Company sells plans and concepts for adult lifestyle communities to 75 builders in 23 states.
Seizing upon a formulaic approach to the marketing and construction of "age-targeted" communities, Ohio-based Epmark has been franchising its condominium development systems to local builders since 1995. More than 200 communities and 15,000 units have already been built using its systems. In exchange for franchise fees amounting to approximately 1.25 of project costs, Epmark provides builders with "architectural plans for ranch-style communities, working drawings and specifications, manuals on how to run the operation, help in hiring and training sales and marketing personnel, help in construction supervision, marketing materials and a template for condo documentation".
Thanks to Geoffrey Singer
FULL STORY: Franchise industry finds a new home

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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