The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

Peru –  Washington Street is undergoing a major expansion. For the past several weeks the William Sawyer Construction Company of Milton, Vermont has been installing the infrastructure to service 13 new homes.  Developer Bill Sawyer said, “The first home is sold and we plan to construct two spec homes this year.”  Construction of the first home is expected to begin in a few days. 

Sixteen years ago Sawyer and his cousin Allen Turner broke ground on their first Washington Street home. Twenty-one more homes followed in quick succession. Residents love the street’s youthful family atmosphere, appreciating home values and relatively quick resales.

Re/Max North Country Agent Karen Gosnell is the listing agent for the new homes.  She commented, “Bill Sawyer has a great reputation. He gets repeat business.The first home is sold to a family he built for previously.” Gosnell is confident that buyers will like the new homes. She explained, “There will be public water, sewer and natural gas and Bill plans to install street lights. They are close to the school and there will be sidewalks, so people can walk their dogs and kids can ride their bikes.” Allen Turner will supervise the actual home construction as he did for the first twenty-two homes. 

The homes will range from 1,700 to 2,100 square feet and will be priced in the $250,000 and up price range depending on the buyers choices.  The lots are about one-half acre. Gosnell said today’s slightly higher interest rates seem to be encouraging rather than discouraging buyers. She said, “Many people are saying ‘If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it sooner rather than later.’” 

Washington Street is part of the 75-acre Orchard View subdivision. When this phase is completed there will still be room for twenty-seven more homes.