Polystyrene foundation blocks, also called ICF block (Insulated Concrete Forms) are really energy efficient and add lots of insulation value to a home. It’s more expensive than normal concrete foundation walls but is quicker. The foam blocks are 24 inches long, 16 inches tall and hook together like Legos. When used for an entire house, foundation and vertical exterior walls it really gives a solid, well insulated house.

This guy is an animal … I call him The Warrior

Summary: Apple, going by the code name “Maverick” in their discussions with the county, has an option to buy a 160 acre plot of land currently owned by Crook County and only 1/4 mile from Facebook’s state-of-the-art data center completed Spring 2011. The option expires this month, so the county expects a decision in the next few weeks – Crook County officials sound “hopeful”.

Tech companies are attracted to Prineville for many reasons: The cool yet dry air and consistent sunshine make for the perfect climate, Oregon’s relatively low energy costs, federal incentives to expand to areas in the US with low unemployment, and primarily the tax breaks. Crook County struck a tax deal with Facebook filing the data center as a rural “enterprise zone” which spares computers and similar equipment like servers from the overall property tax Facebook will pay; it’s these potential million dollar exemptions that attract Apple and other companies.

Hopefully our legislators don’t destroy this great opportunity by superseding these local tax deals!! Crook County unemployment peaked in June 2009 at 18.7% but still hovers around 15% and although these data centers employ relatively few workers they attract huge investments and could help harvest a new industry in Central Oregon. Check out these links to see what I’m talking about:
http://www.oregonlive.com/…/oregon_tax_officials_run_afoul.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/…/facebook_hires_salem_lobbyist.html

And check out this great article on Facebook’s new data center: http://www.wired.com/…/facebook-data-center/all/1 I love the open source trend – I’ll take a peak at the blue prints and maybe Apple will consider Steve Bennett Builders as a contractor consultant.

First Story will finance a zero down payment, zero interest 30-year home mortgage for the well-deserving family; YouthBuild will provide the builders! YouthBuild offers young adults hands-on job training by employing them to build affordable housing in local neighborhoods while at the same time helping them earn their GED and work their way to full-time employment or college.

Home ownership is one of the pillars of the American Dream and I love hearing positive stories about first-time home ownership, especially when it’s local. I hope to find a way for Steve Bennett Builders to get involved.

Mandala-Agency produced this 3D Flythrough of the Clubhouse and were kind enough to allow me to share it on my website. While seeing it in person is the best way to truly appreciate how awesome this project really is, this video gives a nice taste. I hope you enjoy it.

Perfectly situated on a natural rock outcropping with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smith Rocks and snow-capped Cascade Mountains, The Clubhouse offers an accommodating environment for business and social events alike including friendly gatherings, business meetings, private dining and wine tasting.

Follow Steve Bennett Builders on Twitter and Facebook. Connect with me on Linkedin. View more photos on our Flickr page and videos on our Youtube page.

Come back soon to read my personal blog on current project statuses and up-to-date analysis of life and work in beautiful Central Oregon.