Former Simonini executives launch Charlotte-area luxury home building company

Classica Homes, LLC, Charlotte, N.C., announced today the formal start-up of operations as a luxury home builder. Classica is led by former members of the management team of Simonini Builders, which this past September announced that all of its operations were to be wound down. Initially, Classica will build luxury homes in two former Simonini neighborhoods, Robbins Park, with homes starting in the low $500,000’s, and Christenbury Hall, with homes starting in the mid-$500,000’s.

Classica is owned and capitalized by Trilogy Capital Partners, LLC, headed by Bob Lilien, former Crescent Resources Chairman and CEO and longtime partner in the law firm of Robinson, Bradshaw, Hinson P.A. Trilogy is also the equity investor in the Robbins Park and Christenbury Hall land development entities.           

“We announced our hopes in September of forming a home building company to continue the success started in both Robbins Park and Christenbury Hall. We are delighted that the team, resources, and neighborhoods that came together are among the best in the Charlotte area,” stated Lilien.

Classica will be led by former managers of Simonini Builders, including Bill Saint, President and CEO, and Doug Dozier, CFO. Bill was with Simonini for over 16 years, and for the last two years served as its President. Doug was formerly CFO of Simonini. The owners of Simonini Builders, Alan Simonini and Ray Killian, Jr., will be pursuing other opportunities. Alan Simonini recently announced he would be employed by a company building homes under the name Alan Simonini Homes, LLC.

Classica will employ a total of 16 people, all former members of the Simonini team. “We are excited to bring the best talent together again and have the opportunity to serve our customers with the same passion and excellence we learned at Simonini Builders,” stated Saint. “Throughout the years, we have come to respect and anticipate the desires of customers who value their time at home and instinctively know that a high quality and well designed home is what they want.

“Our customers inspire us every day and they are why we do what we do,” said Saint. “What drives us and excites us each and every day is creating an inspired luxury living backdrop for each family to call home. Working with nationally renowned architectural professionals, we know luxury is no longer defined by size but by how the home lives and fits into the fabric of the neighborhood. Classica homes and neighborhoods will be loved for generations and are built to withstand the test of time.”

Initially, Classica will be the exclusive builder in two former Simonini neighborhoods, Robbins Park, located in Cornelius, off of I-77 and exit 25, and Christenbury Hall, located in Concord just 1.5 miles from I-85. Both communities were developed by Killian/Simonini, LLC and have been highly acclaimed both locally and nationally for their exceptional design, high quality amenities, and unique features. Classica will take over from Killian/Simonini, as the development manager for both Christenbury and Robbins Park.

Robbins Park was the site of HomeArama 2010, which had over 10,000 attendees. The community is located adjacent to a 115-acre public park which includes acres of natural wooded preserve, as well as areas that will contain sports fields, tennis courts, walking trails, and more. Achievement of this public/private cooperative venture was largely the work of Ray Killian, Jr. of Killian/Simonini, who focused for seven years on the intricate details, which resulted in a neighborhood and park that are unmatched in the area.

Classica will continue building the “Island Collection” homes, which drew rave reviews during the HomeArama event. These include five unique designs that feature right-sized luxury living, designed in combination with Bassenian-Lagoni Architects from Newport Beach, Calif., and Stephen Fuller Designs, Atlanta. Classica has a fully decorated model home at Robbins Park, located at 17500 West Catawba Ave., Cornelius, N.C. Homes in Robbins Park range from $490,000 to $700,000.

Christenbury Hall has been Charlotte’s best-selling luxury community with price points above $500,000. This gated neighborhood is perfectly located in a growth center encompassing West Concord, the adjacent University City and Huntersville. I-85 is easy access at 1.5 miles. Just as close are shopping, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities. Uptown Charlotte excitement is 16 miles south and Lake Norman water sports 16 miles west. With incredible amenities including a clubhouse, tennis court and swimming pool already in place, over 40 families currently call Christenbury Hall home. Classica has a fully decorated model home at Christenbury Hall, located at 2442 Christenbury Hall Dr NW, Concord. Homes in Christenbury Hall will start at $525,000.

“In the short time since we opened Classica, we’ve been delighted to have three home sales at Robbins Park and Christenbury Hall,” said Saint. Classica expects to break ground in early 2011 with new inventory homes in both communities.

Saint concluded, “Doug Dozier and I are extremely thankful for the relationships that have helped make this opportunity possible — our valued customers who put their trust in us; Bob Lilien at Trilogy and our bank partners; our Simonini heritage; our Classica team members; and our many trade partners, suppliers, and Realtors.”