This has been an under reported story for some time (meaning years). ESC was delayed a bit already. ESC really will only have activity 8 months out the year at most and so might not be able to justify such a large, luxury hotel. There just isn’t the level of demand out there.

My opinion: As a Notre Dame alum, Notre Dame should pay taxes just like everyone else. The old, tired argument that they bring in so much economic activity to the area is a false one since businesses do that too AND they are taxed quite heavily every way they turn. Eddy Street Commons is a Notre Dame project through and through, don’t let the hardworking local taxpayers foot the bill for this country club extension. The lifestyle amenity campuses across the country have gotten out of hand and are subsidized by the taxpayers since they aren’t taxed on the one hand AND we as taxpayers provide low cost education loans on the other. The subsidies from the government must end.

That would mean Weiss Homes could be liable for $11,000 (FTC civil penalty) and $10,000 (homeowner damages) = $21,000+ per home.

If Weiss Homes loses, then will they be able around to honor home warranties? Doubt it.

Reply to: comm-eqdjp-1425154064@craigslist.org

“If you contracted with Weiss Homes anywhere in the Michiana area and currently still own the constructed home, please read this post.

A homeowner who contracted with Weiss Homes in which various disputes arose has won a civil case in Michigan, receiving a favorable jury verdict against the builder for breach of contract and fraud. Among other things the homeowner discovered the house was not insulated according to the terms of the contract provided by Weiss Homes. Additional investigation uncovered other homes that were found to be similarly underinsulated according to each of their contracts with Weiss Homes. In addition to state laws, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) subjects builders to its R-value Rule. The R-value Rule requires builders of new homes to include certain insulation details in contracts and that the insulation promised is actually installed.

It is estimated Weiss Homes has built nearly 1500 homes from 1998 to 2008. If your contract is dated during this period, look for the following clause in the addendum to your contract which includes “Framing Specifications” under the subheading “insulation”:

“This gives the exterior walls, according to the manufacturers, a total R-value of 19.”

If you can identify this in your contract or need assistance in identifying whether this is in your contract, please respond to this thread and include your contact information. Responding does not bind you to the potential class if such action commenses after the investigative period. “

I would expect that this blog will receive a completely baseless legal threat letter from Weiss Homes, Inc. / Rita Weiss. That is their modus operandi. Again, the letter will be utterly baseless but for those unfamiliar with dealing with attorneys it can appear to be serious. It is just a piece of paper. I am at a loss to explain the unsigned bible quoting letters that the plaintiff received from Rita Weiss. But then again, I have met Rita Weiss, enough said. Personally, I would have filed for a restraining order, but then again, I wouldn’t have Weiss Homes, Inc. build a house for me in the first place. There are many good, decent and honest builders out there.

I can only suggest to those people considering building a home to do their due diligence before signing anything. Talk to people in the neighborhoods about their experience with the builder, punch list issues, construction problems, etc. Do your homework!

brotherskeeper12@yahoo.com

Weiss Homes, Inc.’s contract had stated (until around 10/2008 when they changed it after getting caught) that the exterior walls would be built to a certain R-value when in fact some homes (perhaps 1,000+) were not. The difference is substantial and was a way for the company to cut costs without the customer’s knowledge. No wonder the Weiss Homes, Inc. building contract prohibits the customer from inspecting the home during construction except at a few stated times and in the presence of a Weiss Homes, Inc. employee. Customer inspection was not permitted during the time insulation was installed and then closed up with drywall and siding. As such, the customer would never know what was underneath the siding or behind the drywall. Weiss Homes, Inc. has also attempted to prohibit people from taking photos during construction too.

The statute of limitations is 10 years in Indiana for a breach of contract claim. Damages could include money to upgrade the insulation (removal of siding, install insulation, replacement of siding) and for the extra utility costs incurred by the homeowner. The amount per home could be $5,000-$10,000 each. Homeowners that have a Weiss Homes, Inc. built home should review their contracts.

https://www.ripoffreport.com/Builders-Contractors/Weiss-Homes-Inc/weiss-homes-inc-guilty-of-br-444da.htm

Eddy Street Commons reminds me of an “authentic” theme restaurant in a strip mall. The facade is all fake. Moreover, ESC looks out of place. It wasn’t like it was the Studebaker plant that was repurposed….it was created from whole cloth to look old school. I like the concept of new urbanism and have seen it done well, in my opinion this wasn’t.

It will be interesting to see what businesses open up shop in ESC. I suspect the lease rate is a bit high compared to other such store rent rates in the area.

Nick, Is there anyway to find out how many of those sales were to first time buyers taking advantage of the credit?