Local builder and long time resident, Steven Berko, has been recognized with three home building industry awards.
On Wednesday November 14th, a record 700 home building industry professionals attended the 19th annual HOBI Awards Gala at the Aqua Turf in Southington. Sponsored by the Home Builders& Remodelers Association of CT, the HOBI Awards is considered the state’s most prestigious home building industry awards program, recognizing builders, remodelers and land developers throughout Connecticut for excellence in design, construction and remodeling.
Sandy Hook builder/remodeler, Steven Berko, and his partner, Andrew LaSala of Summerview Development Group were recognized with three HOBI Awards for the townhouse style rental community they are building on the north side of Norwalk.
Summerview Square won awards for Best Affordably Priced Rental Community, Best Rental Unit and Best Fairfield County Smart Growth Community.
Four leading home building industry professionals reviewed close to two hundred new construction applications, and then toured some of the custom homes and communities entered. HOBI judges were particularly impressed by the positive effect Summerview Square has had on its West Main Street neighborhood; the fact that it is Norwalk’s first green infill community; and that it’s constructed with Made in America building materials.
HOBI judge and developer, Mario DiGioia commented, “The neighborhood has been enlivened by Summerview’s front porches and Victorian architecture, and it’s evident that many neighborhood residents have spruced up their older two family homes.”
Another HOBI judge, Tony Calistro, who is Director of Education at Ring’s End Lumber, noted the use of green building materials. “The carpeting is made from recycled bottles and the heating and cooling system is highly energy-efficient. They even recycle their construction waste. I also like the fact that Summerview built an elaborate on site storm water disposal system, so they are not impacting the city’s infrastructure.”
Steven Berko has been a Newtown resident since 1992. His daughter attended Newtown schools and is currently at Marist College, and his son is a sophomore at Newtown High School.
After working for 20 years in Newtown family business, Four Square Builders Inc., Steven Berko founded Four Square Building & Design LLC with his wife, Lisa this year. Based out of their home in Sandy Hook, the building and remodeling firm acts as a general contractor or construction manager, and Steve also provides home purchase consulting, independent of a house inspector.
