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Maywood Company targets McVey area

 Larry Todd, president of the Maywood Company in Lake Oswego, is building two homes in close proximity to Palisades Marketplace ... Todd says he is excited to build the new homes with views of the mountains and a short walk to shopping

 By NICOLE DECOSTA
     Staff Reporter

      As if playing the board game Monopoly, homebuilder Larry Todd neatly placed luxury homes throughout the winding neighborhoods surrounding Hallinan Elementary School. On a recent crisp morning, Todd cruised the neighborhoods surrounding the Lake Oswego school and paused briefly in front of the homes, like a proud father.
     "We’ve got 10 houses within a mile of here. Here’s a house we did about three years ago," said Todd, pointing out his car window.
     As president of the Maywood Company in Lake Oswego, Todd said he has seen the city change and evolve over the 26 years his company has been in business. Now, with two projects in the works on Pine Street behind the Palisades Market shopping center, Todd sees the McVey area as the next real estate hot spot.
     "(In this neighborhood) you’ve got large lots, view lots and the ability to walk to Coffee Nook or Starbucks. I just think this area is going to be the next transition area," said Todd.
     Tucked beneath tall trees, hugging Freepons Park and with mountain views and close-by shopping and schools, the McVey/South Shore neighborhood seems to have valuable amenities, attracting Todd.
     "I think this area here is priced like First Addition was a few years ago. This is going to be another First Addition," said Todd.
     On Pine Street, Todd wanted the two new houses to fit in with the established neighborhood and quaint charm.
     "The key is to maintain homes that are similar to the neighborhood so they don’t just jump out at you. You want to stay with the nature of the neighborhood. You don’t want your houses not to fit in," said Todd.
     Beautiful views, with homes tucked within the serenity of Oswego’s hillsides, drew one neighbor to the area 20 years ago.
     "It’s quiet, friendly and the school district is excellent," said Susan Hereford.
     Hereford purchased her home two blocks from Todd’s new construction site as an opportunity to bring her children into the Lake Oswego school district at an affordable price, she said.
     "I think Larry’s bringing value to this neighborhood. The thing that’s exciting for me is that there is a high level of integrity and craftsmanship that he brings to each job," said Hereford. "He’s a builder with a lot of integrity."
     With a completion date set for spring, Todd said the proximity to the Tri-Met bus line, shopping and parks make this neighborhood desirable, while not unreasonably priced.
     "This is an area where you can put more affordable housing because lot costs haven’t gotten totally out of hand," said Todd.
     Todd feels that the well-established neighborhood has potential for some redevelopment only if exercised effectively, involving all neighbors and choosing floorplans that blend with the current architecture and landscaping.
     When beginning a project in a new neighborhood, Todd makes it a point to present the company’s plans to those nearby.
     "Whenever there is any neighborhood concern, find the most concerned person and hold a neighborhood meeting. It’s just so much easier for everyone," said Todd.
     The Maywood Company is building two side-by-side approximately 3,000-square-foot homes, set for completion in April. The exterior of one home will have a cedar shingle front while the other will be a transitional traditional, said Todd.
     "Both houses will have a lot of storage and view of Mount Saint Helens," said Todd. "And with (Palisades Market) so close, you can always see whether the store is busy … There’s a nearby path."
     With a focus on craftsmanship, Todd said the Maywood Company believes that quality construction with a commitment to the community benefits all. After building 600 homes since 1979, working primarily in Lake Oswego and Portland’s West Hills, the company pays attention to detail, Todd said.
     "I think we’re known for our finished carpentry," Todd said.
     The company built six new homes in the nearby Skylands neighborhood over the past decade, and incorporates vaulted ceilings, high-end cabinetry, slab granite and unique interior and exterior lighting into projects. One nearby homeowner recently toured homes built by the Maywood Company.
     While the neighborhood as a whole must adjust to the new homes, one neighbor says she doesn’t mind the change.
     "This neighborhood is the best-kept secret in Lake Oswego," said neighbor Karen Rosenberg. "I love living up here and I’m happy other people are seeing its potential."
     The Maywood Company operates as a family affair. Debbie Todd, Todd’s wife, markets the properties through Realty Trust Group in Lake Oswego, where the couple also resides.
     Todd also finds community involvement important, not only through new home construction and the Portland Metropolitan Homebuilders Association, bust also sports and education. As a board director for Lakeridge Youth Football and the coach of youth baseball and basketball, Todd said he enjoys getting to know local families.
     "If you live and build in the same community you see the people – it’s rewarding," said Todd. "We’ve tried to do quality work for a lot of years. I think we’ve added a lot of beautiful homes to this town."

(Article reprinted by permission, Lake Oswego Review/West Linn Tidings - Feb. 9, 2006.)

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Last Updated 10/16/2006