SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA—The New Home Co. has begun construction on a community of 31 limited-collection estate-style homes on 17 acres of land overlooking historical San Juan Capistrano. Oliva, situated on a hillside enclave, has broken ground after many months of planning and design.

Designed to embrace San Juan Capistrano's signature Mission-style architecture, Oliva will feature residences ranging from approximately 3,900 square feet to more than 5,300 square feet of living space. The community, located on Del Obispo St., will feature streets designed with a classic European ambiance. The gated luxury community includes panoramic views of rural hillsides, foothills, working ranches and distant Pacific Ocean vistas. Oliva is anticipated to open this fall with prices expected to start from the mid-$1 millions.

According to Tom Redwitz, COO of New Home, “We've worked extremely hard with staff at the City of San Juan Capistrano and many of our neighbors to make Oliva a reality, and we feel fortunate to have acquired such a special piece of land here.” Redwitz adds that Oliva will provide an “inspiring, secluded haven in Southern California's most historic and oldest city. These homes will add to the rich heritage of their location.”

As GlobeSt.com reported earlier this week, the Aliso Viejo, CA-based New Home has hired A.J. Jarvis as president of its Southern California division. Jarvis is moving from his position as president of the company's land subsidiary to president Southern California, where he will oversee the planning, development and implementation of all the company's communities in the region. The move occurred shortly after New Home became a publicly traded company. The firm announced its initial public offering on January 31 and is now trading stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NWHM.”