Modern bedroom with green accent wall, wooden bedframe, white bedding, decorative wall art, and bedside lamps

Bringing Home the Gold! Two OBIE Awards for Salacoa in Calhoun

December 01, 2025

We have some exciting news to share, and we couldn't be prouder! At the 45th annual OBIE Awards, the Atlanta new home construction industry's most prestigious recognition event, our Salacoa community in Calhoun took home not one, but two Gold Awards.

The OBIE Awards are presented by the Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council on behalf of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. This year, we were pleased to earn top honors in two categories that showcase what we do best: creating beautiful, thoughtfully designed spaces that make homebuyers feel instantly at home.

Award-Winning Design and Customer Experience

Our Salacoa community earned Gold Awards for:

  • Best Interior Merchandising for Detached Models priced at $299,999 and Under for our Azalea model home
  • Best Model Home Sales Office, recognizing our innovative approach to the homebuying experience.

These awards celebrate more than just aesthetics; they highlight our commitment to strong brand storytelling, thoughtful design and creating an exceptional customer experience from the moment you walk through our doors. Every detail, from the way we've styled our model home to the welcoming atmosphere in our sales office, is designed with you - the homebuyer - in mind.

"It's always an honor to be recognized among Atlanta's best in homebuilding," said Stephen Haines, President of Artisan Built Communities. "The Azalea model home and sales office at Salacoa showcase the craftsmanship, design vision and attention to detail that define our brand. These awards are a testament to our team's creativity and dedication to creating communities that truly feel like home."

Meet the Azalea: Our Award-Winning Model Home

Let's talk about what makes the Azalea so special. This award-winning model home has been turning heads since we opened our doors, and now it has the Gold OBIE to prove it!

The Azalea features an open-concept layout that's absolutely perfect for entertaining, whether you're hosting a dinner party, game night with friends, or just enjoying family time. The kitchen is the heart of the home, with granite countertops, a large island that naturally becomes the gathering spot and plenty of space for the home chef to work their magic.

With three spacious bedrooms, each featuring walk-in closets (because we all need storage!), the Azalea offers room for the whole family to spread out comfortably. The upstairs laundry room is a game-changer - no more hauling baskets up and down stairs! And if you love outdoor living, the charming back patio is calling your name for morning coffee, evening cocktails or weekend BBQs.

But here's what really captured the judges' attention and earned us that Gold OBIE: the innovative interior design that creates a cohesive, inviting flow throughout the entire home. From the playful, dinosaur-themed children's bedroom that sparks imagination to the serene blue accents in the family room that create a calming retreat, every space in the Azalea tells a story. It's warm, stylish and it perfectly blends comfort with creativity in every single detail.

Why Salacoa is Calhoun's Hottest Community

Winning awards is wonderful, but what really matters is what Salacoa offers you and your family. This isn't just any neighborhood, its Calhoun's only residential waterpark community, and trust us when we say it's something special.

Imagine walking across your community to your very own resort-style waterpark on a warm Saturday next summer. Kids are laughing on the slide, you're relaxing on the sun deck and the splash fountains are keeping everyone cool. Later, take a dip in the swimming pool, challenge your neighbors to a pickleball match or take your dog to the fenced dog park to burn off some energy. The amenities at Salacoa truly create that "resort-style experience right at home" feeling:

  • Splashacoa, the one-of-a-kind waterpark with slides, splash fountains and a relaxing sun deck
  • Swimming pool for lap swimming or leisurely floating
  • Cabana for poolside gatherings
  • Walking trails that wind around a beautiful five-acre lake
  • Amphitheater for concerts, movie nights and community celebrations
  • Little Lumberyard playground where kids can make memories and friendships
  • Pickleball courts
  • Pawicoa, the fenced dog park for your four-legged family members

Every day at Salacoa feels a little bit like vacation, and isn't that exactly how home should feel?

Location that Just Makes Sense

Beyond the incredible amenities, Salacoa's location is unbeatable. Situated just minutes from historic downtown Calhoun, you'll have easy access to local shopping, dining and entertainment while maintaining that peaceful, small-town atmosphere that makes Calhoun so special.

Need to commute? I-75 is nearby for effortless access throughout northwest Geogia and into Atlanta. Looking for great schools? Check. Parks for weekend adventures? Absolutely. That combination of small-town charm with modern convenience makes Salacoa ideal for families, first-time homebuyers and anyone seeking that perfect balance of community connection and accessibility.

Homes Designed for How You Actually Live

At Salacoa, we offer a variety of floor plans ranging from ranch-style homes to spacious two-story designs with up to five bedrooms. Every home features open interiors that feel bright and welcoming, inviting outdoor spaces perfect for Georgia's beautiful weather and the quality craftsmanship that's become our signature.

Our homes start at $302,900, delivering what we call "attainable luxury" - beautiful design, quality materials and thoughtful details at a price point that makes homeownership accessible. We believe everyone deserves a home they love, and we've designed Salacoa to prove it.

Come See What Award-Winning Design Looks Like

We're incredibly honored by these Gold OBIE Awards, but we want you to experience the magic of Salacoa for yourself. The best way to understand what makes our community special is to walk through that award-winning Azalea model, envision yourself living here and feel the difference that thoughtful design and genuine care can make.

Our award-winning sales office is located right in the Azalea model home, and our team is ready to welcome you, answer you questions and help you find your perfect home at Salacoa.

Ready to see what award-winning living looks like? Visit us at Salacoa in Calhoun to tour our model homes at 618 Lovers Lane Road. The two model homes are open Sunday and Monday from 12-6 p.m. and Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Certifications & Affiliations

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