Proximity to city, custom work are draws for Smyrna's Woodbridge Crossing

By Lori Johnston
For the AJC

Sunday, November 30, 2008

A shorter drive to Atlanta and the airport drew Mike Mosquito from Kennesaw to Smyrna, and the builder’s willingness to personalize his home sold him on Woodbridge Crossing. Mosquito, 39, president and CEO of HealthNovation, a health care technology consulting company, chatted about his new place.

Mike Mosquito was looking for a community that was growing and had a lot to offer young adults. He toured at least 40 homes before settling on Woodbridge Crossing in Smyrna.

• Christopher Oquendo / Special

• Getting there

Take I-75 north to I-285 west and take Exit 16 (South Atlanta Road) and turn right. Travel to the second light and turn left onto umberland Parkway, which turns into the East-West Connector. After the fourth traffic light, Woodbridge Crossing will be located on the left, at Cooper Lake Road and the East-West Connector.

• Q. Where did you move from, and why?

A. I was looking to move closer to the city and wanted to find a community that was growing and that had a lot to offer for a young adult trying to do something different in a home.

• How many homes did you look at?

At least 40.

• Why so many?

I was looking for a kitchen that opened to a family room. I didn’t want to do a lot of yardwork. The Providence Group had this subdivision that had a big floor plan that was open, and they do all of your yard maintenance. I moved closer to the city to be able to do things in the city with friends. I want to be able to enjoy that on Saturdays and Sundays instead of yardwork.

• What changes did you make to the home?

I have a custom deck and patio the full length of the house. My basement was completely finished and redesigned. We changed the color palette for my hardwood floors — they’re a brownish red oak. The color on the outside is a tapioca brown and gray stone.

• Did you benefit from incentives?

Definitely. It was price and extras — they paid for my basement to be completed.

• What’s in your basement?

A bar and pool table room, media room, bedroom and finished bathroom, gym and storage.

• How are the other bedrooms used?

Kailey (his 7-year-old daughter) has the other master room. She has her own domain over there. The house is plenty big. Sometimes you have to use another restroom just because you’re paying for it.

• Is there a social atmosphere in the community?

When a new person moves in, we have a party for them. We all moved in when there weren’t many people there. We thought it would be nice to do for new people.

• At a Glance

Mike Mosquito’s home has 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, a finished basement, more than 4,000 square feet of livable space and features including a kitchen island and hardwood floors.

Woodbridge Crossing

• Address: 4556 Wilkerson Place, Smyrna 30080
• County: Cobb
• Information: 678-264-8190, The Providence Group
• Price range: Mid $300,000s-mid $400,000s
• Homes: 164
• Square footage: 2,500-3,400
• Lot sizes: Less than a quarter acre
• Standard features: Carriage-style garage doors, hardwood floors, granite countertops, ceramic tile backsplash, crown molding, stainless steel appliances, two-car garages
• Amenities: Pool, clubhouse, covered bridge
• Homeowners fee: $2,160 a year ($360 initiation fee)
• Developer: Jolly Development
• Builder: The Providence Group
• Broker: Jolly Realty
• Schools: Nickajack Elementary, Griffin Middle, Campbell High

• Recent sales

1. $448,864: 4561 Wilkerson Place, Smyrna 30080. Home with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a private courtyard and features such as granite countertops and hardwood floors on the main level.
2. $441,000: 4557 Wilkerson Place, Smyrna 30080. Home with 4 bedrooms, 3½ baths and features such as a master suite with a sitting area, a balcony overlooking the courtyard and a fireplace in the family room.

• For sale

1. $462,120: Lot 52. Home with 4 bedrooms, 3½ baths and features such as hardwood floors on the main level, built-ins in the great room and two fireplaces.
2. $372,815: Lot 73. Home with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and features such as hardwood floors, built-ins, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.