AmeriTitle expands services into Bingham, Fremont counties

AmeriTitle has expanded its services into Bingham and Fremont counties. One of the largest independent title insurance and escrow companies in the Pacific Northwest with, 42 offices throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, AmeriTitle now has 10 branches serving 13 counties in Idaho.

“All of us at AmeriTitle pride ourselves in providing the best title and escrow services to our local real estate communities,” said Richard Hajek Jr., AmeriTitle assistant vice-president and East Idaho area manager. “Expanding into these two counties has been a goal of mine for some time, and thanks to the support of our new parent company, Futura Title and Escrow Corp., I am thrilled that we were able to complete this expansion.”

Apartment Association has new officers

Jared Duncan has been nominated the new president of the Eastern Idaho Apartment Association. He is the lead property manager at BMG Rentals, managing single family homes, duplexes and multifamily properties.

Aaron Belk, owner and operator of Trail Creek Property Management, has accepted the nomination as president-elect. He leads a team that manages more than 300 units between Rigby and Blackfoot.

The association is scheduling all of next year's speakers and meetings. Possible topics for meetings and speakers include fair housing and how to increase the value of property. Anyone who would like to make a topic recommendation can contact the association's officers:
President: Jared Duncan
President-elect: Aaron Belk
Treasurer: Bart Weaver
Board Member: Jake Durtschi (jake@jacobgrant.com)

Making the grade

We know the sight of dirt being moved can sometimes be the basis for wild speculation, but according to our highly reputable sources nothing is currently planned for this parcel southwest of Wal-Mart on Pioneer Road (that's the new Pancheri overpass in the background). The owner is Guy Arnold of Maple Creek Investments. Because of all the lava rock it is not the easiest ground to sell, so Arnold is grading it to make it more appealing to potential developers.

Anheuser-Busch files plans for $8.8 million water treatment system

On the eve of the Beer Fest, it seems only right to report that Anheuser-Busch has filed plans with the Idaho Falls Building Department for a water treatment system at its barley malting plant at South Yellowstone and Jameston Road.

"The $8.8 million project demonstrates Anheuser-Busch's commitment to investing in our environmental management systems and enhancing our malting operations," said Plant Manager John Drake in a press release. "Construction is beginning now and will complete by end of 2014. Once complete, the water treatment system will provide a more sustainable and internal water treatment process at the malt plant."

The project involves 176 acres south and east of the barley malting plant, which went into operation in 1991. There will be a 4,620-square-foot processing building and two circular holding tanks, each of them 8,495 square feet. The general contractor on the project is J.C. Constructors of Meridian.

Bandon River Apartments holds grand opening

Angie Ferguison of Thomas Development Co. (left) and Sheila Mitchell, Bandon River Apartments manager, handle the scissors Friday at the apartment complex's grand opening.

Bandon River Apartments at Snake River Landing had its grand opening today, with the obligatory ribbon-cutting by the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

Half of the complex's 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments are already occupied. Like Rosselare and Summerhill, Bandon River was built by Thomas Development Co. and Northwest Integrity Housing Co., a development team committed to providing quality housing to people who might otherwise scramble to find a roof over their heads that doesn't leak.

"All people deserve to have a safe, sanitary and very decent place to live," said Tom Mannschreck, a member of the Northwest Integrity board of directors.

In addition to Snake River Landing and the developers, organizations involved in the public-private networking included:
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (low income housing tax credits)
Key Community Development Corp. (equity partner)
Key Bank (construction loan)
Idaho-Nevada Community Development Financial Institution (permanent loan)
Catholic Charities of Idaho (support services)
Erstad Architects (architects)
Pacific West Construction (general contractor)
Tomlinson & Associates (property management)

The project was also aided by tax increment financing made possible through the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency. Under tax increment financing, property owners pay taxes on the land as if it were still undeveloped. Taxes they pay on improvements to property are administered by the Redevelopment Agency to pay for streets, storm drainage, power lines, etc. This allows for the development of land that would otherwise be too expensive to improve.

To live in Bandon River, you must be 62 years or older. Rents are charged according to a resident's income on a scale set by the Idaho Housing and Finance Administration.

The developers expect to be awarded the US Green Building Council LEED for Homes Platinum certification, which recognizes attention to sustainable design, energy efficiency and the use of "green" materials.

About 85 percent of the work on the project was done by local subcontractors, said Jason Kunde of Pacific West Construction.