Lowe's Plans to Sell Affordable 'Katrina' Cottages

Homes Are Designed To Withstand Heavy Rains And Winds Up To 140 Miles Per Hour
The Mooresville, N.C. based company and the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world, Lowe's Companies, Inc. has announced it has finalized a licensed agreement with designer Marianne Cusato to be the exclusive retailer of housing plans and associated building materials needed to construct Katrina Cottages. Four designs of the cottages will be initially available in Lowe's stores throughout Mississippi and Louisiana.

"Lowe's is committed to the rebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast and we believe this is a tremendous opportunity for area residents to establish a permanent place to call their own," said Larry D. Stone, senior executive vice president of merchandising and marketing at Lowe's.

Affordable and Realistic Housing Solutions for the Gulf Coast

The cottages are designed to be an affordable and realistic solution to help families rebuild their homes in communities ravaged by Katrina. The houses are designed to withstand heavy rains and winds up to 140 miles per hour and meets most hurricane codes and the International Building Code. Compared to the FEMA trailers sitting along the coastlines and in fields around Louisiana and Mississippi, these cottages offer a more secure and long lasting alternative to property owners.

Katrina Cottages, developed by Marianne Cusato, will offer the first four plans and range from 544 square feet to 936 square feet. Some of the plans are designed to grow as large as 1,200 square feet, though a limited number of additional designs at 1,340 square feet are forthcoming.

"What makes the Katrina Cottage so appealing is that it's a true solution, whether the cottage remains the same or grows structurally with the homeowner as time and funds allow," said Stone. "At Lowe's, it's important for us to offer our customers a permanent housing solution and that they know we're here for them every step of the way."

Materials Likely to Be $55 Per Square Foot or Less

With the exception of construction costs of building the home, HVAC and foundation materials required by local building codes, the cost of a Katrina Cottage at Lowe's is virtually all-inclusive comprising of premium quality products like rot- and termite-resistant siding, durable 25-year warranted metal roofing, moisture and mold resistant drywall, framing, insulation, fixtures, electrical, plumbing and even appliances.

The price of the homes is still undecided, but David Steed, senior vice president for lumber and building materials for Lowe's, told The Charlotte Observer, the "materials likely will range from $45 to $55 per square foot." The cost of labor to construct the homes, foundations and heating and cooling are not included in the price.

According to the report, the cottages can be built within six to eight weeks and materials for the project will be delivered in three seperate lots to coordinate with the building schedule.

"Our vision for the Katrina Cottage is to provide homes that are safe and affordable, yet beautiful and dignified. With the help of Lowe's, the vision is now a reality," said Cusato. "I am pleased and honored to team up with Lowe's to bring the best in design, quality materials and new options for affordable housing to Lowe's customers."

Lowe's expects the Katrina Cottage plans to be available in select Mississippi and Louisiana stores beginning in late Fall of 2006. Visit Cusatocottages.com, for more information about the original Katrina Cottage.

See Also:
Lowe's will sell `hurricane homes'
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