News

June 12, 2010
By Staci Dennis
The Virginian Pilot

Sajo Farm harvests honors with accolades for community design

It's all about a timeless look with a fresh perspective for John Peterson III.

"We wanted to create something that was fresh and new but will look good in 30 years," said Peterson, senior vice president of development of Terry-Peterson Residential based in Virginia Beach.

"I think that what we created is pretty special and turned out great."

The Terry Companies Eight, a partnership of Terry-Peterson Residential Companies and Napolitano Homes, developed Sajo Farm off Diamond Springs Road in Virginia Beach.

The project recently received the 2009 Best in American Living Award for its design.

The 313-home community was picked for the award of of nationwide developments that demonstrate both design excellence and success in the marketplace

The "Best Community" accolade is designated for developments with 150 homes or more.

"It's gratifying knowing the hard work we put into this community has really paid off," Peterson said. "We are honored to receive this award."

The award is sponsored by Professional Builder magazine and the National Association of Home Builders. The national competition had more than 700 applicants.

To qualify, homes and communities must have been built between Jan. 1, 2008, and July 15, 2009. Sajo Farm's first model home opened in February 2008; the community was open by the spring.

"This is also another validation for homeowners in the neighborhood, "Peterson said. "It helps them to know they made the right decision when purchasing their home.

Before the land was developed, the property was a working farm and one of the last over sized properties available for residential development in northern Virginia Beach.

"Most people didn't know this much land was available in this part of the city," Peterson said.

"Our goal was to be good environmental stewards, so we went above and beyond to preserve trees and minimize run off."

The new Sajo Farm features four neighborhoods dotted with lakes and trees. Houses run from 1,952 to 3,428 square feet and start in the mid $300,000s, and include duplexes as well as single-family homes.

The neighborhood features a village green and park, walking trails, and an old-fashioned knot garden and pergolas as well as professional landscaping.

In 2008, Sajo Farm received and Honor Award for exceptional residential design from the city of Virginia Beach Planning Department, one of the two communities recognized with the accolade.

"This is truly a gem right in the hear of the city, " Peterson said. "It's a great location and a beautiful neighborhood."

For more information about Sajo Farm, call (757) 390-4484 or visit the Sajo Farm website

Mighty Oak Gets Its Due

by Rebecca Burcher Jones ~ The Virginian Pilot

Some 80 to 100 years ago, a little acorn fell from a black oak tree. It germinated, took root and started to grow into a tree near Lake Lawson, on property that today is just off Diamond Springs Road in Virginia Beach. Read more...

Historic Oak Becomes Community Landmark

Developers strive to save black oak at Sajo Farm

by Sara Steil ~ Tidewater Builders Magazine

It's hard not to notice the 90-foot-tall black oak with a 120-foot crown that has made its home at the entrance to The Neighborhoods of Sajo Farm in Virginia Beach. It commands a presence that can only come with age. Rightfully so – it's estimated to be between 80 and 100 years old.

View full article in the March/April 2010 online issue. Enter page no. 38 to view.

Ask The Experts Radio Interview on WTAR

As the local Chairman of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), John Peterson III talks about ULI's goals to promote the best use of land planning and it's impact on the Hampton Roads community.

For more information, visit Hampton Roads Urban Land Institute.

The results are in from our Customer Satisfaction Surveys.

Eliant, an independent company surveyed homeowners with the question: "How likely would you be to recommend Terry•Peterson Residential Companies to a friend or relative?".

For year-end 2007, Terry•Peterson Residential Companies scored an amazing 9.45 out of 10.0. This is one of the highest scores we have achieved and continues our 5th straight year with a "Would Refer" score above 90%.

If mixed use is truly the future – the future is now.

November 16, 2007
By Jon W. Glass/The Virginian-Pilot

Less than two years after being announced, the first three buildings are up and construction crews are turning ground for more in Hampton Roads Crossing.

The planned 148-acre development, which straddles the border of Portsmouth and Suffolk, is combining a high-tech research and education park with an urban-style mix of homes, shops and offices. There are also sites for two hotels.

Officials say the estimated $200 million project will bolster the region's efforts to become an East Coast hub in computer modeling and simulation and help spin off other economic growth.

"Now that buildings are up and occupied, it's generated a tremendous amount of new interest and activity," said Tom O'Grady, Suffolk's director of economic development. People can see it and touch it and understand what's to come.

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