After launching its US homebuilding division in Houston in 2016, Empire Communities is continuing its expansion into the US market with the recent acquisition of Texas-based Centerra Homes. Initially founded by Tom Grant and Gene Rowehl, Centerra has a long-standing history of building quality, energy-efficient homes in Austin and San Antonio over the last 10 years. The developer currently has 11 new home developments in the Austin area and three in San Antonio, with prices ranging from the low-$200,000s to over $1 million. The deal will eventually see all 14 communities transition to the Empire brand later this year.
“This acquisition aligns with our strategic and aggressive growth plan for the Texas market,” says James Miller, Regional President of Empire’s Texas homebuilding division. “Centerra Homes shares similar corporate values and vision, and have a strong team and management group that have earned them solid respect in the Texas homebuilding market.”
No changes are expected within the Centerra management structure with its 30-plus employees, and founders Tom Grant and Gene Rowehl will continue to oversee the Austin and San Antonio markets.
“We are excited to be a part of the Empire family. This is an excellent family-run company that will carry on the reputation Centerra has built through the years of not only building homes, but relationships with our customers,” says Grant. “We have been working closely with the Texas and Toronto teams to ensure a smooth transition and have no doubt that our legacy of building high quality, energy-efficient homes will live on through Empire.”
Empire Communities has built more than 12,000 new homes and condominiums over the past 25 years in the Greater Toronto and Houston markets. The developer is known for creating sought-after, master-planned communities and has recently announced its sixth Houston area development.
Construction on two Austin area developments are also scheduled to start soon, including Santa Rita Ranch in Liberty Hill and Lakeside in Georgetown. Prices at these developments range from the low-$200,000s to around $600,000 with sizes up to 4,800 square feet.
For more information visit empirecommunities.com.
