AWARD-WINING builder Tommy Williams’ tradition of leaving an impressive mark upon the residential landscape in Gainesville continues in the Longleaf Village community. As a developer of family-oriented communities for the past 30 years, this latest development, situated off Archer Road, is indicative of the Alachua County native’s personal values and commitment to quality in the housing industry.
A driving force in the housing industry, Williams is well-respected for excellent craftsmanship and stands as a leader in the industry’s innovative, energy efficient technology. A Building America Program (BAP) builder since 2004, Williams is recognized by the US Department of Energy (DOE) for his leadership and commitment in building energy efficient homes in partnership with the BAP.
As a nationwide public-private partnership, the BAP brings together teams of energy efficiency experts to work with home builders. The goal of this extensive program is to produce communities and neighborhoods that use 30 to 90 percent less energy. Experts in the program conduct research to develop advanced energy technology that results in more energy efficient homes in neighborhoods and communities. Homeowners benefit by lower energy bills and maintenance costs and healthier, more comfortable and durable homes.
Today’s sophisticated homebuyer, with a keen interest in energy efficiency, is a significant change in the housing business in recent years, Williams said.
“People are better educated and better prepared to buy their homes. They want a home that’s healthy, more energy efficient,” Williams said. “They see the television programs and do the research on the internet so when they come to us, they know what they want in a home. It’s up to us to give them what they are looking for which is a quality, energy efficient home. This is something I believe in so strongly. It is important that we make a commitment to save energy anyway we can.”
A farmer for much of his life, Williams got involved in the housing industry in 1978 after building his first home.
“That sparked an interest,” he said. “It turned out to be a lot of fun. I liked it so much that I kept on doing building.” In the early 1990s, Williams left the family farming business to build homes on a full-time basis. Williams and his wife, Anne, have been married for 30 years. They have three children, twins Wesley and Emilee, and youngest daughter, Ginney. Wesley is a farmer who takes care of the family farm, and their daughters are following in their dad’s footsteps by choosing careers in the homebuilding industry.
Williams remains committed to the concept of building neighborhoods. While growing up in Alachua County, the area was known for its friendly neighborhoods. While Williams reminisces about those times, he continues to build developments that feature amenities such as walking and bike paths, swimming pools and front porches – elements that bring people together.
“All of our homes (in Longleaf) have a front porch so people can sit out there, and when folks walk by they can speak and get to know each other. I want people to feel good about the folks that live in their neighborhood,” Williams said. “I want them to know each other and see their kids growing up together as friends. I think it’s important to build communities which bring folks together.”
With Longleaf Village, this builder continues a tradition of creating a community that encourages people to get acquainted and develop lifelong friendships; as well as one that offers the homebuyer the latest technology in construction of quality, energy efficient homes.
