Hallman Hill

The Birmingham News

2011-11-06T10:17:00.019-06:00

Homewood's Hallman Hill uses decorator Set To Sell to help sell condos

Friday, November 04, 2011
By Michael Tomberlin
The Birmingham News
HOMEWOOD, Alabama -- Homewood's Hallman Hill has turned to an interior decorator and professional stager to deliver more property sales by transforming empty condos into spruced-up spaces.
Bee Little of Set To Sell LLC is finishing up the design of her second condo at the $35 million development, after the first one she decorated sold following its first showing.
In fact, that first unit led to two condo sales after a second would-be buyer for the decorated condo was too late to get the contract on it and opted to buy another one in Hallman Hill, according to Arlington Properties, the developer.
Those two sales are part of a surge of condo buys at Hallman Hill, which has seen six sales in the last three weeks after having only four sales the first nine months of the year.
"I have not seen this much activity since 2007," said Misty Joseph, head of sales at the 72-unit Hallman Hill for Arlington Properties.
The pre-sale period of 2007 before Hallman Hill broke ground was the most active for the project, which opened during the real estate sales slump.
Joseph said the 20 remaining properties are a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos ranging in price from $250,000 to $489,000.
Envisioning space
She said at least two of the recent sales were directly attributed to Little's work.
"The funny thing about spaces like this is when they're empty they tend to look smaller than when they're properly furnished," Little said. "A potential buyer needs to envision the space the way they would live in it and I help them do that."
Margi Ingram of Ingram New Homes is overseeing marketing for all of Arlington Properties' residential properties. She said often an obstacle to a condo sale is the difficulty in imagining all of their things fitting in the space.
"It's very helpful for them to realize what can go in it," she said.
But Little said she aims to do more than give the condos a lived-in look -- the staging side of what she does. She also wants to add accessories, touches and color to give it the "wow!" factor -- the decorator side of her work.
"In this economy, there is so much competition for selling a home and sellers are looking for anything that will give them an edge," she said. "Anything you can do to make it move-in-ready or make the showing memorable or something to spark the imagination can be important.
Accidental stager
Little, a New Orleans native, found she had a knack for staging and decorating almost by accident.
In 2005, she started Martin Lands LLC, which was intended to buy properties, renovate them and flip them for a profit.
In order to flip the homes at the highest possible profit, Little decorated and staged them to maximum effect. Real estate agents who showed the properties began to ask Little for help with some of their other properties, which led to her forming Set To Sell in 2007.
Her company works with builders real estate agents, developers and homeowners to boost the appeal of properties to the largest number of potential buyers. Little owns a 16,000-square-foot warehouse where she keeps an inventory of furnishings and accessories.
Property owners like Arlington Properties then leases the furnishings or can purchase some custom pieces while a condo or home is being shown. The property buyer can then decide if they want to buy all or part of the furnishings. What's not bought is taken back to the warehouse for use in the next project.
Special challenge
Little has done work at large homes and small ones ranging from gated communities in Birmingham to vacation homes at Lake Martin. Condos like Hallman Hill represent a special challenge and opportunity, she said.
"It has a very different vibe from a traditional house and you want to reflect that difference while still showing the traditional features people expect from a home," she said.
Ingram said everything in home sales these days is about making a connection with a potential buyer -- one that convinces them they've found their new home.
"You've got to give people the desire to move," she said. "Sometimes that can be something subtle but sometimes they have to be shocked into making that sort of move."
Little said she realizes she's using physical elements to make that sort of emotional connection all the time.
"Whether its staging or design or decorating, it's all about having an effect on those who will see it," she said. "You're going for a feeling."
Still, Little said a practical decision will trump an emotional one every time, as it should.
"The price will always be the most important factor," she said. "I can make something look as grand as the client wants, but if they're asking too much it's not going to sell."

Holidays are Here!

2011-10-24T21:31:00.003-05:00

The holidays are here! We'll enjoy trick or treat then giving thanks then Joyeux Noel. Join us in Homewood at the Chamber's annual Holiday Open House. Thursday, November 3, 5:30 to 8:30. Shops and restaurants will be open with specials. Live music will fill the air. A trolley will run. What better a way to celebrate the open holiday season for giving and celebrating? See you there? Definitely!

On the Inside

2011-08-12T11:15:00.004-05:00

When it's 90-something degrees outside and feels like 100-something degrees with the extreme humidity, the best place to be is inside! Along with air conditioning, one of the best inventions ever, luxurious details can create the perfect respite. Hardwood and natural stone floors, high ceilings, spacious kitchens . . . we could go on and on. It's always nice, too, to collaborate with a designer with chic, calming aesthetics. We adore how Richard Tubb applied his mastery of design to our two model units. This photo is of an exquisite and functional home office. We invite you to come see it, and to visit the new Richard Tubb Interiors website: richardtubbintereiors.com. It's enough to make you want to be inside!

Home Sweet Home

2011-07-05T15:52:00.003-05:00

We all know the song and probably most, if not all, of the lyrics to Sweet Home Alabama, but did you know the phrase "Home Sweet Home" comes from a song, too? In the 1823 opera Clari, Maid of Milan, the song began, "Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, There's no place like home."

Hallman Hill is home sweet home for many, and here's how we got our name:

At the turn of the 20th century, a skilled mason of Swedish descent, A.G. Hallman, arrived with his family in Rosedale Park and purchased an acre of farmland along the north side of Oxmoor Road adjacent to Center Avenue (now 19th Street). When Mr. Hallman's brothers purchased and settled adjoining property, locals began calling the area Hallman's Hill. A century later, Arlington Properies paid homage to the history of Homewood with our name and architecture distinct to the area.

To learn more about us, visit hallmanhill.com. You can keep up with our home sweet home via Facebook, too. We have a beautiful view on life!

Continued Disaster Relief

2011-05-19T13:46:00.002-05:00

It is heartwarming to see how individuals and organizations are helping storm victims across our state. It is possible, though, to forget how much we can help now, especially while skies remain clear and life resumes for those of us not directly impacted by the tornadoes. Knowing it will take time and millions upon millions to clean up, please consider helping now if you have not already or would like to do so again. Hallman Hill is a drop-off site for relief items such as water, non-perishable foods and toiletries. Look at what we've received so far! Thank you in advance--our neighbors in Pratt City will be so grateful.

Disaster Relief for Tornado Victims

2011-05-12T10:14:00.001-05:00

We are thankful most of Birmingham was spared from the devastation of April 27, but our hearts and hands go out to our neighbors in outlying areas including Pratt City. Hallman Hill is now a drop-off location for water, non-perishable food products and toiletries. If you have not had an opportunity to donate yet or would like to do so again, please stop by our sales gallery between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. If we're not in at that moment, feel free to leave items by the door; we'll be right back. Thank you in advance! (This photo was taken in Pratt City on Mother's Day.)

We Love Homewood!

2011-05-05T15:21:00.006-05:00

Saturday is going to be a bright day in Homewood! Come out for We Love Homewood Day and enjoy the food and fun for all ages. Make sure to stop by our booth in the gym to say hi. Remember, you can stop by our sales gallery any day of the week--we now have very limited availability! For more information about Saturday, visit www.homewoodparks.com.

The Resort Life

2011-04-07T20:30:00.006-05:00

It's the beginning of April, and what's on everyone's mind? Of course work, family . . . but also . . . Spring fever. Taxes. Summer vacation. Most everyone is gearing up for that beach trip or mountain retreat, and chances are, reservations are hard to come by at many resorts. Those who have planned ahead or luck out last minute leave the daily hustle and soak up time away from it all. A common thought is, "I could live like this year round." Well, you can -- at Hallman Hill. In fact, that's a common response upon entering our courtyard, "this is like a resort." You can also walk to dinner, to shop, to explore nature and more, just as you would on vacation. If you haven't visited Hallman Hill, come see us and see how you can have the resort-like life at home, year round. Downsizing or relocating may just be a good idea!

Why Hallman Hill

2011-03-31T18:48:00.003-05:00

Why do you live where you live? Work proximity, family nearby, exclusivity, quiet or, conversely, energy? Well, no one would buy the perfect house in the wrong location. People buy in the perfect location, finding what closely aligns to their lifestyle. That said, here are 12 reasons the 12 available units at Hallman Hill are luxury condominium living at its best in Birmingham, AL:

Location, location, location. Nestled conveniently in the heart of downtown Homewood.

Courtyard. Our award-winning courtyard is much like a resort with a lighted fountain, fireplace, arbors, and greenery.

Community. You'll know the local sales associates, bartenders, servers, and of course, your neighbors in and around Hallman Hill.

Dining. Neighboring restaurants and cafes serve everything from sandwiches to sushi to steak.

Shopping. Fresh flowers, linens, clothing, athletic wear, books, antiques . . . the list could go on and on.

Walkability. Where else can you walk to dinner, to the park, to buy a birthday present, to [you fill in the blank] with such ease and safety? Our walkability score is an A+ (that's a 98; see walkscore.com).

Recreation. Whether it's the Homewood Parks, Shades Creek Trail, hoops at Samford or the Y, there's somewhere to play and exercise.

Details, details, details. Interior fixtures and finishes from hardwood floors to granite countertops to crown molding and more.

Space. Floor plans are spacious and attractive to individuals and families whether it's home or home away from home.

Architectural heritage. The varying exterior of the Clifton, Shannon and Carlisle buildings pay homage to the past and present.

Accessibility. Easy to find from all major thoroughfares and, of course, upon arrival secure garage parking and entrances for residents.

Luxury. The sum of 1-11.

We heart Homewood and think you will Hallman Hill. Come see us any day of the week.

2011-03-24T16:38:00.004-05:00

A website is an instant take on a brand, so we're happy to announce that we have a new website reflecting the beautiful view on life at Hallman Hill: http://www.hallmanhill.com/. Visit the site, and visit us in person. You just may see a couple strolling, a happy puppy dog . . . and for sure you'll become acquainted with Clifton, Shannon and Carlisle (the three Hallman Hill buildings). You can't miss the time-honoring architecture, award-winning courtyard and exquisite interior finishes. Two- and three-bedroom units are available to be your new, down-sized or second home.

We look forward to showing you around. The sales gallery is open seven days/week!

2011-03-17T10:05:00.004-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! What began as a religious holiday and became an official feast day in the early 17th century is now a celebration of Irish culture worldwide. On that note, we celebrate being in the heart of Homewood everyday with some of the Best of Birmingham (as surveyed annually by Birmingham Magazine) nearby.

As everything outdoors turns green, enjoy Homewood's parks (http://www.homewoodparks.com/), the bike trail along Shades Creek Parkway, Free Friday Night Flicks at Homewood Central Park, Homewood Soccer Park, and more. To get you started for a day in the great outdoors, the best coffee shop in town is O'Henry's. On a rainy day, check out Little Professor Book Center or the Homewood Public Library, both also on the best list.

Life at Hallman Hill . . . it's the best!

Taste of Homewood!

2011-02-17T12:24:00.002-06:00

2010-05-10T11:16:00.000-05:00

Call Today to Schedule a Tour!

205.802.7400

Taste of Homewood!

2010-02-15T15:23:00.011-06:00

It's time again for the annual "Taste of Homewood" celebration, sponsored by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.

Date: February 18
Hours: 5:30 - 8:30pm
Location: Rosewood Hall at SoHo Square

This is always a fun filled evening with the best food and beverages available. NeedCo, Inc is our presenting sponsor with WVSU Samford University sponsoring the entertainment.
Tickets can be purchased online, at the Chamber office (in the library at 1721 Oxmoor Rd.) or at BB&T Bank (Homewood Branch), A.K.A. Girl Stuff, Four Seasons Antiques, Harmony Landing or NeedCo, Inc. Ticket prices are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Participating vendors include Brio, Demetrie's, Nabeel's, McCormick & Schmick's, Good People Brewer, Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Pizza, Edible Arrangement, DoDiYo's, Pepsi/Buffalo Rock, International Wines, Michael's, Ruth Chis, Quizos, McAlisters, O ‘Henry's Coffee, Budweiser, The Basket, Pastry Art, Seattle Drip Coffee, Savage's, Dream Cakes, aloft, Digiorno's Out Takes, Edgewood Catering, Kathy G's, A Social Affair and more ..........

Hurry, tickets are limited.

Best Outdoor Living Space!

2010-01-24T11:49:00.003-06:00

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hallman Hill developer wins awards

Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff

The developer of the mixed-use Hallman Hill in Homewood said the project received high honors at a recent international builders show.
Arlington Properties brought back to Birmingham two gold awards and two silver awards from the National Association of Homebuilders Councils and Committees’ International Builders Show in Las Vegas, said a news release.
Hallman Hill, a $31 million planned residential community completed last year on Homewood’s Oxmoor Road, received a gold award in the Best Outdoor Living Space category at the show.
The Hallman Hill team included Dix Lathrop and Associates, The Garrison Barrett Group, Arlington Construction Services and The Slaughter Group.
The development also received silver awards for Best Product Design of an Attached Home Plan and Best Color Advertisement.
Arlington’s $38-million Canopy community in Gainesville, Fla., also received top honors with a Best in American Living Gold Award in the Best Rental Development in the Up To Four Story category.

Walker's Paradise!!!

2009-12-29T15:29:00.005-06:00

Click here to check out the "Walk Score" at Hallman Hill!!!

Homewood Holiday Open House!

2009-10-26T14:03:00.009-05:00

JOIN US AS SEVERAL HOMEWOOD MERCHANTS STAY OPEN LATE TO SHOWCASE THEIR HOLIDAY GOODIES! ENJOY TROLLEY RIDES THROUGHOUT THE EVENING ALONG WITH LIVE
ENTERTAINMENT & OTHER SURPRISES!

Thursday, November 5, 2009
5:00 - 8:00

BE SURE TO BRING A FRIEND & STOP BY
HALLMAN HILL

FOR WINE, CHEESE & JAZZ TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
SHOW WILL FEATURE ARTISTS FROM

BBJ Article

2009-06-28T13:22:00.006-05:00

Developer: Homewood's Hallman Hill still on track
Mixed-use project slated for August completion date

Friday, June 26, 2009
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff

The developer of the $37 million, mixed-use Hallman Hill in Homewood said the project’s first condominiums are complete and closings should start in less than a month.
About 60 percent of the 72 condos have been sold and final delivery of the entire three-building project is expected in August, said Bill Dobbins, vice president of Arlington Properties Inc.
And the 10,000-square-foot retail portion, slated for completion in July, has about 70 percent “sincere interest,” including two letters of intent from restaurants for the two main corners of the project, said Bill Clements, a broker with Reta il Specialists Inc.
Arlington’s Dobbins said he’s pleased with the condominium sales so far, especially in light of the current housing market. Prices of the units, which range between $229,000 and $700,000, have held steady and no discounts have been made, he said.

June 2009

2009-06-15T13:34:00.000-05:00

2009-05-05T10:13:00.009-05:00

$uper $idewalk $ale this Saturday,

May 9th

8a.m. - 'til
It is a once a year event you don't want to miss. Plan to shop early as stores will be opening at 8:00 am. The sidewalks will be full of bargains and what better way to spend your Saturday. Discover the bargains in your own back yard by shopping Homewood first.
Explore the unique stores all over Homewood and maybe discover a few new ones. It's fun to be greeted by the store owner that has given the store its own individual personality. What better way to sample each than with a Super Sidewalk Sale event?
"There is no place in this region like downtown Homewood in terms of the variety and types of stores we have," said Philip Poole, Homewood Chamber President. All of the stores are unique to downtown Homewood. It's all a part of the one-of-a-kind, authentic flavor of the city." "Encouraging people to shop Homewood first is our priority and this is a way to entice folks to check out our local merchants," Poole said. "We're very fortunate to have a solid core of merchants with established clientele who want to shop in Homewood businesses and share their experiences with others.""Our Super Sidewalk Sale has been a successful way to attract visitors to Homewood shops", according to Rilla Foley, owner of Harmony Landing. "The point is that people are drawn to downtown to the shop the merchants' bargains on the sidewalk. Anytime you have increased traffic, word is getting out and it is encouraging to everyone," said Foley. In the past, the Super Sidewalk Sale has attracted people to the heart of Homewood that might not have otherwise been there, she said. "They browse in our stores and it gets the merchants in a festive mood, which brings the festive atmosphere to downtown," Foley said. "It can be kind of contagious. That's why it's been so successful in the past." "The individuality of each store is what makes Homewood a cool place to shop" offered Dee Tipps of a.k.a. girls stuff. "The sidewalk sale gives us an opportunity to showcase what we sell inside everyday", continued Tipps. "It's not just clothing or home furnishing, it takes all kinds of things to get people to walk from one end of the street to the other," said Foley. "More than anything, it's about banding together to make a difference and exceeding the customer's expectations.""The Homewood Chamber is committed to doing everything it can to support Homewood businesses" said Chamber Executive Director Tricia Ford .

May 2009

2009-05-01T11:08:00.001-05:00

April 2009

2009-04-15T11:01:00.001-05:00

Homewood Chalk Art Festival Saturday, May 2 8:00-3:00 p.m.

2009-04-11T11:37:00.004-05:00

March 2009!

2009-03-30T10:18:00.002-05:00

2009-03-11T12:15:00.000-05:00

blends perfectly with the enduring charm of Homewood.....

5th Annual Chili Cook-Off!

2009-03-03T14:27:00.000-06:00

5th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Cooking competition benefiting The Exceptional Foundation

Date: Mar 7, 2009
Hours: 10:30 - 3:00pm
Location: The Exceptional Foundation
1616 Oxmoor RoadBirmingham, AL 35209
View Map

Click here for more information.

February 2009

2009-02-24T15:06:00.001-06:00

Taste of Homewood!

2009-02-05T14:50:00.001-06:00

It's time again for the annual "Taste of Homewood" celebration, sponsored by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. Hallman Hill will again be the presenting sponsor.

This will be the eighth year for the event to be held at Rosewood Hall in City Hall at SoHo Square.
The event will be on Thursday, February 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A wide range of Chamber member restaurants and food purveyors will be on hand offering some of their signature best. Visitors can enjoy a local jazz band as they go from table to table, sampling some of the best food from around the area. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $15 before the event, $20 at the door and are on sale at the Homewood Chamber office located at 1721 Oxmoor Road in the lower level of the Homewood Library. Proceeds to benefit the Chamber and its programs. Any food not eaten will be donated to Magic City Harvest Rescue Program.

For more information, call the Chamber office at 871-5631.

January 2009

2009-01-23T13:44:00.001-06:00

December 2008

2008-12-18T11:41:00.000-06:00

November 2008

2008-11-17T11:05:00.001-06:00

October 2008

2008-10-31T12:20:00.000-05:00

Homewood Holiday Open House!

2008-10-22T11:53:00.001-05:00

Hallman Hill invites you to participate in
Homewood Holiday Open House!

Thursday, November 6th

5pm - 8pm

Join us on Thursday, November 6th as several Homewood merchants stay open late to showcase their holiday goodies!
Enjoy trolley rides throughout the evening along with live entertainment and other surprises!

Be sure to bring a friend and stop by the
Hallman Hill Sales Gallery
for wine and cheese to kick off the Holiday Season!

September 2008

2008-09-18T14:29:00.001-05:00

August 2008

2008-08-19T15:32:00.001-05:00

July 2008

2008-07-11T12:28:00.000-05:00

June 2008

2008-06-11T12:27:00.000-05:00

May 2008

2008-05-11T12:25:00.000-05:00

April 2008

2008-04-11T12:24:00.000-05:00

March 2008

2008-03-11T12:15:00.000-05:00

February 2008

2008-02-11T12:13:00.000-06:00

January 2008

2008-01-06T16:29:00.000-06:00