By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer
August 29, 2007

Jan Holibaugh had a feng shui state of mind when transforming a derelict apartment complex into stylish condominiums.

“I envisioned building a community that brought people together,” she said.

The developer who specializes in renovating historic homes found herself intrigued with the Hood River project. She envisioned what the former American Village Apartments at 1706 Avalon Way could become — and then set about making the necessary changes.

“Remodeling is different than new construction because it requires a lot more creativity,” said Holibaugh.

To make life even more challenging, she wanted high-quality renovations with an upscale flair — but a scaled down price.

After nine months on the job, Holibaugh has brought her dream to reality. The MountainView Condominiums will begin selling in September for $149,900-$180,000. Forty of the 48 two- and three-bedroom units have already been reserved with a small deposit. An ADA-accessible condo still awaits a buyer before the custom conversions are made.

“I’m hoping this will be an opportunity for people who might otherwise not be able to get a foot in the door of the Hood River housing market,” said Holibaugh.

She teamed up with local realtor AJ Kitt to market the condos. Kitt obtained his broker license to start up MoonDance Realty LLC and assist potential buyers.

He has also served as the liaison between contractors and Holibaugh, whose base of operations is a 1880s farm outside Lake Oswego.

“This has been a really rewarding project to be part of,” said Kitt. “Our ultimate goal is to sell these units to people who will live here and not just own them as an investment.”

Holibaugh designed the landscaping to capitalize on the views of Mounts Adams and Hood to the north and south. She felt having the 10 structures circle a common green space was a definite plus to the concept of community. She followed the Chinese practice of feng shui — arranging space to achieve harmony with the environment — when adding trees and stonework that includes natural bird baths and benches.

While visiting Westwind Gallery in downtown Hood River, she became fascinated with a metal sculpture created by Kelly Phipps, of White Salmon. So, Holibaugh hired Phipps to design garden art and even the “Affirmation Entry” that leads into the condos.

Along the driveway, Phipps has applied her talents to large rustic panels that depict scenes of family and scenic beauty. The panels are also inscribed with words of wisdom such as, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” by Mahatma Gandhi.

Even though the irrigated and low-maintenance grounds are eye-catching — with every building sporting a new roof — Holibaugh and Kitt are even more pleased with the building interiors.

The basic floor plans of the structures, which were erected in the mid-1970s, remain unchanged. The two-bedroom units measure 800 square feet and the three-bedroom units about 1,000 square feet.

However, Kitt said every condo has undergone a complete plumbing and electrical upgrade. The floors has also been replaced and covered with Travertine tile in the bathrooms, laminated wood in the kitchen and living room and dense carpeting on the stairs and in the bedrooms.

Each unit is now wired for a stacking washer/dryer and comes with stainless steel kitchen appliances. The light fixtures are contemporary and Holibaugh added a front door with opaque glass to maximize the natural light coming into the residence.

Her emphasis on aesthetics included high baseboard trim and the addition of a pedestal sink in the downstairs bathroom of each unit. She felt it was important to make even that small room visually pleasing since it is sited near the front door.

“I’ve tried to think of everything,” said Holibaugh. “You can deliver a product at a good price that still has beauty.”

Thirty-two of the condos have cedar balconies and all have covered entries and an outdoor patio.

The monthly Homeowner Association fee of about $140 for two-bedroom units and about $170 for three bedrooms covers the cost of water, sewer, garbage, recycling, property management, property upkeep, landscape maintenance, common area insurance and capital reserves. One parking space is deeded to each unit, although there is an additional space available for visitors.

Kitt said neighbors from surrounding properties have dropped by to praise the re-development of the apartments. He said several enforcement officers, who remembered being there in the past to make an arrest, have also visited and been impressed with the changes.

He and Holibaugh are interested in pursuing other affordable housing projects if the land or buildings become available.

“Tell us about a place and we’ll get to work,” she said.