a home in the community’s first phase, with nearly 100 now moved into Phase 2. The average age of the community’s residents is 58, the majority of whom have spent approximately 10 years on the streets.

Offering affordable, permanent housing, Community First! Village also boasts features that encourage people to gather and build relationships. From the community’s outdoor movie screen and art house to the front porches of homes, the community is designed to help residents connect. Employment opportunities can be found within the village, and Capital Metro’s nearby bus stop makes it easy for residents to venture into the surrounding area for work and other needs. Genesis Gardens has farmland on the community’s grounds spanning more than ten acres, providing Community First! Village residents with fresh and free produce. An on-site clinic provides physical and mental health services, while a chapel, dog park, outdoor grill and hair salon are also at residents’ disposal. All homes are fully furnished when residents move in, and come with a fully stocked pantry and refrigerator.

HomeAid Austin and its participating builders work with trade partners to procure discounts and donations to help fund construction of homes, while the overall development of the community is funded through a variety of grants. Recent donations have helped the organization acquire another 127 acres — enough for 1,900 permanent homes across all phases.

There are a number of ways the public can support the mission of Community First! Village. Donations are welcome, as are volunteers. You can also shop artwork, handmade crafts and other items.

Learn more about Community First! Village here.

If you didn’t know any better, you might think that home building is a male-dominated industry and years ago, we might have agreed. Today, the number of working women in construction makes up 10.9% and is on the rise.

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week, we couldn’t think of a better time to spotlight some of our female leaders at Empire and their homebuilding careers. Here’s to acknowledging some of the invaluable members of our team.

To learn more about our leadership team in Texas, click here. Discover some of the other organizations that Empire is involved with, including Sleep in Heavenly Peace.