The Westhills Land Corp. development, one of the largest residential projects in the capital region's history, was founded in 2006 with property already owned by the Stewart family and the acquisition of neighbouring land already zoned for residential construction.
Langford calls Westhills one of the municipality's "most audacious projects and one of the city's move-to neighbourhoods."
The late Geoff Stewart had owned the western-most portion of the site for years. Today, the company is owned by his children, and sons Reg and Roy Stewart are directors.
Keycorp Consulting, led by veteran builder Jim Hartshorne, is the development manger for Westhills. Keycorp designs, builds and markets the residences. Victoria Design is responsible for much of the design of the homes.
The builder is Verity Developments, headed by Hartshorne's son-in-law, Chad Bryden. Westhills sales are handled by Mike Hartshorne, Jim's son, a real estate agent with DFH Real Estate.
The success of the development to date has been due to the management ability and fiscal strength of the Westhills company, Jim Hartshorne said, because Westhills remains part of planning as the project is built out.
Development companies can lose control if they give up some of the things that Westhills has held on to, he said. "This approach is very different and very unique."
