News & Events

Celebrating 60 Years of Luxury Home Building with New Evans Farm Show Home 360

Written by: Scott Shively, Bob Webb Homes

For the past six decades, Bob Webb Homes has been building custom luxury homes for families in Central Ohio, and even with all of that experience the focus on innovation and cutting-edge home design has not wavered. Since our inception, our family-owned company has built thousands of homes. Each project is special to us and unique in its own way – especially the new homes we’re building in phase 1 of Evans Farm.

Bob Webb Homes is one of the oldest and most reputable luxury custom home builders in Ohio, known for our undeniable craftsmanship and unmatched attention to detail. We greatly value the reputation we have earned and are committed to making every home truly custom to you and your needs. Driven by a desire for innovative design, high standards of excellence and exceptional customer service, our team at Bob Webb Homes works with contractors and suppliers who share this passion – many of whom have been with the company since the very beginning.

We are a proud recipient of 20 Consumer’s Choice Awards for Best Custom Builder, and at last year’s BIA Parade of Homes, our own Ohio’s Most Impressive Show Home came away with 10 awards, more than any other home in the Parade. We also were voted as the Best Custom Home Builder in Columbus CEO’s Best of Business issue.

At the 2018 BIA Parade of Homes, the Bob Webb Show Home featured a large eat-in kitchen with custom island, our famous Messy Kitchen, a glamorous master bath, a spacious nanny suite, a retractable glass wall that opened up to a stunning patio, and of course, eye-catching curb appeal. https://bobwebb.com/project/ohios-impressive-show-home/

Our Show Home 360 at Evans Farm promises to be just as impressive and a perfect way to celebrate our 60th anniversary. You won’t want to miss an inch of this home which will leave visitors inspired to envision their own custom home within the Evans Farm community. To realize your vision for your dream home, contact us for a private tour. We’d be happy to show you around and help you design the luxury home you have worked so hard to achieve.

During phase 1, we will build four new inventory homes that will feature custom details Bob Webb is known for such as our Exclusive Messy Kitchen, which is a separate cooking space used to prepare food so your primary kitchen remains beautiful for entertaining. Our team will be building both custom homes as well as Simplified Living homes in Evans Farms. A Bob Webb custom home is truly one-of-a-kind and created to fit each individual homeowner’s needs. When selecting a Simplified Living home, a homeowner is choosing to enjoy life without the hassle of regular home maintenance – no mowing or snow shoveling required with this home style. It is important for us to build homes that work for your phase of life and that means allowing you more time spent with family and friends, traveling, entertaining and doing the things you want to do.

Spring Preview

Although it was far from a “spring” preview, each Sunday in March attracted between 200-300 guests to our community to learn more about our neighborhoods and tour several homes. Evans Farm coordinated with eleven of our builders to open fifteen homes for public tours during our four-week event. All of these homes are in various stages of construction and were open to the public on Sundays for a few hours.

Each week, Evans Farm asked a local professional to open the day by speaking briefly about a topic related to our community. The topics ranged from the “2019 BIA Parade of Homes” to “The Parks at Evans Farm” to “The Commercial District” and finally “Building an Energy Efficient Home”. After the presentations, a short question and answer session took place and then all of the houses were open for viewing.

Since there was such a strong interest in this event, the Evans Farm staff and our builders have agreed to continue opening the homes to our guests for the month of April. We will coordinate with the builders to have several houses open April 7, 14 and 28 from 2-5pm.

BIA Parade of Homes breakdown

• 14 homes in the showcase
• 12 builders
• Price range of houses $700,000 to 1 Million +
• Wrap-a-round and double front porches
• Carriage house apartments over garages
• Outdoor living spaces
• Swimming pool
• 4-car garage
• Home theater room
• and many other unique features

“Under the Boardwalk”

One of the most popular features of Evans Farm will be the connectivity throughout the neighborhood. The boardwalk, found in the heart of Central Park will allow residents a shortcut to travel to nearby amenities. In addition, the 2019 BIA Parade of Homes’ visitors will have easy access to all 14 homes.

In keeping with our vision of sustainability, this boardwalk is constructed using mostly recycled materials. The Evans Farm staff reused old telephone poles that were pulled from the entrance of Evans Farm Drive for the foundation. The decking planks were milled from trees that were removed onsite.

Greenhouse & Nursery

Evans Farm’s greenhouse and nursery has been relocated since last growing season. It can be found on Shanahan Road, just north of North Road. Already this growing season we have several oaks, sycamores, buckeyes and other seeds planted. In addition, some of our older trees, in the nursery are starting to bud. It’s a good sign that spring is finally here!

Get Tough on Cancer

Written by: Larry Boord, Future resident & LLS advocate

Every three minutes, a person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every nine minutes, someone dies from cancer. Thankfully, there are individuals and organizations that are determined to change those facts.

Evans Farm and our neighbors will host a reception to raise funds for cancer research on Feb. 28^thfrom 5-8 p.m. at the Evans Farm Corporate Office. Funds raised through Evans Farm’s community of residents, builders and supporters will help benefit Team Wolf Pack who is participating in Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student of the Year campaign.

Students of the Year is a philanthropic leadership development programduring which students foster professional skills such as entrepreneurship, marketing, and project management as they raise funds for the fight against cancer. The coveted title of Student(s) of the Year is awarded to the candidate or co-candidate team that raises the most funds during the 7-week competition.

Team Wolf Pack is comprised of Sophomore Megan Grimshaw and Junior Jimmy Sauder from Worthington Kilbourne High School. Grimshaw and Sauder were nominated to run in this year’s competition and have recruited a team of friends and family to support their efforts. The Students of the Year competition runs from January 17^th– March 8^th. Winners will be announced at the Students of the Year Grand Finale Celebration on March 8^that the Bluestone in Columbus.

As the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting blood cancers, LLS has invested more than $1.2 billion in pioneering cancer research over its 70-year history, driving breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine. In the past two years alone, the FDA approved 39 blood cancer medications; LLS supported 34 of these. This research is saving lives. These revolutionary new treatments originally discovered through blood cancer research are now being tested in clinical trials for other cancers.

Several of the research projects at The Ohio State James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute are supported by LLS in the fight to find a cure.

Join Evans Farm, our neighbors, Team Wolf Pack and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for a night of community while supporting the fight against cancer. Guests will enjoy refreshments from local community businesses, meet former OSU players and help make a difference in the fight against blood cancers.

Residential Update

Despite the colder weather and all of the snowfall, Evans Farm has shown a large amount of activity onsite. As of January 31, a total of 34 houses are under construction or complete. These houses are currently being built by 15 different builders on our preferred builder list or representing the 2019 BIA Parade of Homes.

Stonecliff Homes

These 34 houses are in various stages of construction. Among these there are spec homes that are for sale and could be occupied within the next 90 days. While others have been designed as a specific family’s dream home and are just getting the final touches. A recent drive through the development shows visitors that a few other homes have just begun construction.

These 34 houses are in various stages of construction. Among these there are spec homes that are for sale and could be occupied within the next 90 days.

3 Pillar Homes

While others have been designed as a specific family’s dream home and are just getting the final touches. A recent drive through the development shows visitors that a few other homes have just begun construction.

Community Improvement Projects

Last year, the Evans Farm staff was asked to visit Hyatts Middle School’s PBL (project-based learning) class to offer information to the students in developing an affordable and sustainable neighborhood. Recently, we were asked back to help the PBL students create physical and virtual models of numerous community improvements. We offered information regarding Evans Farm that focused on community improvements and amenities within our neighborhood. The 115 7^thgrade students were very interested in learning more about the YMCA, park land, profitability, financing, among many other topics.

Students learned about the market demand for several community improvement that may be proposed. The presentation was broken into two main focuses, the commercial district and the parks/recreational amenities. Following the presentation, we utilized the remainder of our morning with more targeted questions asked by the students and sharing specific examples of plans and details of our community’s amenities. Our staff was very impressed with the maturity behind the questions and the thorough understanding of the development process.

There’s No Place Like Home

Written by: Joshua Perry, Realtor/Director of Business Development

When I made the tough decision to retire from the NFL late this July, the decision of where I wanted to go wasn’t tough. I knew that Lewis Center was going to be home for me. It is a place that is extremely familiar and somewhere that has always felt like home. Growing up across the lake in Galena, I went to school in Lewis Center, made some long-lasting friendships in Lewis Center, and as an athlete, I cemented the foundation of my career in Lewis Center.

Before I left for training camp this summer, I stopped into the Evans Farm sales center. I started to see some of the homes going up and like many people around, I was curious to see what it was all about. When I pulled up to the office in Old Lewis Center, I walked up the steps to a porch and when I entered, I took a look around and found a charming little office that felt more like a living room than a sales floor. I was welcomed in and was immediately introduced to what was happening. Krista, a sales consultant, explained to me the vision for Evans Farm- New Urbanism. New Urbanism is what so many of us have gotten away from, but still deeply desire. Its community living based off front porches, social town centers and open recreation. You can live, work and play all in the same neighborhood. It takes on functional design- sweeping streetscapes with no breaks in the curb due to alley loaded garages, sidewalks leading to amenities no further than a quarter of a mile away and mindfully constructed homes that take inspiration from classic architectural styles. I was a bit taken back. It is such a stark departure from what we’ve all gotten accustomed to. We’ve become used to spacious homes with rooms that sit bare, on at least 100 feet of lot frontage (which you can still get here) and so much privacy that you almost feel in danger because you don’t know your neighbors. Evans Farm brings back a sense of community. I was intrigued.

After retirement, I had to find work. I took real estate classes and eventually became a REALTOR for Buckeye National Realty. My next journey was just beginning. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from the folks at Evans Farm. The rumblings around town were that I was home and trying to make a name in real estate. They were interested in meeting with me to see what other plans I might have. After a few meetings, I decided to take on another role- Director of Business Development at Evans Farm. The game plan would be for me to help develop a rapport between local REALTORs, businesses and Evans Farm. As a kid who grew up here there was a unique opportunity to reach out to the community. But through the number of meetings I had at Evans Farm, I was sold on the vision. Having a neighborhood development that strengthens the community not only through economic infusion, but the tenets of New Urbanism, was something in which I wanted to be involved. I imagined how different my childhood would have been in a place like this. Instead of having to wait on a ride to the park or my friend’s house, it could have been a short walk away. The ability to walk with my brothers to an ice cream shop during the summer would have created lasting memories. Spending time by the pond with my dad would have been special. But even now, living in a home of just two people, the allure of Evans Farm is strong. The sense of community just outside my door would be valuable and being just a short walk away from social life and entertainment, while experiencing all the conveniences of the suburbs, is a game changer. Regardless of what walk of life you’re in, this place will make you feel at home. Evans Farm won’t just be a place to live, work and play- it will be a vehicle that provides infrastructure to keep Lewis Center strong via partnerships with Olentangy Local Schools and the Evans Farm Foundation, and that impact will be sure to last.

I’m excited to watch this project as it evolves. It’s as organic of a community project as I’ve been around and it’s just the thing that will keep Lewis Center the type of place it is.

First Residents

November brought our first residents into Evans Farm. Shortly after, the next family moved into their new home. The anxiously awaiting families were thrilled to move into their newly constructed houses prior to the busy holiday season! It is expected that a few more families will move into their homes before the end of the year.

There are still some spec homes that are available for purchase for those that wish to be in Evans Farm within the next few months. Please make sure to stop by our sales center for more information regarding spec homes or building your own custom home with one of our 12 approved builders.

BIA Parade of Homes Update

As the first half of December progresses towards Christmas, over half of the parade houses have started to be constructed. These larger houses that face towards a wooded park are beautifully constructed by 12 different builders. Many of these builders have participated in the BIA Parade of Homes events in the past. However, there are a few builders that are new to this exceptional showcase of Central Ohio homes. Among these 12 builders are:

• Cua Builders
• P&D Builders
• Guzzo & Garner
• Sierra Homes
• Maronda Homes
• Bob Webb Homes
• ALTA
• Coppertree
• Arthur Rutenberg
• 3 Pillar Homes
• Kenric Fine Homes
• Stonecliff Homes

Promotional Video

In early November, LP Smart Siding partnered with Evans Farm to create a promotional video. The video team flew in from Minnesota to obtain almost two days of footage of Evans Farm. This included two families that will be moving into Evans Farm, some of the Evans Farm staff, a few of the businesses, onsite footage and nearby footage to help share the image of what makes Evans Farm unique. The promotional video will be released to Evans Farm before the end of the year. Check our website in the upcoming weeks at EvansFarmOH.com to view this video.

Evans Farm Marketplace

Phase 1 of Evans Farm commercial is scheduled to start during the first quarter of 2019. The image to the left is a visual representation of the first building on the east side of Evans Farm Dr. and is expected to house a bank, ice cream parlor, restaurant with a brewery, and a wine and cheese bar. On the second story small business spaces are available and the third story will be apartments for those interested in living in the downtown area of Evans Farm.

Also included in Phase 1 of commercial, are condos. These will start on the east side of Evans Farm Dr., just north of the Phase 1 building, shown above. All of the condos are planned to be a townhouse-style, rather than a ranch-style.

Christmas Open House(s)

Three builders opened their houses to over 100 visitors on December 12 and offered them free beverages and hors d’ouerves. The Open House(s) Tour began at 5773 Piatt Road built by Custom Elite Homes. Guests were treated to a beautiful sunset over the west lake from the wrap-around porch of this Craftsman Farmhouse style home. The full-sized refrigeration and freezer pair along with the stainless farm sink received the most compliments.

A short walk past one of Evans Farm’s first residents led guests to the Stonecliff Homes offering. Amish cabinetry and exquisite multi-layer millwork were favorites. This home offers a first floor master suite and a flexible second floor layout that boasts more than 2,500 square feet.

The final home of the tour is being built by 3 Pillar Homes. Visitors were wowed by the wide-open main floor plan. The kitchen is truly the heart of this home located in the center of the action. The deep front porch will overlook the downtown district and a private covered rear porch will offer residents a quiet place to relax.