The Vineyards at 16th and Ridge (Interview)

           YPs, I had the opportunity to speak with a YoungProfessional named Michael D. Tucker JR., on an exciting new Real Estate Housing  project that is coming to the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania.  Michael, along with Tyron Tucker and Toinu K. Kimah; have come together on a project that will change the face of living in the Francisville area of Philadelphia.  Along with developer, Anthony B. Miles and selling agent Maryam K. Amaker, these YoungProfessionals are giving back to the community in a huge way.  As a YoungProfessional, myself, I am truly inspired by the work that is being done.  Progressive strides in business and in the environment, are driving this wonderful group of individuals to do great things.  I look forward to much more from these YPs.  So come with me, as I get into some of the specifics of “The Vineyards” project!!!

The Vineyards at 16th & Ridge

What are ‘The Vineyards’? 

Michael Tucker: The Vineyards is a 27-unit Sustainable Urban Community. It will be the 1st LEED project in the Francisville area of Philadelphia. The 1^st phase of the developers vision is scheduled to break ground on June 7, 2010 and should be completed Summer/Fall 2010.    

YPDSing: Oh ok, so once you break ground, you guys are going hit it running.  Has to be exciting for you!!!

Who are all the parties behind ‘The Vineyards’ project?  

Michael Tucker: The vineyards is a group of professional schoolmates that have been chosen to amplify there intelligence and to give life back to the Francisville area of Philadelphia. 

YPDSing: I really admire the fact that you have known each other since your school days.  That reminds me of my YP Family!

How did you all come together on such a huge project? 

Michael Tucker: We all were enrolled under the mentorship of Anthony B. Miles at his school of business credit.  Honestly, faith brought us together! 

YPDSing: Doesn’t get any better than that!

How long has this project been underway? 

Michael Tucker: The Project has been in planning since 2006 and under development since 2009.  But surreal enough, it almost seems as if this project has been waiting for all of us involved from birth, because the Lord made sure we were all ready at the same time.  

YPDSing: It’s a blessing how things seem to come together in such a way!

Is this the first of many projects like this one, or just a solo deal right now? 

Michael Tucker: Nothing about this group is solo!  We are family.  For everyone in the association this is a major project but we intend to transform the Francisville neighborhood and continue to bring the United States and the world Sustainability. 

YPDSing: We look forward to it!

What were the factors involved for determining the location for ‘The Vineyards’? 

Michael Tucker: Anthony B. Miles, the developer is from the area of Francisville.  He was around to see the best of the area, and the not so best, and he also knows the history and has taught us about William Penn’s vision of Francisville, so the area redevelopment is more personal, than business. 

YPDSing: Ok, so this is giving back in its truest form!

What has the response been from the community, regarding this project? 

Michael Tucker: Penelope (Penny) Giles, and the community has supported the project very strongly from the beginning, and that was made very certain during the community meeting when we receive  a unanimous decision on the approval of the project.  Also the project falls in line with the redevelopment plan that was put together for Francisville in 2004. 

YPDSing: Unanimous, WOW!!!

What type of tenants are you looking to attract with such a housing project? 

Michael Tucker: We’re looking to attract the Young Professional, those who are ambitious and those who support the green innovative. 

YPDSing: That’s right up our alley, I’m sure our supporters will love this!

What are the long term goals of ‘The Vineyards,’ and what do you hope to accomplish for the people that will live in your building? 

Michael Tucker: Long term goals for The Vineyards is to bring back the Eat, Shop, Play, of every neighborhood alike. 

What are you guys doing to market ‘The Vineyards’? 

Michael Tucker: We are currently starting the marketing phase of the project we have created a website www.thevineyardsat16th.comalso we have a facebook fan page and twitter page to keep our fans and followers up to date on what’s going on with our project.  Also, the town homes will soon be listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) soon.  We have also incorporated the community in the vision of the project with a joint venture farmers market.  

YPDSing: Covering all angles, I see!

What is the biggest risk, taking on a project of this magnitude? 

Michael Tucker: In Nelson Mandela 1994 inaugural speech, he stated “You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 

YPDSing: YPs STAND UP!!!

You guys have Trilitron Corporation; does this project fall directly under this company? 

Michael Tucker: Trilitron Corporation is an investment group that is proud to be a joint partner in The Vineyards Project. 

Was Trilitron Corporation created solely for this project?  

Michael Tucker: No, it wasn’t created solely for this project but this project does fall in line with Trilitron’s vision and mission statements.

 What kind of hurdles did you guys come across, while going through this whole process? 

Michael Tucker: Credit worthiness, financing difficulties, patience from our family and loved ones, and most of all, understanding and the willingness to learn…

YPDSing: Nothing worth having is easy!!!!

When can people begin applying to live at ‘The Vineyards’? Have you been taking pre-orders? 

Michael Tucker: We have already received a great deal of offers, but the true answer is immediately.  We are accepting deposits for purchase and leasing. 

YPDSing: YPs you better act now!

What’s next for Trilitron Corporation? 

Michael Tucker: Next we will be looking to get into Global Multi-Unit franchising i.e. Hotels, Gyms, Restaurants, while staying in lined to pursue other ventures with Mr. Anthony B. Miles and members of the 16^th and Ridge Association group. 

YPDSing: Big things on the horizon!

As you know, our whole focus at YoungProfessionals is to motivate and educate those who have ambitions to do great things.  Do you have any advice for up and coming professionals, either in the real estate field or in general? 

Michael Tucker: Keep God First!  Consider some of the worst days while trying to become a professional part of the puzzle that leads you towards your future.  Look at what it takes, and learn about others that made it where you want to go.  Find a great mentor someone who can help you achieve all your dreams and goals.  

YPDSing: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Well congrats on your endeavors and you have the support from our YP Family. 

Check out this amazing facility and all that these positive people have to offer:

Website:  The Vineyards at 16th & Ridge

Twitter: @16thandridge

Facebook: The Vineyards at 16th & Ridge FB Fan Page

TriliTron Corporation (Website): TriliTron

Contact Selling Agent (City Space): Maryam K. Amaker | Phone: 267-258-0166

 

Tagged as: Entreprenuership, LEED Homes, Philadelphia, Positivity, The Vineyards