In the News

Join us for the opening weekend of the Savannah Model. Tim O’Brien Homes, along with Neumann Companies, SunVest Solar Inc., and the City of New Berlin, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 20th at 10 am at the new Savannah Model Home at Wisconsin’s first Net Zero community, Red Fox Crossing in New Berlin. Opening weekend will continue July 21st at normal model hours, noon to 5 pm.

A Net Zero Community has the electrical generation from photovoltaic (PV) solar systems (the amount produced) that will offset the projected electrical consumption (the amount used) of each individual home built. All of the 34 homes will include a six to eight kW photovoltaic (PV) solar array and receive third party certification by: ENERGY STAR® V3 National Qualified Home, Focus On Energy, EPA WaterSense® and EPA Indoor Air Plus Qualified Home.

“Red Fox Crossing has the potential to be the turning point in building a more sustainable community in Wisconsin, versus focusing on only one home at a time,” says Tim O’Brien, President of Tim O’Brien Homes. “A more holistic approach to high performance and sustainable communities.”

The Savannah home plan was Tim O’Brien Homes Parade Model in 2017 and has proven to be a popular addition especially for those homebuyers wanting a more spacious ranch layout. This split bedroom layout features over 2,400 square feet, a soaring front foyer entry, spacious master bedroom suite, open concept design and powered by the sun with solar panels.

This model home is among one of the first three homes in the state of Wisconsin that is certified by the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home.  It has a Home Energy Rating Score (HERS) of 26, the Savannah will only use 26 percent of the energy a code build home of its size would. The Home Energy Rating Score (HERS) is a national index that shows where a home lands on an energy scale. The lower the score, the more energy-efficient the home and the more money the homeowners will save, similar to the MPG rating for automobiles.

“Buyers are looking for ways to save on their true cost of homeownership,” says Angela Cooper, Milwaukee Division President of Tim O’Brien Homes. “The upfront costs of building a net zero home might be slightly more than a code-built home but the money saved in monthly utility bills results in an overall less expensive home.”

The three partner companies share an environmental tie. Tim O’Brien Homes focuses on energy efficiency and green building.  In fact, they built the first Emerald Certified home following the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). Neumann Developments, Inc. has developed over 3000 acres of land with 50% preserved green space. SunVest Solar adds the technology to bring solar energy to the homes, both new and existing homes as well as commercial projects.

“It has always been our dream to offer an energy independent community,” said Matt Neumann, President of Neumann Companies. “We are excited to have all three companies involved in creating Wisconsin’s first Net Zero community.”

Other highlights of the Savannah include a gourmet kitchen with built-in appliances, soaring cathedral ceiling and spacious great room and dinette. The great room is anchored by the fireplace and unique box tray ceiling. The large master bedroom suite has a substantial walk-in closet and spa-like bath.  A family work zone that features a desk, lockers, and a closet. On the opposite side of the home are two spacious secondary bedrooms connected by a private, Jack & Jill bath.

Red Fox Crossing is located on the southwest corner of W. Grange Avenue and S. Sunnyslope Road, serviced by New Berlin School District, and close to shopping and Interstate 43.  Homes range in size from 1,900 square feet for a ranch and 2,200 square feet for a two-story and feature natural materials on the exterior.  The neighborhood is 50 percent sold out with home and lot packages from $450,000 to $650,000.