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Since its inception in 1987, MWH Development Corporation has continued to evolve as a homebuilding force in Southern California. The Calabasas-based company has gained a reputation as an eclectic builder, one that is not easily shoe-horned into a single category. And that suits owners Mark Handel and Scott Adler just fine.
“Many builders find a niche and continue to do the same thing over and over,” says Handel. “That’s a good philosophy for many of them, and it’s a safe, profitable way to run a business. But it’s not all that interesting. At MWH, my partner, Scott Adler, and I like to try new things and pioneer new concepts. It’s helped us to stand apart.”
The results of this multi-faceted approach are impressive. MWH has created a number of successful home developments, from starter homes and first-time move-up residences, to semi-custom homes and custom, gated mansions.
MWH was the first to bring “gentrification” to various communities that had fallen into difficult times. The gentrification process entails breathing renewed life, beauty and vitality into an area by creating “communities within a community,” through the use of private gated entrances, self-contained recreational areas and elegant home styles that return a sense of pride and self-identity to those who live there.
“We’ve gentrified a number of communities, with excellent results,” says Handel. “We first did this in 1988, building about 300 homes in North Hills. This had been an agricultural area years ago, then it fell into disrepair. So we were at the vanguard of a rebirth for the area.
“In fact, we will soon be underway with 67 more detached single-family homes in North Hills. They will appeal to first-time buyers and sell in the range of the low $200,000’s.
“We’ve also developed gentrification projects in several Sylmar neighborhoods, and the response from homebuyers has been tremendous. They really like that community feeling that we build…kind of like the old town square.”
A number of these projects have earned the Commendation for Beautification Award from the Los Angeles City Council. MWH recently sold out its latest gentrification project, Birchwood Court, in Sylmar. This charming gated neighborhood featured a collection of 20 homes on a peaceful cul-de-sac street. Priced from the low $300,000’s, these stylish one- and two-story homes blended large, flexible floor plans with a number of custom-style features such as elegant tile entries, vaulted ceilings, genuine oak banisters, wood-burning fireplaces and maple cabinetry.
The gated ambience, the park-like setting and the custom-crafted look of the homes were originally considered somewhat controversial in Sylmar. After MWH developed several more gated communities and sold over 200 homes in the area, however, the community plan was amended to include more MWH-type developments.
When looking at the various developments that bear the MWH signature, it becomes clear that Handel and Adler have their own unique strategy for homebuilding. This constantly evolving approach may be a reflection of the two men’s own diverse backgrounds.
Adler’s grandfather was a prominent Southern California developer who built some of the homes in which Scott grew up. After graduating from Hastings Law School and starting a successful law practice, in which he represented some of the nation’s largest homebuilders, Adler gradually phased out his practice and picked up where his grandfather left off. Since then he has served as a president of the Los Angeles Building and Safety Commission and as an advisor to former mayor Richard Riordan for Los Angeles redevelopment.
Born in Brazil and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Handel attended San Diego State University and UCLA before entering the homebuilding industry. Mark started as a small tenant improvement contractor, during which time he gained tremendous knowledge and skill from his hands-on work. From there, he went to New York City where he supervised a large construction/ management company. Once he formed his own homebuilding company here in Southern California, it did not take long for the firm to gain a reputation for providing high standards of design, quality and craftsmanship in a number of product price ranges.
At first, MWH built homes for many different types of buyers. Yet the custom-style appointments were evident, whether it was a home for a first-time buyer or an elegant estate set on several acres.
“We refer to it as the crafted touch,” states Handel. “No matter what price range a buyer may be, nobody wants a home that looks like a hundred others. So we’ve always tried to create unique elements to every home… various things that give it personality and a distinctive look.”
As MWH continues to evolve, the company is finding its niche in more upscale projects, with the homes ranging from about $800,000 to several million dollars.
One of MWH’s newest communities is Trammell Estates, an elegant luxury community in the Porter Ranch area foothills, featuring 21 spacious custom-style homes on 1/2 acre estate homesites. A private, gated neighborhood with exquisite views of the San Fernando Valley, Trammell Estates offers original floor plans up to 5,000 square feet, with as many as six bedrooms. Distinctive custom-quality styling is reflected in the hand-set stone tile entry foyers, dramatic coffered and vaulted ceilings, decorative plant shelves, up to four fireplaces, sleek granite counters and luxurious baths with soothing whirlpool tubs.
“Far too often, developers refer to a glorified tract home as an estate home,” says Adler. “When people compare Trammell Estates with other advertised estate homes in the area, we inevitably have a sale. You cannot find a better home in the Los Angeles area for under $1 million, and our Phase 1 homes, which begin in the $800,000 range, are already over 50% sold.”
MWH has recently completed the infrastructure for the beautifully secluded enclave of Abercrombie Ranch Estates, set in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains in the Calabasas area. Cooling coastal breezes and natural terrain enhance these grand estate homes, which will be set on sprawling homesites of more than 10 acres, with graded lots for a pool and spa, tennis court…even a guest house or distinctive entertainment area. Any of the 13 homesites are available for custom building, through the respected architect selected by MWH or with the purchaser’s own private architect.
“This custom home neighborhood is located in the Cold Canyon/Mulholland Drive area, which is one of the most desirable areas in all of Los Angeles County,” says Adler. “It took us almost 10 years to obtain the necessary government approvals, but finally we are now underway toward creating a lifestyle environment here that is first-class in every way. The superb location, within easy reach of the ocean, yet sheltered by the mountains, is ideal for building your custom dream home.”
MWH has nearly sold out its 16 custom estate homes in Parksouth, an exclusive Calabasas address located near the prestigious Viewpoint school. A variety of charming architectural styles, including Tuscany Villa, Cape Cod and Post-Modern American Barn, reflect Handel’s and Adler’s penchant for diversity and give the community a unique identity. Homes at Parksouth Calabasas range from 5,500 to 17,000 square feet and are set on homesites averaging 5 to 10 acres each, with pad sizes of a half-acre to two acres. Prices range from $1.3 million to $2.9 million in this beautiful ridge-top community with stunning canyon and pastoral views.
Other future projects include a tract of 18 semi-custom homes in Northridge, at Balboa and Superior, in addition to the 67 homes soon to be constructed on Burnet Street in North Hills.
The future looks very promising for MWH, although with Mark Handel and Scott Adler, one is never quite sure what interesting new direction it might take. One thing is certain, though. The company’s reputation for building distinctive quality homes in some of Southern California’s most spectacular settings is solid and growing stronger every day.
Handel and Adler are involved in every aspect of the homebuilding process, putting their imprint into all the key elements.
“We may not build the homes with our hands,” says Handel, “but we build them with our hearts and souls.” That kind of commitment provides homebuyers with a powerful assurance of quality. MWH Development wouldn’t have it any other way. Corporate offices for MWH Development are located at 22440 Clarendon Street, 2nd Floor, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. For more information, call (818) 222-1945 or visit the website at mwhdevelopment.com.
Large windows welcome plenty of natural light into this family room in Trammell Estates Residence A. Notice the cozy architectural touches., including a wood-burning fireplace, a built-in bookcase and convenient media center Photo by Claudio Santini Photographer©
Any homeowner would feel pampered in this sumptuous master bath, which the builder has appointed with Spanish tile flooring, a luxurious soaking tub and a separate shower with abundant glass and space. A large vanity mirror runs the length of one wall. Photo by Claudio Santini Photographer©
