Even in weak construction environment, Warrenton development project hums along

Published 5:00 pm Sunday, October 31, 2010

A few years ago, you couldn’t go far in the Columbia-Pacific region without encountering evidence of construction.

Today, the sound of hammers and heavy equipment is more the exception than the rule.

One of those few exceptions is Warrenton’s Ann Marie Park subdivision, where Gil and Ann Marie Gramson are selling lots to local builders, who, in turn are selling homes.

“This is where the action is,” said Gil Gramson, who, with his wife owns Sand Works, Inc.. Through this corporation they are developing Ann Marie Park which is located along Southwest Juniper Avenue.

“This is the only thing going on in Clatsop County,” Gramson said.

“Some say it’s the only thing going on in the whole state,” added Mark Corpi, who owns North Coast Classic Homes, of Astoria. He is also a partner with Sunrise Home Building located in Warrenton.

As far as area builders are concerned, Ann Marie Park could be their saving grace through what experts are calling a housing depression.

“There’s nothing going on in St. Helen’s right now,” said Diana Cap, who, with husband Paul owns Paul Cap Contracting, Inc., of St. Helens. The two are among half-a-dozen regional builders to work at Ann Marie Park.

The Warrenton Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat for Ann Marie Park in March. The 15-plus acre property is zoned for medium density with plans for 59 lots ranging from 7,000 square feet to 11,000 square feet.

“We’ve owned the property for 32 years,” said Gramson, whose brother Rod Gramson developed the nearby Juniper Ridge subdivision.

Gil Gramson is Warrenton mayor, running for re-election to the city commission on Nov. 2. He predicts Warrenton, which is fast becoming a center for big box commerce, will continue to demand new housing as the years go by.

“We expect to see more growth,” he said. “We won’t be exploding, but we’ll have slow, steady growth.”

Through their Sand Ridge Construction company, Gil and Ann Marie Gramson build the lots, which they in turn sell to individual builders.

“We carry the contracts for the builders and they get the (construction) loans,” said Gil Gramson.

All 12 lots in Phase I sold in the first 60 days, said Gramson. So far, 10 of those lots feature homes, some of them finished and occupied.

“Mark sold the first home here,” said Gramson, noting that Corpi actually lives in one of the Ann Marie Park houses. “We’ve had quite a few people in the Coast Guard who have moved here,” he added.

Homes, which range in size from 1,685 square feet to 2,300 square feet, sell for $225,000 to $267,000, said Corpi.

A Sand Ridge Construction crew is currently busy creating 15 lots in Phase II of the project.

During a recent tour of the site, Gramson pointed out the highlights of the location. “That over there is a nice stretch that overlooks a wetland,” he said.

Builders have reserved 10 of the 15 lots in Phase II, said Gramson.

Gramson said Sand Ridge Construction plans to begin work on Phase III next summer.