Build To Serve
Hello,
In 2019, five significant bills were signed into law concerning Accessory Dwelling Units in the State of California, otherwise known as ADUs. The purpose of these bills were to lift the restrictions on cities by streamlining the process for approval to builders and to make housing more accessible for renters across the state.
Since the signing, ADUs have become a hot commodity in the apartment construction market sector. The benefits of these builds are to provide a source of income for homeowners by allowing them the flexibility to build detached units on their property and to house extended family members all while maintaining privacy.
The purpose of the ADU laws was to provide one solution for the housing crisis that still confronts the State of California. This month, Watkins Landmark breaks ground on our first ADU project. We foresee growth in the ADU construction market for many years to come.
This month’s newsletter contains articles on our Logan Ave ADU and United Methodist Church of Vista projects as well as our culture section. The first article is on the ground breaking of our Logan Avenue project and our second article is on our completion of the United Methodist Church of Vista Addition and Renovation project. Our Culture Section features the Annual Watkins Landmark Day at the historic Del Mar Thoroughbred Track.
Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions o our newsletter over the years. We truly try to incorporate the best of your remarks into our periodical. You can always click on my name and email me at Jody James Watkins with any observations or critiques.
Sincerely,
Jody James Watkins
CEO/Founder
WATKINS LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION
San Diego / Inland Empire
Logan Avenue ADU – Project Started
By Krysten Santiago, Business Development Coordinator
On August 19th, Watkins Landmark Construction broke ground down at Logan Avenue. Currently, the site has begun mobilization and started the demolition process. During and after the ceremony, Ridgeline Engineering was out to survey the job site for grading and layout. Currently, we are working on grading with Sierra Pacific West and repairing water lines with GPS Plumbing.
Logan Avenue will be an 8-unit apartment complex, consisting of 4-structures with 2-stories each. These duplex units will be available for rent once the project is completed in February 2023.
Watkins Landmark Construction would like to thank owners for their commitment to success. We are thrilled to have started the project and to continue to work together in the near future.
The Logan Avenue team consists of Belen Tillett (Project Manager), Flynn Grace (Superintendent), Jose Ramirez (Project Engineer) and Lisa Karp (Project Coordinator).
United Methodist Church Vista Project Update
By Krysten Santiago, Business Development Coordinator
with Belén Tillett, Project Manager and Joel Rawson, Superintendent
Since the last update in April, the project team at the United Methodist Church in Vista are nearing the end of their journey towards the renovation and addition process.
The team has made an astounding push towards completion as Superintendent Joel Rawson spearheads the operation. “From then till now, so much has been completed, we were in the midst of framing and planning. We have gone through MEP installation, roofing, storefronts, drywall, site concrete and are moving into finishes. We have also replaced tile and carpeting throughout the existing building. The much anticipated kitchen equipment has been installed this week, and the final drywall has been hung in the fellowship hall, with taping, texture and paint to follow.”
The Project Manager, Belén Tillett, adds “We’re also putting in all of the finishes for the MEP’s, we’re getting the rooms turned over and we’re going to start hanging doors. The plumbing fixtures are going in as well as the exterior painting being done.” The team has done a continuously careful job of making sure that they are minimally distracting to the staff and parishioners on-site, while still making sure to take the proper safety precautions and keep close to schedule. “The final bit here is finishing up the painting process as a new color has been chosen, tidying up the site and getting it ready to hand over to the clients.”
When asked about any final setbacks, Joel says “There are still supply chain and manpower issues that are causing delays, that still seem to be affected by Covid as well as logistical issues for tying the new building systems to the old. Other than that, we’re looking good.”
The church’s Building Committee, staff and volunteers held a dedication ceremony to bless the building and share the nearly completed addition with the community. Our President, Dennis Dizon was there to represent the Watkins Landmark team and take note of all of the wonderful and positive recognition from the public.
With an anticipated finish date and Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) scheduled for September 12th, the end is near and Watkins Landmark is thrilled to be able to open up the Fellowship Hall and Classroom Addition to the public. The team includes Belén Tillet (Project Manager), Joel Rawson (Superintendent), Ruben Bravo (Sr. Project Engineer), Lisa Karp (Project Coordinator), and Molly Watson (Sr. Accountant).
Culture Section: WLC Annual Company Picnic
August 4th, 2022 – Watkins Landmark celebrated our annual ‘Day at the Races’ held at the historic Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. While money was won and lost, a good time was has by all. Our President Dennis Dizon made some of the losses easier for our team as he handed every employee $100 before the start of the races. His generosity paid off for him when he hit on a Trifecta a few races in. All in all, there were more winners than losers for the Watkins Landmark team!
