The Waters Team Designs/Constructs this Year’s Playhouse

(April 6, 2007) -- Anybody who has seen gulf coast resort communities like Sea Side, Rosemary Beach or others will recognize the model when they view Montgomery’s newest and most innovative planned community. Called The Waters and located off Marler Road in Pike Road, Alabama, the lovely little village is home to bold and stately mansions and townhouses and waterside cottages reminiscent of the Victorian era of architecture. In the town square, there will be quaint sidewalk shops with upstairs condos. The architecture, design and concept are new to Montgomery, and truly an inviting and inspiring gift nestled among the rolling hills and moss-covered trees of east Montgomery County. One has only to ride down the quiet, cozy streets to become enamored with the architecture and the superior building.

And, in April 2007, some lucky family will have a miniature version of one of The Waters’ splendid residences located in their backyard because of the generosity and vision of Ed Welch, one of the community’s developers, and one of his most talented builders, Shawn York. The playhouse, which will belong to one lucky donor after this year’s 2nd Annual Making Homes Safe Havens fundraising event, was designed by The Waters masterful town architect, Stephen A. Mouzon. Mr. Mouzon is renowned for his work with planned communities. It has been built by Mr. York and a team of volunteer sub-contractors. Mr. Welch and his partner, son-in-law Dale Walker, envisioned and recruited only the best for planning, designing and building The Waters, and Mr. Mouzon and Shawn York rank high on their list for excellence. “That’s why I asked Steve to design the playhouse for the Family Sunshine Center and recruited Shawn to build it,” said Welch, who is a long-time supporter of the FSC mission.

According to Karen Fisher, FSC board member and Making Homes Safe Havens event chairman, “I was so excited that Mr. Welch agreed to build this year’s playhouse. He and his colleagues are as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are.”

For a $10 donation to the Family Sunshine Center, donors can register to win the playhouse. It made its debut at The Waters on March 31st, then was moved to the Shoppes at East Chase where it was displayed April 6 and 7. It will be back on display at The Waters during Parade of Homes the weekends of April 13-15 and 20-22. It will then arrive at the Making Homes Safe Havens event on Sunday, April 29, 2007 at the RSA Activity Center. At that time, its winner will be announced and it will be delivered to its new home.

This year’s event will be much like last year’s. Participants can bid on one-of-a-kind birdhouses decorated by talented, local artists. Everyone’s favorite television news anchor, Bob Howell, will emcee. Nobel’s Restaurant, along with Lundy’s and the Young House, will cater the seated luncheon. The Montgomery Youth Chorale and the Rosewood String Quartet will provide entertainment. And, a children’s fashion show will be provided by one of Montgomery’s oldest and finest children’s shops, the Name Dropper.

Join us as the audience holds its breath to hear the name of the lucky playhouse winner, and discovers who is going home with the beautiful birdhouses. For information about registering for the playhouse or buying a ticket to the event, call the Family Sunshine Center at 206.2100.