Elevation Homes Builders Earns 2020 Parade of Homes People’s Choice Overall Award

Elevation Home Builders is the overall winner for the 53rd Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes People’s Choice Awards. It’s the second straight year the company earned the top spot.

The winning house at 402 Windmill Place in Iowa City received the highest number of votes and averaged 4.9 stars out of five on the ParadeSmart App home-touring enthusiasts used to rate during the Aug. 1-9 scattered-site event. The home’s exterior will grace the cover of the 2021 Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes magazine and promotional poster.

“This win is a reminder to my team and I to keep pushing the envelope and taking risks,” said Elevation Home Builders Builder/Designer Amy Pretorius of the entry that also won the 2020 Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes Builders Excellence Award in the $651,000 + Category. “This home is the result of trying to design a home on a not so great lot. We have found certain challenges inspire creativity that can lead to truly breathtaking homes.”

The Craftsman-styled home is a modern twist on traditional design with four levels of finished living area and 10-foot ceilings on the main floor. The kitchen highlights the open living plan with a large eat-in island, dark walnut cabinets, a vent hood and hidden walk-in pantry. The technology-driven home design offers smart appliances, smart lighting, in-ceiling speakers and a car elevator. An attic loft presents a second wet bar, a metal-staircase railing with an opening to view down three levels and a covered cedar-lined deck with a glass railing.

Elevation Home Builders Builder/Project Manager Nate Knause emphasized the team aspect of the project. “I want to thank my team and Amy for all their hard work, and Adam Pretorius at Lepic-Kroeger, REALTORS for the outstanding staging of the home,” he said. “It means a great deal to know the public likes our workmanship and home designs.”

Pro Home Solutions’ entry at 4008 Stewart Road in Iowa City was the 23rd Remodelers Parade top overall vote getter and second overall among all homes with a 4.7 rating. The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath whole-house remodel boasts a built-in wine fridge, gas range, spacious center island and cozy fireplace in the kitchen. The master bedroom features an en suite bath with lots of natural light, dual sinks and a walk-in closet. The newly finished basement adds considerable square footage for additional living space. 

“We are honored to be chosen as the Remodelers Parade People’s Choice Overall Winner. This house was truly a labor of love and we have many people to thank who contributed to this success,” said Pro Home Solutions Co-Owner Michelle Provorse. “Our goal was to maintain the original charm of this lovely home while updating it to offer a more sophisticated and chic style so that it feels like the best of both worlds.”

Winners in the four other People’s Choice Awards categories are:

Interior Design:
Elevation Home Builders (Whole-House Remodel)
2019 Laurence Court, Iowa City
4.9 Stars

Kitchen: TIE
Elevation Home Builders (New Construction)
402 Windmill Place, Iowa City

Remple Construction & Cabinets Inc. (New Construction)
1525 Salm Drive, North Liberty
4.9 Stars

Landscaping:
Remple Construction & Cabinets Inc. (New Construction)
1525 Salm Drive, North Liberty
4.9 Stars

Master Bath:
Elevation Home Builder (New Construction)
402 Windmill Place, Iowa City
4.9 Stars

All entries may be viewed on the Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes Virtual Tour, accessible at www.iowacityhomes.thegazette.com and the ParadeSmart App until next year’s parade. The tour includes a 360-degree view of the homes.

The 2020 Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes was presented by Hills Bank and Urban Acres Real Estate and put on by The Greater Iowa City Area HBA. Other sponsors are ABC Supply Co., Alexander Lumber, Bachmeier Carpet One Floor & Home, CBI Bank & Trust, McGrath Hawkeye Harley-Davidson, MidAmerican Energy and Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor. Promotional partners are Ad-Market Productions, the Cedar Rapids Gazette and Easton Design. Volunteer coordinator was Rapids Reproductions, Inc.