News
Preserve Development moves forward with a variety of options
Scott Wagar
08/06/2013
In recent weeks, growth on the west side of town in the new Preserve Development has picked up with progress in utility and structural work and homes standing tall on the property lots.
The mastermind behind the new development is Roger Riley of Spearfish, S.D. who has created a development that is traditional, but unique in places, and will grant its residents the feel of living in town while at the same time being surrounded by the great outdoors.
“Phase one is 11 acres and will contain 19 single family homes and 30 town homes. Individuals may purchase lots and build, or we can build to suit. The water, sewer, curb and gutter and roads are all in. The city plans on paving the roads next year,” Riley said. “Phase two is to the north of phase one and is on 38 acres with plans for 56 one-half acre single family lots.
“I’ve also set aside an area to build the world’s first multi unit monolithic dome,” Riley added. “I’m looking at other areas in North Dakota, but am leaning at this time to building the first one in Bottineau.”
The development is located north of Nelson and Tenth streets and will be a total of 77 single family homes, 30 town homes and perhaps the monolithic dome when construction of the project is completed.
“Completion will depend on housing needs,” Riley said. “I expect six to nine years in completion, depending on how much the oil activity influences things.”
Presently, the Preserve has four homes completed with one sold and being lived in, along with a three-plex town home near completion.
Riley chose this area of land for the Preserve because of its distinctive landscape and what it will offer local residents.
“The Preserve is unique because of all the trees that have been planted by the Forestry Division. I’m planning on building a walking path around the entire Preserve winding thru the variety of trees, including a long row of pines that form a beautiful canopy on the west side,” Riley said. “In some areas we will connect up with the city-wide sidewalk project which I believe will connect to the city park to the east. The Preserve will be like living in the country but still within the city.”
If Riley can work it out, he will add to that uniqueness with his monolithic dome, or what he likes to call the Riley DHome.
“Domes have typically been built for churches, stadiums and single family homes. They can withstand the force of a tornado, hurricane or earthquake. They cannot burn, rot or be eaten by bugs. Their lifespan is measured in centuries and they use 50 to 75 percent less energy. Often times when disaster strikes, the only building left standing is a dome,” Riley said.
“In dome construction, a PVC air form is built with air blown in filling up the fabric to the shape of the structure. Polyurethane foam, which has the highest insulation value of any building insulation, is then sprayed in an unbroken pattern approximately three to six inches thick, ensuring an impenetrable seal,” he continued.
“Steel reinforced rebar is attached to the foam using a specially engineered layout of horizontal and vertical steel rebar. Shot Crete, a special spray mix of concrete is applied to the interior surface of the dome. The massive concrete shell acts as a heat sink, receiving and releasing the ambient temperature,” Riley continued to state. “The end result is a building which cannot be compromise, can be heated for pennies on the dollar, with ongoing maintenance costs a fraction of conventional buildings,” he continued
The monolithic dome planned for Bottineau will be a three story sphere with modern convinces with a touch of Italian décor.
“The Riley DHome will consist of 24 living quarters, 12 on the first floor, and 12 on the second and third floor combined. It will be 110 feet in diameter; two 40-foot corridors will lead to an inner common’s area 30 feet in diameter,” Riley explained.
“From the commons area, you will enter the living quarters. The first floor will consist of two units with one bedroom and 10 units with two bedrooms. The second floor, assessed by steps or elevator, will be the same as the first floor,” he confirmed.
“Steps will take you to the third floor which will consist of two bedrooms with an outdoor deck and a balcony overlooking the commons area. The outer walls of the commons area will depict a Tuscany look including the balconies, similar to European décor. The ceiling height from the center of the second floor will be 28-feet.
“Each unit will include a two car garage with corridors leading into the dome. Utility costs will be reduced 70-75 percent when compared to standard construction,” Riley said.
“Riley DHomes will be perfect for senior citizens who simply walk out their front door to visit friends in a safe, friendly, secure environment. Unlike apartments, domes, which initially may be built for the increasing shortage of rentals due to oil, can easily be converted to senior living at anytime.”
Riley stated that working with the Bottineau community has been a positive experience.
“I really appreciate the city officials and people I’ve met in Bottineau. It’s such as friendly town,” Riley said. “I’ve put together developments in three other cities and the officials here are positive, proactive and seem to follow the golden rule. They make decisions based on common sense and smart business practices.”
Individuals, who have an interest in purchasing lots in the Preserve, can contact numerous entities.
“The best thing to do is contact their local realtor, or drive thru the Preserve and see who has a property listed. If someone wants to call me I could direct them accordingly. My cell phone is (605) 641-0960,” Riley said.