Corey Damen Jenkins

Our Spring Parade of Homes Afterglow Party on Saturday, May 12, just keeps getting more exciting!

We're happy to announce that interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins, winner of Cobblestone Homes' Midland episode of HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown," will be joining Saturday's party.

HGTV host Bob Guiney will also be on hand to introduce an encore viewing of our episode, which was filmed in August 2011 and aired on HGTV in March.

You'll have the opportunity to talk with Bob and Corey, get photos and autographs, and enjoy hors d'oeuvres at the party, which starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 12, near 2043 Harvest Circle in Pine Hollow Estates in Midland.

Everyone who attends the Afterglow Party can enter to win a $1,000 landscaping package from your choice of local landscaping companies Bell Landscaping, Reder Landscaping, or Servinski Sod Service and Landscaping. The drawing will be held around 7 p.m., and you must be present to win.

Cobblestone Homes will have four houses in the Spring Parade of Homes, which runs 1-5 p.m. May 12-13 and May 19-20, and 5-8 p.m. May 16. See all our homes in the parade here.

Will you be attending the Parade of Homes and/or Afterglow Party? Let us know on Facebook!

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We're nearing the two exciting weekends of the Spring 2012 Parade of Homes! To help get you to our parade homes easily, we've created this Parade of Homes page on our website.

Cobblestone Homes will be showcasing four very different homes during the parade, which runs 1-5 p.m. May 12-13 and May 19-20, and 5-8 p.m. May 16:

• A Craftsman two-story at 2043 Harvest Circle in Midland

• An elegant ranch at 5104 Ridgeview Court in Midland

• A cozy condo at 7434 Rock Hollow Lane in Midland

• Our InVision Zero net-zero energy home at 5018 Butterfield Drive in Midland

At 5 p.m. Saturday, May 12, you are invited to join Cobblestone Homes and HGTV "Showhouse Showdown" host Bob Guiney for an afterglow party near 2043 Harvest Circle in Pine Hollow Estates in Midland.

You'll have the opportunity to talk with Bob, who will pose for photos and sign autographs, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and watch the Cobblestone Homes episode of HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown." We built two homes featured on the show, which was filmed locally in August and aired on HGTV in March.

Also at the afterglow party, you can enter to win a $1,000 landscaping package from your choice of local landscaping companies Bell Landscaping, Reder Landscaping, or Servinski Sod Service and Landscaping. The drawing will be held around 7 p.m., and you must be present to win.

Both the Parade of Homes and the Cobblestone Homes Afterglow Party are free and open to the public. Will you be attending? Let us know on Facebook!

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We are so excited to announce that our friend Bob Guiney, host of HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown," will be returning to Midland for our Spring Parade of Homes Afterglow Party.

You are cordially invited to join Cobblestone Homes and Bob for the afterglow at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 12, near 2043 Harvest Circle in Pine Hollow Estates in Midland.

You'll have the opportunity to talk with Bob, who will pose for photos and sign autographs, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and watch the Cobblestone Homes episode of HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown." We built two homes featured on the show, which was filmed locally in August and aired on HGTV in March.

Also at the afterglow party, you can enter to win a $1,000 landscaping package from your choice of local landscaping companies Bell Landscaping, Reder Landscaping, or Servinski Sod Service and Landscaping. The drawing will be held around 7 p.m., and you must be present to win.

Cobblestone Homes will have four houses in the Spring Parade of Homes, which runs 1-5 p.m. May 12-13 and May 19-20, and 5-8 p.m. May 16. See all our homes in the parade here.

Check back often and join the conversation on our Facebook page as we release more exciting Parade of Homes details in the coming days.

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Connie Rynalski (center) of Saginaw Township holds the $3,000 reward she received from Cobblestone Homes for going above and beyond in her energy-saving efforts as part of our Energy Challenge. Pictured beside her are Bob Guiney (left), host of HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown," and Cobblestone co-owner Mark Wahl (right) during the recent Saginaw Home & Lifestyle Show.

As more than a billion people around the world prepare to celebrate Earth Day 2012 on Sunday, April 22, Cobblestone Homes continues to prove that the steps needed to save the Earth's precious resources truly do start at home.

We recently awarded Cobblestone homeowner Connie Rynalski of Saginaw Township $3,000 for going above and beyond in her energy-saving efforts. We conducted an Energy Challenge to reward the Cobblestone homeowner who saved the most in utility usage compared to energy use projections during a 12-month period.

By incorporating innovative, high-performance building practices and technologies, we have received numerous national awards and recognition. The projected energy savings of Cobblestone-built homes average about 40 percent when compared to typical new homes. We are committed to building homes that operate at energy levels far below the industry standard.

Our energy use projections, which have been third-party validated, include the following (based on a home with approximately 1,900 square feet of finished living space):

• The energy costs for a typical existing home of this size will be about $3,300 per year.

• The energy costs for a typical Cobblestone-built home of this size are about $1,551 per year.

The actual entire year's energy costs for Rynalski's Saginaw Township home came to only $857 — including less than $300 in yearly heating costs.

"Connie went above and beyond the energy savings projections by making good choices above living a truly sustainable lifestyle as far as her energy use was concerned," said Cobblestone Homes co-owner Mark Wahl.

Rynalski received $3,000 for her energy-saving efforts from Cobblestone Homes during the recent Saginaw Home & Lifestyle Show. She credits her diligence in turning up the heat only when she needs it and down when she doesn't, plus the use of compact florescent (CFL) lightbulbs, in helping her achieve the energy savings.

"And Cobblestone built a great, energy-efficient home," she said during the award presentation.

We teamed with Dow Building Solutions in 2010 to build Vision Zero, Michigan's first Zero Energy Home, and again in 2011 to build InVision Zero, Michigan's first affordable Zero Energy Home. Although they look like most homes and are connected to the utility grid, Zero Energy Homes produce about as much energy as they consume.

We build energy efficiency into every home we construct, using only the latest technology and products to aid insulation, moisture management, energy conservation and more. We were the first area builder to commit to building 100 percent of its homes beyond industry energy standards, the first winner of the Michigan Energy Star Grant, and the builder of the first Certified Green Built Michigan Green Home, first Certified American Lung Association Home and the area's first LEED Certified Home. In 2011, we were named a coveted Gold winner of the U.S. Department of Energy's EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA).

How are you celebrating Earth Day 2012? Talk to us on our Facebook page.

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Now that our episode of "Showhouse Showdown" has aired on HGTV, we are happy to share the photo galleries of the two homes featured on the episode.

The "Showhouse Showdown" episode filmed in Larkin Township took place within two houses built by Cobblestone Homes. The show pitted professional Michigan interior designers Corey Damen Jenkins and Michelle K. Mio against each other at the two homes. The designers were given the same decorating budgets and the chance to create a winning interior.

If you missed the episode's premiere March 24, don't fret: An encore presentation will air today (March 30) at 1:30 p.m.

See Corey Damen Jenkins's winning interior designs here.

See the photo gallery of Michelle K. Mio's designs here.

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New Cobblestone Homes Interior Designer Kelsey DeBruin

It's been a big week for Cobblestone Homes.

Kelsey DeBruin and Bob GuineyNot only did we celebrate our HGTV "Showhouse Showdown" premiere this weekend while greeting folks during the 51st Annual Home & Lifestyle Show in Saginaw, but we also have added a new member to the Cobblestone team.

Kelsey DeBruin has joined our team as an interior designer, specializing in helping clients make interior selections when building their home with us.

Several Great Lakes Bay Region residents got to meet Kelsey during our "Showhouse Showdown" viewing party March 24 when she was introduced by HGTV host Bob Guiney.

Kelsey, who earned an Interior Design degree from Central Michigan University, said she is excited to be sharing interior design duties with Cobblestone co-owner Melissa Wahl.

"I love getting to know the clients and giving them a one-of-a-kind design that they love in the end," Kelsey said.

Join us in welcoming Kelsey to the Cobblestone team by leaving a message on our Facebook page!

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"Showhouse Showdown" host Bob Guiney said he didn't know what was wrong with himself during Saturday's viewing party, but he was "feeling spicy!"

So check out a spicy Bob Guiney on this video as he talks with Scott and Karla McFarland, who bought the winning house featured on the Midland County episode of the HGTV show.

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During the Cobblestone Homes viewing party of our HGTV "Showhouse Showdown" episode on Saturday, host Bob Guiney took questions from the crowd, which understandably included curiosity about his time on ABC's "The Bachelor."

Guiney talked about the reality show and how it propelled his career, leading to a friendship with talk show pioneer Oprah Winfrey and a lucrative stint with "The View," which he credits for getting him into home improvement shows.

Learn more by watching this video interview with local TV station NBC25.

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About 225 mid-Michigan residents joined Cobblestone Homes to watch our long-awaited appearance on HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown" during a viewing party Saturday at Saginaw Valley State University.

"Showhouse Showdown" host Bob Guiney emceed the event, which was part of the weekend's 51st annual Home & Lifestyle Show at the Ryder Center.

"I'm proud of this episode because it shows off Michigan — the greatest state in the United States — to the entire country," said Guiney, a Detroit native who became a household name during his time as ABC's "The Bachelor."

The "Showhouse Showdown" episode filmed in Larkin Township took place within two houses built by Cobblestone Homes. The show pitted professional Michigan interior designers Corey Damen Jenkins and Michelle K. Mio against each other at the two homes. The designers were given the same decorating budgets and the chance to create a winning interior.

Guiney said that before the show came to Midland County, they had just wrapped up filming out West, where the design competition took place in town homes.

"Then I get here, and these beautiful custom homes are on big lots, and they had everything you could want — plus great energy ratings," Guiney said of the homes, which, like all Cobblestone homes, were built to high performance standards, operating at energy levels far below the industry standard.

He said that, as always, he was impressed with the Great Lakes Bay Region — "You treated us like rockstars" — and was amazed that so many people came out for the show's Aug. 20, 2011, open house, which determined the show's winning designer. About 700 area residents showed up that day, setting a "Showhouse Showdown" open house attendance record, Guiney said.

During the episode that aired Saturday, Cobblestone co-owner Melissa Wahl told the designers that Midland is home to intellectual, professional folks who move here from all over the world. Jenkins and Mio had to keep that in mind when competing so they could appeal to this home market and the homes' potential buyers.

Of the 700 people who attended the open house, the first 100 voted to determine the winner, which was revealed as Jenkins during the airing Saturday.

During a commercial break before the winner was revealed at the viewing party, Guiney asked the crowd to indicate, by round of applause, which designer they thought had won the competition. The roar of the crowd was the same for both, which mimicked the result of voting on the day of the open house: Only 10 votes separated Jenkins and Mio.

Both houses sold within 48 hours of the open house.

"That's what I do, people," Guiney joked.

Scott and Karla McFarland, who bought the winning house, attended Saturday's viewing party. They said they are extremely pleased with how the house turned out.

They had been looking to build a Cobblestone home before finding out about the HGTV homes. They didn't get to tour it during the open house because they were in Las Vegas, but they fell in love with it upon their return.

When questioned Saturday, Karla McFarland revealed she is a Spartan, which prompted a hug from Guiney, a fellow Michigan State University alum.

"Showhouse Showdown" premiered in fall 2011 as a one-hour show. After a brief hiatus, it returned to HGTV's lineup in March as a 30-minute show, which Guiney thinks works better.

"Showhouse Showdown" airs at 2:30 p.m. Saturdays on HGTV. An encore performance of the local episode is slated for 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 30.

Did you watch the episode? What did you think? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.

 

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Bob Guiney — the "Showhouse Showdown" host who will join us for a viewing party during our HGTV appearance Saturday — says he is excited to return to the Great Lakes Bay Region.

"I'm a Detroit boy," Guiney told MLive.com. "I absolutely love the Midland area. My family has a home near West Branch and I've been going through Bay City and Saginaw and Midland all my life so it was great to have a show that can showcase my home state."

Cobblestone Homes will be featured on HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown," and you're invited to join us for a public viewing party when the episode airs at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24. The viewing will take place on the main floor of Saginaw Valley State University's Ryder Center during the 51st Annual Home & Lifestyle Show.

The Home & Lifestyle Show will feature a couple hundred local vendors.

"We've had over 200 booth spaces sold, so it's going to be a really massive show," Audra Davis, executive director of Home Builders Association of Saginaw, told MLive. "This will be our biggest year in quite a long time. I think the weather has helped, the economy is changing. The survivors in the industry, who are dedicated to their craft, are out to generate new business."

Read more of MLive's interview with Bob Guiney here.

Read more about the March 24-25 Home & Lifestyle Show here.

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"Showhouse Showdown" host Bob Guiney is filmed in front of a Larkin Township house built by Cobblestone Homes for the HGTV television show in August. Guiney will appear at a public viewing party when the episode premieres at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, during the 51st Annual Home & Lifestyle Show at Saginaw Valley State University's Ryder Center.

Everyone attending the viewing party for our HGTV "Showhouse Showdown" episode during the 51st Annual Home & Lifestyle Show on Saturday, March 24, will also get to see a famous face: Host and reality TV star Bob Guiney will be there, too.

Cobblestone Homes will be featured on HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown," and you're invited to join us for a public viewing party when the episode airs at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24. The viewing will take place on the main floor of Saginaw Valley State University's Ryder Center during the Saginaw home and lifestyle show.

The HGTV show is hosted by Guiney, who became a household name during his time on ABC's reality show "The Bachelor."

"Bob is more than happy to come back for another chance to meet and greet with the people of the Great Lakes Bay Region," said Cobblestone Homes co-owner Mark Wahl, who got to know Guiney when the two worked together during "Showhouse Showdown" filming in Midland County in August. "He's a real down-to-earth guy who cares about Michigan and loves meeting new people through the show. If you've ever wanted to meet him, the Saginaw home show is your chance."

Guiney, a Detroit native, will sign autographs and pose for photographs during Saturday's viewing party. He will give away T-shirts after the episode airs. Cobblestone will exhibit at the show from Booths #116-117 and #761-762.

In addition to his time on "The Bachelor," Guiney has hosted the Game Show Network's "GSN Live" and "Bingo Blitz," and TLC's "Date My House." He also is finishing his fourth studio album with his longtime band Fat Amy, which also goes by the name "The Bob Guiney Band." He also is the lead singer of Band from TV, which features several prominent actors.

Last summer, we built two houses in Larkin Township for the local "Showhouse Showdown" episode. Both homes have since been sold.

"Showhouse Showdown" pits two professional interior designers against each other at two separate homes. The designers were given the same decorating budgets and the chance to create a winning interior.

Mid-Michigan residents chose the winning "Showhouse Showdown" designer by voting which home they liked best during an open house Aug. 20. About 700 area residents showed up for filming, setting a "Showhouse Showdown" open house attendance record, producers said.

The winning interior designer will be announced when the Midland episode airs at 2:30 p.m. March 24 on HGTV. Some mid-Michigan residents were interviewed during filming and will appear on the show.

The public viewing party will take place during the Home & Lifestyle Show, the largest professional "Home & Lifestyle Show" north of Detroit. The show runs 9 a.m.-8 p.m. March 24 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 25 at Saginaw Valley State University's Ryder Center. Admission is $5 per person; 18 and younger free (free parking).

Will you be joining us for the viewing party? Let us know on our Facebook page!

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We're just days away from the premiere of our episode of HGTV's "Showhouse Showdown," and MLive.com is making sure area residents know about Saturday's public viewing party.

The viewing party is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Saginaw Valley State University's Ryder Center. The episode, which will feature many Great Lakes Bay Region residents, will air during the 51st Annual Home & Lifestyle Show. The viewing will take place on the main show floor at the Ryder Center.

Cobblestone Homes built two houses in Midland County's Larkin Township for the local episode.

Read more about the viewing party in this MLive article.

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