Steve Jones is a former VP of visuals at Quiksilver and Pete Zehnder launched Alva Skates (with Tony Alva) back in the 70s. Now, according to a story in the OC Register, the two action sports veterans have turned to repackaging suburban homes in Costa Mesa under the name Better Shelter. Their latest project is called 12@ELDEN.
He [Steve] and Pete came up with the idea because Costa Mesa is the birthplace of the surf industry: Hurley, Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom. “So you have all these amazing companies and in these amazing companies you have all these creative people. So if you’re a kid who works in the surf industry, like where would you want to live? That customer has been largely ignored in Orange County.”
In the spirit of keeping the houses “green” the builders preserved the original footprint of the house, rather than scrap everything and start over. The landscape is drought resistant. The floors are recycled hardwood or Forest Stewardship Counsel certified. Buyers can upgrade to solar panels.
The 12 “condo” units look really well kitted and are located in eastside Costa Mesa. The are priced in the mid- to upper $500k range. The 12@ELDEN launch party is tonight (December 4, 2008) from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at 2381 Elden Ave, Costa Mesa, California. Click here for photos of the entire project.
[Link: OC Register]
