HabeRae Development talks big vision for Tiny Ten

This story originally appeared in NNBW on Aug. 8

HabeRae has specialized in developing city lots where existing infrastructure could be utilized and the developments helped to beautify blighted areas of downtown Reno.

“We want properties no one else wants.” Pam Haberman of HabeRae Development said. “Voodoo properties as we call them.”

Recently, HabeRae took on a different type of project known as Tiny Ten.

Tiny Ten, located on the corner of Ryland and Locust, has a projected completion date of May 2017. HabeRae anticipates grading to begin by September, permits to be in place by November, and December 1 is their and the contractor’s goal for laying the foundation.

Tiny Ten will hopefully assist with the existing need for affordable housing near downtown Reno.

The Tiny Ten homes will feature two different models, the “Urban Pioneer” and the “City Trailblazer.” The 2 bedrooms and 1 bath homes will range from 650 square feet to 684 square feet, according to the HabeRae website.

Built by GuiDenby, the homes will encircle a community space with water features and edible gardens. They will be outfitted with amenities including washer dryers, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchens, private back yards and detached garages. HabeRae’s website is calling the Tiny Ten “glove houses.” Not too small, not too big, but fitting like a glove.

“Nobody I know of is delivering that,” co-developer Kelly Rae said.

Priced in the low $200,000s, some people are shocked at that price, considering it expensive for the small houses.

“I don’t think people realize before a shovel is even in the ground there are $30,000 to $40,000 fees incurred,” Haberman said.

The fees apply to essentials such as sewer, laying utility lines, land acquisition and city permits.

“Those are hard numbers,” Rae added regarding the cost prior to breaking ground.

However, HabeRae Development stays optimistic based on their long history in the Reno area. They are familiar with the city and the existing housing needs.

“Pam and I grew up here,” Rae said. “We know our city.”

“The area needs an affordable housing development,” Rae explained.

“They (a Tiny Ten home) are something you own that allows your payment to be less than rent,” Haberman explained.

Truly making the homes affordable is one of HabeRae’s goals with the Tiny Ten project.

“FHA financing is in place,” Rae added.

They explained that it is difficult right now to find rent in this market in the $1200 range that provides two bedrooms, a full kitchen and garage space.

“The Tiny Ten payment is less than $1,200,” Haberman explained. “Nobody can touch that,” Rae added.

Haberman and Rae have had a project like Tiny Ten on their radar for about 10 years. HabeRae Development is ultimately a two-woman show with a team of sub contractors that they gravitate toward due to factors such as staying on budget and on schedule, they explained. Plus, their sub contractors are “into what we do” and part of what makes their projects successful.

By having successful projects, “we all stay working and improve the community,” Rae said.

“We love using local people — Reno-ites,” she added.

Tiny Ten is not the only project HabeRae has their hands in right now. For the past 18 years HabeRae has been in a routine of taking on a big project every two years while working on little projects in-between.

“We love all the people coming to the area, lets give them a good product,” Rae said.

Salvation 10 is a HabeRae project nearing completion. It’s projected to be ready Nov. 30.

Salvation 10 is an adaptive reuse project located in the old Salvation Army Thrift Store building at 339 S. Wells Avenue. The finished multifamily project will include 10 industrial modern residences.

HabeRae estimated that over the years they have probably completed over 200 projects.

“As true developers looking to the future — visionaries — you have to take the city and bring it to context.” Haberman said. “Our whole thing is taking on an area that needs it,” Rae added.

Looking forward, HabeRae is keeping an eye out for a motel property for their next project.

To learn more about HabeRae Development and see other projects they have done, visit www.haberae.com.