Lifestyle

Interest in Home Elevators Continues to Rise

Published

3 years ago

April 14, 2021

If you take a tour of a new housing development, you might be surprised to see home elevators. Plus, many older homes have been upgraded with the devices for all sorts of reasons. In fact, it’s fair to say that the ultimate American home elevator has finally arrived as a valued feature of new and old residential abodes.

As recently as two decades ago, elevators in private homes were a rarity. Today, they are far from that. In fact, you find them in both upscale and modest structures, in urban and suburban neighborhoods, in houses owned by single people and by large families. Some of the devices are newly installed, or add-ons to existing residences while others arrived in a newly built house in a fresh development. Why are so many homeowners opting to have access to a personal elevator? Here are some of the key factors driving the trend.

Safety

No one like to navigate through long staircases, rickety steps, or winding flights of stairs. Particularly for little children and the elderly, steps pose a supreme hazard. Just losing your footing for a split second can mean a serious injury or even worse. Elevators offer a way around the danger of steps. Older homeowners and couple who have very young children often want a way to eliminate the multiple problems that come with having to use stairs to move between floors. Anyone with a disability can attest to the value of having a safe, non-step option for moving about their home. Whether it’s a case of mile, semi-limited mobility or people who use wheelchairs as their main mode of transportation, stairs are often simply out of the question.

Home Value

You can do some research for yourself the next time you’re engaged in shopping or browsing for homes. Notice that the properties that include elevators often sell faster and for higher prices than those that don’t include this sleek, safe, and super-convenient mode of in-home transport. But for many folks who have been in the same location for a decade or more, adding an elevator makes good economic sense. When the day finally arrives that they choose to put their property on the market, they’ll be able to justify a higher asking price and can expect a quicker sale. With each passing year, there are more people over the age of 70 in the population, as a percentage and in raw numbers. That means demand for this kind of safe, stylish, value-adding transport will only continue to increase.

Style and Price

One of the advantages of adding an alternative to traditional staircases is that consumers have so many choices. Modern residential elevators come in dozens of sizes, shapes, configurations, styles, and designs. Some are one-person conveyances while others are built to accommodate multiple riders. Now that so many people are choosing to include these most modern forms of conveyance in their homes, prices are coming down. Elevators look great in any home, but can become the centerpiece of a room if that’s what the owner wants. They’re truly the utmost in modernity when it comes to the overall look and feel of a room.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.