Tri Pointe Homes has launched Willow Landing, a new neighborhood in Hollister, California. About 50 miles outside of San Jose, the new homes are in the city’s downtown, which presented challenges for the builder. Division president Jeff Frankel spoke with BUILDER about what it took to get the neighborhood off the ground.

What challenges did you need to overcome to get this approved?

Entitlements are always time consuming in the Bay Area and involved a lot of time and energy with the city and necessary jurisdictions to bring this community to life. One item that took a lot of time, opinions and engineering was related to traffic and specifically the round-a-bouts in and around our community. We pioneered these with the city which were created to help the circulation of traffic, and they are working beautifully.

What lessons did you learn through the approval process?

We learned that engaging early and collaboratively with local landowners and existing residential homeowners is crucial when creating a new community. Open communication and a willingness to address concerns help build trust and create a development that complements the surrounding area. We especially appreciated working with the original landowner, the Rosati family, and the families of the Brigantino and Tonascia as well as the local education system. Their insights and feedback were invaluable in shaping a community that aligns with the needs of current and future residents.

What was your thinking on amenities? How does being close to a downtown change your thinking?

With its proximity to downtown Hollister our residents will have easy access to shopping, coffee shops, and restaurants just around the corner. The key amenity within the community is a multi-use park within walking distance, providing a central gathering space. Willow Landing is also designed for both pedestrians and bicycles, featuring a wide center street with dedicated sidewalks and bike lanes on either sides.

It's a tough time right now with mortgage rates high and affordability challenging many buyers. How are you addressing this?

It is true that mortgage rates are at elevated levels compared to previous years which can present challenges for buyers. Tri Pointe Connect, our in-house lender, is ready to provide solutions to assist with flexibility and affordability to assist people that are interested in our community. Their ability to communicate directly with our customers to find out what works best for them is their specialty.