Highland Homes Named to Inc 500 List St. Louis builder has grown quickly because of its focus on GREEN, urban-friendly projects

August 30, 2007: UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo.— How does a homebuilder achieve a growth rate of more than 1,000 percent in just four years? Highland Homes has done so by creating urban-friendly, affordable GREEN residences throughout St. Louis. Because of this, the builder was recently named #293 on Inc Magazine’s list of the fastest growing companies in the country.

Cofounders Bob Shallenberger and John Cavanagh have a “true urban” philosophy, focusing on architecturally blending new residences into existing neighborhoods appealing to city-loving homebuyers. This philosophy helped Highland Homes become the #1 fastest growing company in St. Louis in 2005, according to the St. Louis Business Journal, as well as the 20th largest homebuilder in St. Louis.

Most recently, Highland Homes has found success by expanding the true urban philosophy into suburban areas in St. Charles County. At the same time, Highland is continuing infill building trends with several projects in University City and other areas in St. Louis.

“Highland Homes has brought a new vision to St. Louis through GREEN, affordable and urban-friendly residences,” Shallenberger said. “This has allowed for our fast growth, and we’re excited we’ve been able to create jobs and development in the St. Louis area.”

The builder has become a leader for residential GREEN building in St. Louis. Highland’s new projects include the use of recycled materials, renewable building materials, and energy efficient windows, lighting and appliances, among many others. Highland Homes plans to achieve GREEN building status under the NAHB Green Building Guidelines.

Highland is finding a strong demand for affordable GREEN residences, selling more than 40 percent of the first phase before even breaking ground in one GREEN development. The builder expects new developments to help the company continue its growth pattern.

Established in 2003 by John Cavanagh and Bob Shallenberger, Highland Homes has rapidly become a $16 million company, as well as the #1 fastest-growing private company in St. Louis in 2005. As St. Louis’ 20th largest homebuilder, Highland Homes quickly found its niche building new homes that complement existing communities in the general St. Louis Central Corridor as well as in St. Charles County. Highland Homes is a green builder that develops environmentally-responsible homes which appeal to customers’ lifestyles with “urban friendly” floor plans and extensive options.

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