When Jan Cauthen gets excited, you know there is something special happening. Recently HottyToddy.com had the pleasure to visit with Jan on her birthday, May 1, to discuss the excitement swirling around Oxford’s newest premier condominium development, 800 Park.
HottyToddy.com: Jan, before we begin talking about 800 Park, tell our readers who Jan Cauthen is for those who do not know you.
Jan Cauthen: I am from the Mississippi Delta and moved to Oxford in 1986. I have two degrees from Ole Miss and presently have two boys at Ole Miss, Gage (Sr.) and Sims (Fr.). I am married to Lee who owns McEwen’s on the Square. I have now been with Kessinger Real Estate Company for 17 years. I have served as President of our local Real Estate board and am currently on the Board of Directors for the Northcentral Board of Realtors.
HottyToddy.com: What an impressive bio! The new property, 800 Park, that you are marketing is attracting a great deal of interest. Why so?
Jan Cauthen: To begin with, the property overlooks Lamar Park and Davidson Creek and is quite simply – just fabulous! The actual construction commenced in 2013 and has been quite an undertaking. The developers were focused on every detail and made sure that things were just right. There are currently 27 condominiums located in two buildings in the first phase.
Upon development completion, there will be a total of 60 residential condos along with specialty retail outposts. The physical address is 800 College Hill Road which is less than one mile from campus.
HottyToddy.com: What a great and scenic locale! Everyone is always interested in pricing. What is the range of these units?
Jan Cauthen: The current prices in this phase range from $349,000 to $429,000. There are 4 different floor plans to choose from. Each condo has 2 or 3 bedrooms and the units vary between 1519 and 1845 heated and cooled square feet. As to Assn. dues, the cost is $275 monthly which includes cable, Internet and all insurance. The exterior and common area maintenance are included as well. The monthly fee is really a value for the owners to be able to share all the common expenses.
HottyToddy.com: Regarding the square footage, do not all of the units come with screened-in porches?
Jan Cauthen: Yes. The porches really make this development special. They actually adds another 270 square feet to the total living area. The porches extend the living area outside. The views are some of the best Oxford has to offer. I feel the porches really complement each home and frankly they are what have really helped sell the development. The feeling you get while looking over the creek and into the canopy of trees from Pat Lamar Park, one of Oxford’s treasures, is really special.
HottyToddy.com: The word around town is no expense was spared in building this facility. By that, I’ve heard many extra features were incorporated. Is that a fair assessment?
Jan Cauthen: There are many unique features starting with the architectural detail and the serene location. Regarding the acoustics, the developer/builder definitely went the extra mile! There are actually three layers of sound screening in the walls and floors to minimize sounds originating in other units. All center common walls are insulated with sound proof material between each unit of Sheetrock. All of the condos also have mahogany solid wood French doors and full-length custom windows to maximize the views.
HottyToddy.com: Jan, who is the developer?
Jan Cauthen: Sid and Billie Brian of Brian Development Company are the developers of the project. They are from Baton Rouge. Billie was the inspiration for the architectural design and interior finishes. She is an experienced residential architect and the Brians have been involved with many of the restorations of homes in the County Club area. The husband and wife team fell in love with Oxford and Ole Miss as two of their children attended the University. Maggie was a Rebelette and during that period, the Brians spent a great deal of time in Oxford. That is when they fell in love with the area surrounding Pat Lamar Park. They immediately started planning 800 Park and are currently planning future development in the surrounding area.
HottyToddy.com: What is the prognosis for any interested buyers?
Jan Cauthen: These units have just come on the market. The development website will be a great asset to potential buyers at 800Park.net. There are three beautifully decorated model units for buyers to tour. We are anticipating that all units in this phase will sell out this year. I also want to mention that adding to the great location and proximity to campus is the fact that the O/U bus line stops at 800 Park and as a bonus, there is a dedicated bike trail to the campus.
HottyToddy.com: Kitchens seem to always be the most important room. What sets 800 Park apart in this respect?
Jan Cauthen: Custom cabinets, marble countertops and upgraded stainless appliances are in all units. There are a louvered pantry and large center island in each unit as well. Appliances include a gas stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal, decorative vent hood, built-in microwave and washer/dryer. Seating is at a premium. For example, in the model unit, counting the bar, dining area and living area, there is seating for 17 which is wonderful for entertaining friends! And in our Dogwood floor plan there is a dedicated dinette.
HottyToddy.com: Bedrooms are also very important.
Jan Cauthen: We highlight four different plans with the master bedrooms in each model having ample room for a king-sized bedroom suite. Each master bedroom also has mahogany doors that open onto the screened porch. The baths accompanying the master have separate (soaker) tubs along with walk-in showers. The closets are extra-large. All of the bedrooms/baths are quite spacious and each bath features travertine tile to the ceiling. There is a very efficient use of space.
HottyToddy.com: Do any of the floor plans include a study or office?
Jan Cauthen: The Cypress floor plan which is our largest does in fact. The office is just beyond the foyer and is approximately 80 square feet.
HottyToddy.com: As to interior colors, what is the standard presentation?
Jan Cauthen: Basically two colors (linen white and ballet white) are featured. However, we can customize as requested. Some first floor units also showcase brick arches and they all include antique brick fireplaces and mantles. Fireplaces are located in all other condos and feature reclaimed wood mantles with brick accents.
HottyToddy.com: Flooring is another important area to most buyers.
Jan Cauthen: Wood floors (antique pine) are featured throughout the living areas on the second and third floors with stained/sealed concrete on the ground level units. Carpeting is in all bedrooms. I also want to add that antique cypress doors are in all of the master bedrooms.
HottyToddy.com: All in all, what you have described sounds like a fantastic offering.
Jan Cauthen: It truly is and the quality is definitely there to enhance the value. Later this year there will be a pedestrian bridge connecting 800 Park to Lamar Park and all of the amenities that the park has to offer will basically be each owner’s back yard! A pet park for the owners is also planned.
HottyToddy.com: What have we not discussed?
Jan Cauthen: The property is served by AT&T Uverse. There is one elevator per building. There are no interior stairs to climb as all of the homes were designed as flats.
Current residents are a mix of weekend alums; retirees; and serious students. Also, Oxford residents desiring to downsize will be attracted to 800 Park. The screened porches overlook the flowing creek. There are two dedicated parking places per unit and additional guest parking is offered. In the immediate area are five commercial businesses for easy accessibility. More are planned for the future.
It’s easy to understand why Jan is so excited about 800 Park. The premium location, quality of construction and special features all contribute to the appeal and attractiveness. Even if we had not had this conversation on Jan’s birthday, I believe she would have been just as excited in describing this great new addition to the city she loves so much.
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at (985) 852-7745.
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