By Deborah A. Chesley Even after celebrating over 50 years as an architect and home builder, Fred M. Kemp, founder and C.E.O. of Kemp Homes, looked to the future and took steps to ensure the continued success of his company. Fred Kemp was a graduate of the Washington University School of Architecture, and got started in construction when most builders weren't using architects on a regular basis. His expertise gave Mr. Kemp a distinct advantage at the time, and he has created homes over the years that reflect originality and excellence in design. He said, "Many people can come up with good ideas, which could be implemented if time and money were no object. The trick is to come up with the ideas and designs that people can afford." The Kemp Homes' company objective is to seek out land areas that offer exciting and natural opportunities to create a great community. Kemp said, "We always try to maximize the saving of existing natural flora and fauna in our communities, and build luxury and quality homes thereon." Fred Kemp was very concerned about the environment; he was involved with the National Homes Builders Association's Environmental Institute and recognized for his conscientious and excellent land planning and development. He continued, "We design each home to fit the setting, and we bend over backwards to be 'true to the site.' I've never really wanted to be the biggest builder in the state, but I am proud that more than 85,000 families in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties are living in Kemp Homes." In addition to great design, excellence in construction is a vital ingredient for success in home building. Kemp Homes has longtime affiliation with some of the finest subcontractors and suppliers in the area. The company also has its own laborers, as well as union carpenters. Kemp said, "We take pride in our superior employees and our long-term relations with the best craftsmen in the St. Louis area. We don't leave quality to chance." Kemp Homes' home designs and quality construction have gained respect and admiration over the years. The walls of Kemp Homes' office are covered with awards, which recognize the company for its excellence in design, land planning, and quality construction. In addition to numerous Homer Awards from the Home Builders Association of Greater St. Louis(HBA), Kemp Homes has been cited nationally and locally with such awards as "Best Home for the Money" (two awards) from American Home Magazine, the "Design for Better Living" award and the "Design for Better Living--Solar/Energy House Award" from the American Wood Council, has been featured as "Builder of the Month" in Builder/Architect, among many, many others. Kemp was involved in the St. Louis Home Builders Association, and served as the President from 1965 to 1966. He also served on numerous boards in the community, and is a Lifetime Director of the National Home Builders Association. He was on the Boards of Directors for Jefferson Bank, Clayton Metro Bank, Boatmen's Bank and Nation's Bank. Starting in 1952 with individual houses and expanding in 1953 with his first subdivision, Orchard Acres, built on an apple orchard site, Kemp Homes has continued to build impressive communities and custom homes that have garnered national recognition. Kemp Homes is currently building several desirable areas in and near St. Louis. Ridgepointe, a Lake St. Louis neighborhood designed for people with an active lifestyle, offers three distinct communities: luxury homes, atrium villas, and detached villa homes. The picturesque setting and the amenities at Ridgepointe, which include a clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis court, make this an exciting community. There are also nearby city parks, golf courses, country clubs, and other recreational opportunities. Stonegate Estates, located in the City of Blackjack in north St. Louis County, is a current example of Kemp Homes' commitment to maintaining the natural landscape as much as possible. By committing nearly 40 percent(62 acres) of the total land area to permanent undeveloped common ground, Kemp Homes has preserved the park-like setting that surrounds the luxury homes. There are eight innovative and dramatic home plans from which to choose. Fountainhead is considered by many to be north St. Louis County's finest luxury community. Overlooking Missouri River Valley in an area formerly reserved for large private estates, the three-acre home sites in this small community can be a haven for those who choose the Fountainhead lifestyle. With atrium ranch and two-story plans available, residents of this community will be able to enjoy the wonderful views, privacy, wildlife, and rich history of the area. Chesterfield Ridge is an enclave of only 31 homes located in the center of Chesterfield, MO. There are six brilliant floor plans for these luxury attached single-family homes, and the "European Village" community offers a carefree living environment, a premier location, and magnificent homes designed specifically for this upscale community. These homes start in the $480,000 price range. Saratoga Village of Barrington Downs is a new 30-unit section of Barrington Downs, in unincorporated north St. Louis County, features detached villas and is centrally located across the street from the Barrington Downs clubhouse and recreation complex. Kemp Homes Announces "SOMERSET PARK" Coming Soon in North County. Located off of West Florissant Road just 2 traffic signals South of Interstate 270. Three distinct housing products will be offered. One car attached townhomes, from approximately $120,000, two car attached townhomes, from the $130,000's, and two car attached villas, from the $150,000's. All homesites will be owned by the individual owner. Lawn care and snow removal will be taken care of by the Homeowners Association. This is a community designed for a carefree living environment in a great close in location. Kemp Homes Announces "STRAWBERRY RIDGE" in Jefferson County (636) 282-0528. The Farms at Strawberry Ridge is located on Old Lemay Ferry at Miller Road. There are only 34 home sites offered starting in the $220,000's. This community of 186 home sites will include a clubhouse, pool, and spring fed lake. It is conveniently located to new shopping in the Richardson Road and Vogel Road area. AAA rated Fox C-6 school district. Croydon Place, a luxury attached townhome development with Mediterranean styling, is priced in the $600,000s. It is located south of Delmar on North and South Road in University City. Mason Lane features the custom home expertise of Kemp Homes in a pair of infill luxury homes with prices in the $900,000s. These homes are located off Mason Road south of Ladue road, near Whitfield Academy in Creve Coeur. Mr. Kemp put a lot of time and thought into planning for the future of his company, and believes that after his passing it will still be very successful. As for his personal plans and dreams, Kemp had a huge project on the horizon--an automotive museum, slated to open in Chesterfield in the Fall of 2004. Mr. Kemp collected Mercedes Benz automobiles and this museum will be a place to display them, along with automotive art and fine art. The plans include a restaurant, gift shop, and a car restoration area. Even as he planned for his retirement, Kemp said he has "a very optimistic outlook" for the future of his company. With recent restructuring, a new company has emerged--The Kemp Company. It is employee-owned, and Mr. Kemp placed some very accomplished individuals at the head of each division. The diversified company has a division for land development and commercial properties, an apartment division, and the building company. Mark Teitelbaum is the President and handles land acquisition, site development, marketing and company operations; Brian McNamee, Director of Construction, handles the carpentry crews and all aspects of construction; Brad Obert is the Controller; and Kevin Astroth heads the Architectural department. Elizabeth Kemp, Vice President/Apartment Communities, Fred Kemp's daughter, oversees the Apartment Division. Kemp's youngest son, Bill, age 17, owns his own bulldozer and truck, and someday may be heavily involved with the company as well. Mr. Kemp mentioned, "As always, the true test of satisfaction can be found in the testimonials of our customers." Mark Teitelbaum agrees and adds, "We know we represent the best in the business because of Mr. Kemp's work and commitment, which have built financial strength and a solid reputation of quality and integrity over the years." For more information, call (314)994-7777. Kemp Homes' office is located at 777 Craig Road, #230, St. Louis, MO 63141.