Sponsored by the Gainesville Builders Association

Each year, the Parade of Homes offers an opportunity to preview the latest in housing trends, decorative styles, and neighborhood designs. The collection of homes on display reflects the imagination, innovation, and freedom of thought that makes our country lead the world in opportunity, entrepreneurship and economic strength.

Over 140 years ago, Abraham Lincoln spoke the words "The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people." Homeownership is the cornerstone of family security, stability and prosperity. It strengthens the nation’s communities, encourages civic responsibility and provides a solid foundation from which Americans can work to support their families, enhance their communities and achieve their personal goals. Equally important, housing is a crucial component in the nation’s economy and in individual finance security. Across America, new home construction and remodeling provide millions of jobs and generate billions of dollars in wages and tax revenues each year. During economic recoveries, housing’s impact on the economy is even greater. Moreover, homeownership strengthens the social fabric of the nation. It encourages social participation, involvement in area schools, and a sense of pride in our homes.

Building better places to live, work and play has been the guiding principle driving members of the Gainesville Builders Association for decades. The builders have worked hard to make the communities they build the very best places for Alachua County residents to start their lives, raise their children, fulfill their American dream. For 50 years, members of the Gainesville Builders Association (GBA) have been building this community with excellence and it shows. Early members were instrumental in formulating the first building codes and to this day, have continued to assist local government in providing for safe, attractive, and most importantly, affordable housing in Alachua County.

GBA members work in area classrooms talking with students about the home building process, the many jobs involved in building a home and the importance of preserving the environment. By participating in the Homes of Our Own Program, children understand what the building industry is all about. Learning about the home building process also helps children develop an understanding of how math, science and social studies apply to the real world. GBA members have presented the Homes of Our Own program to over 4,000 students in the community and will continue visiting classrooms throughout the school year. In addition, the Association provides scholarships to students studying building construction at Santa Fe Community College and the University of Florida. Students receive valuable "hands-on" construction experience through GBA’s community program, H.O.P.E. (Home Ownership Possibilities for Everyone) that provides low-income housing to Alachua County residents.

The homes you will tour in the Parade display the pride and strength that characterize our nation’s building industry, and reveal the latest in a tradition of excellence here in Gainesville. GBA Members are doing their part to ensure a vibrant, economically sound future and to encourage individual prosperity. Visit the 2001 Fall Parade of Homes to see for yourself why America’s strength truly does lie in the homes of its people.