A home for the holidays

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A Home for the Holidays has raised more than $750,000 for Make-a-Wish OKI since its inception.

By Mitch Allen

While we’re still enjoying Northeast Ohio’s gorgeous summer, some other folks are working to bring us one of the region’s most anticipated holiday traditions—the fifth annual Home Builders Association Charitable & Education Foundation’s “A Home for the Holidays.”

This annual raffle fundraiser gives away a gorgeous, brand-new home to support Make-A-Wish, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, along with other local charities and the HBA of Greater Cleveland’s workforce development initiatives. A Home for the Holidays has raised more than $750,000 for Make-a-Wish OKI since its inception.

Construction of the home is well underway. The 2,500-square-foot modern estate ranch is located in Highland Heights and is valued at $800,000. This New Year’s Eve, one lucky person will win it.

“The home this year is a modern estate ranch being built by JEMM Construction, the renowned design/build firm specializing in higher-end custom homes and remodels,” HBA Executive Director Brenda Callaghan says.

“This home commands the cul-de-sac it sits in,” says Josh Edgell, who owns the firm along with business partner Mark Maltry. “It features tall peaks, a prominent covered entryway, and rooflines that grab your attention.”

The home, located in Highland Heights, is a 2,500-square-foot single-story ranch with an unfinished basement and a three-car, side-load garage.

The home, located in Highland Heights, is a 2,500-square-foot single-story ranch with an unfinished basement and a three-car, side-load garage.

“There is the main suite plus two other bedrooms and a home office we’re dubbing ‘the lounge,’ similar to what was called a parlor years ago. It’s an ideal space for conversations and libations,” Josh says. “The kitchen and great room flow together well to create the heart of the home, along with an impressive walk-in pantry. And the finished area’s 10-foot ceilings—with tray ceilings that take it to 11 feet—really draw the eye upward.”

JEMM Construction co-owner Josh Edgell

This home also features innovative touches that make for convenient living. “One of the special details is what we’re calling ‘the Costco door,’” Josh explains. “It’s a half-door connecting the pantry and garage so when you arrive home with bulk items or cases of bottled water you can slide them into the pantry without having to carry them into the house. And because it’s a half-door, there’s plenty of room above it for counter space or extra storage.

But in this home, you may not need to purchase bottled water. That’s because the mud hall will feature a water bottle filling station. “It’s just like the ones you see at airports,” Josh says. “It’s ideal for filling water jugs just as you walk out the door to take the kids to practice.”

The home sits on about 1.5 acres on a larger cul-de-sac, overlooking a pond that is visible from all living spaces. “That’s one of the things we focus on,” Josh says. “Properly positioning every house on the lot so that it takes full advantage of the surrounding views.”

A Home for the Holidays is valued at $800,000 and tickets are now on sale at HBAHomeForTheHolidays.org.

Quick House Facts

  • The 2024 “A Home for the Holidays” is built by JEMM Construction.
  • The beautiful ranch home is located in the Grappa Farms development in Highland Heights.
  • The home is 2,500 square feet and has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a 3-car garage.
  • Tickets are available for purchase at HBAHomeForTheHolidays.org.
  • The modern European-style home is valued at $800,000.
  • The winner will be chosen on New Year’s Eve and will be announced on News 5 Cleveland WEWS.
  • The winner will be notified by phone and email on January 1, 2025.
Categories: Home & Garden Smart Living