From the Ground Up: United-Built Homes

Address: 6797 W. Independence Drive

Owner/developer: United-Built Homes

General contractor: United-Built Homes

Architect: United-Built Homes

Engineer: United-Built Homes

Size: 7,000 square feet among five structures

Estimated cost: $1 million

Lender: None

Estimated completion date: October

Project description: This 1,600-square-foot office is the first of five buildings in the United-Built Homes model home park on two acres at the intersection of Interstate 44 and Greene County Highway MM. There also will be three model homes for public viewing and a construction warehouse, according to Dale Barnett, Springfield office manager. United-Built Homes is a home manufacturer and financier based in Shreveport, La. There are 18 sales offices in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma; this is the first in Missouri. "We build for those that own their own land," Barnett said. More than 30 plans ranging from $55,000 to $140,000 are displayed on the company's Web site, www.ubh.com. The company has been in business since 1958.