2006 Hall of FAME Business of the Year 51-100 employees: Charter Homes & Neighborhoods

Finalist

Robert R. Bowman

President, Lancaster

Charter Homes & Neighborhoods

It starts with the name of the company.

Charter Homes & Neighborhoods doesn't just build houses or housing "developments." This construction company creates neighborhoods that feel different, something that homeowners and communities are demanding.

The company has received smart-growth awards for its innovative designs, which include Stone Creek in Dauphin County, Florin Hill and Millcreek in Lancaster County, Walden in Cumberland County and Chanticlear in York County.

Charter Homes is setting the pace in Central Pennsylvania with single-family, townhome and carriage homes, many with first-floor master suites and some offering maintenance-free living.

One major challenge the company has faced is the changing nature of the home construction industry. Many national, publicly traded homebuilders have entered the Central Pennsylvania market, redefining the value of real estate and the definitions of value and quality, with little concern for the inherent characteristics of the region. The company's ability to finance growth and manage risk - always a critical concern - has become even more important as Charter Homes finds itself competing against companies with far greater access to capital.

Through it all, Charter Homes continues to focus on building defect-free homes delivered as promised. Still, the company has also had to learn new skills, including writing ordinances, dealing with new requirements in the approval process, designing and building amenities and designing neighborhoods with pleasing streetscapes.

With 19 developments spread across four counties - and more set to open in the next 18 months - Charter Homes is on the cutting edge of mixing commercial and retail uses in buildings, like a corner stone, that fit into the scale of a neighborhood, and designing homes that celebrate the region's rich historical heritage.