Rodrock Development celebrates its 31st Fall Parade of Homes

Albert Einstein remarked that, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” Given that Rodrock Development is celebrating its 31st year in the Fall Parade of Homes, that amounts to a remarkable sum of development-planning and home-building knowledge.

Darol Rodrock is among one of the oldest continuous participants in the Parade, with a winner for every one of those years, including five awards this year.

As a former teacher and father himself, Rodrock has a deep understanding of what makes for a vibrant, family-friendly community. He’s built up some 83 successful communities and helped more than 30,000 families find the home of their dreams.

Throughout the Parade, Kansas Citians can experience firsthand this Rodrock difference, with an impressive collection of Kansas City’s finest home builders showcasing their best work in 11 of Rodrock’s prestigious communities.

Twenty-four beautiful model homes are spread throughout Grey Oaks in Shawnee; Southwick on the Lake in Overland Park; the Cottages at Woodridge in Overland Park; the Greens of Chapel Creek in Shawnee; and Grayson Place, The Hills of Forest View, The Meadows of Forest View, Stonebridge Meadows, Stonebridge Village, Stonebridge Trails and Stonebridge Park in Olathe.

An entry in Stonbridge Park at 16335 Twightlight Lane, built by Dusselier & Marks Homes, won a Pick of the Parade First Runner-Up Award. Two entries in the Hills of Forest View won awards, one at 24028 W. 124th Terrace by J.S. Robinson Fine Homes, a Distinctive Plan & Design First Place Award and another at 24006 W. 124th Terrace by James Engle Custom Homes, Distinctive Plan & Design Second Place Award. Two entries at Stonebridge Trails won Distinctive Plan & Design Second Place Awards, one at 16643 W. 165th St. by Summit Custom Homes and at 16675 W. 16th St. by Gabriel Homes.

Agents are on site in all these highly coveted communities, all with extensive experience in Rodrock’s neighborhoods. In fact, some of these marketing agents have been with Rodrock for more than 20 years, so they understand the ins-and-outs of buying and building homes like no others in the business.

Just one such agent is Ann Knickrehm, who’s been with Rodrock since 1988 and is on site at Stonebridge Meadows, which boasts two gorgeous homes on the Parade.

“We have a Hawthorne II by Chris George Homes LLC, in the craftsman elevation everyone is wanting,” Knickrehm said. “It has four bedrooms, 31/2 baths, a large great room with stone-accented fireplace, the most luxurious shower in a beautifully appointed master bath and a three-car garage.”

The second home on Parade is the Keyhaven by Higgins Building Company Inc. Move-in ready, the house offers four bedrooms, 31/2 bathrooms, a formal dining room, a great room and beautiful built-in bookcases, and a master bedroom with a large walk-in Euro shower and jetted tub.

“We have many other homes that weren’t ready in time for the Parade,” added Knickrehm. “I would urge Kansas Citians not to miss seeing these exceptional plans. Put the communities of Stonebridge at the top of tour lists for the Fall Parade of Homes.”

Bruce Stout, another trusted Rodrock marketing agent, finds the Parade to be one of the most exciting times of the year. And no wonder: Forest View has had seven Parade winners in the last two years alone, including an American Dream Grand Award winner in Spring 2014.

“Our past success with our current model row speaks for itself,” Stout said. “With multiple award-winners, each of our model homes has been recognized over the past 12 months, either as Grand Award winners or as Runner-up Award winners. Having builders who offer the design and level of quality that they offer, all in a single model row, speaks to the overall design and concept we’ve embraced at Forest View. Picturesque lots and superior builders — that’s a very strong combination for future homebuyers.”

With 22 years experience helping build Rodrock Development, Mike Slaven knows a good Parade when he sees one. And this year, Grayson Place has an exciting four homes open to tour-goers.

“We have everything from a maintenance-provided, open-concept villa to an amazing five-bedroom, 41/2-bath model by James III Homes with an incredible master suite nestled in the trees,” Slaven said.

But he urges buyers to realize that they’re not just buying a home; they’re buying a community. And that’s apparent to even outside agents, as well.

“I’ve been selling homes in the Kansas City market for over 20 years,” said Leslie Feeback, of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City. “I value the principles that Darol Rodrock has incorporated into his developments.”

Feeback has sold three homes in Rodrock communities in the past 90 days alone. “I know that from the moment we enter the subdivision, there will be no disappointments. The quality of the agents on site, the pride shown in the design and construction of model homes, and the overall feel of the community are an easy sell to my clients.”

Last week, one of Feeback’s relocating families closed on their new home in Stonebridge Trails. Following their move-in, she contacted the buyers to check in.

“My clients said they were ‘thrilled that on the first night of their move, the neighborhood was hosting a movie night in the neighborhood park.’ Their daughter was so excited to walk across the street and watch a movie with new friends. This is a testament to the vision Darol had when he decided to build neighborhoods that are ‘communities within communities.’ The family-friendly developments and the commitment to protecting the value of homeownership is why I’m proud to sell homes in Rodrock developments. And there’s no better time to see proof of all Darol’s experience than on this year’s Parade.”

For more information, visit Rodrock.com.

This story was originally published October 3, 2014 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Rodrock Development celebrates its 31st Fall Parade of Homes."