Halcottsville, NY<\/strong> \u2013 With the arrival of spring not far off, Alta Log Homes Vice President David Mann is optimistic that the housing market is slowly turning around.<\/p>\n Entering its 41st year in business, the company has weathered numerous economic cycles and Mr. Mann sees signs that the housing industry is finally emerging from a prolonged slowdown.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re all planning for a bit of a recovery in 2012,\u201d Mr. Mann commented.<\/p>\n He pointed out that the National Association of Home Builders reports that the inventory of available homes is down and that the demand for new housing should show a corresponding improvement. That forecast is proving true at Alta.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have recently completed projects in New Paltz and West Hurley and have a house going out to Westerlo in a few weeks. We\u2019ve also seen an increase in design deposits and housing orders for spring,\u201d noted Mr. Mann.<\/p>\n The positive signs are encouraging, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe improvements are modest, but I feel we\u2019re starting to head back into the right direction,\u201d Mr. Mann added.<\/p>\n One of the country\u2019s leading manufacturers of log homes for more than four decades, Alta continues to expand in new directions.<\/p>\n Last fall, the company finished construction of a commercial building on Route 30, Halcottsville. The exterior is complete and Alta is seeking tenants for the building and will finish the interior to meet the needs of the tenant(s).<\/p>\n Alta is also expanding its accommodation offerings, a field the company entered into two years ago with the establishment of Log Home Lodging. Alta has built two lodging facilities near its office in Halcottsville. The success of those rentals has resulted in plans for several similar units.<\/p>\n Alta is also offering a cross-promotional incentive for visitors who stay at Log Home Lodging \u2014 crediting the price of single or multiple stays (up to $1,000) off the purchase of an Alta Log Home for guests who \u201ctry out\u201d the company\u2019s product with overnight visits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Housing leader<\/strong><\/p>\n Since its start in 1971, Alta has been at the forefront of its field. The company\u2019s unique log profiles and innovative construction system have helped set the business apart from other log home manufacturers.<\/p>\n Alta has also been a pioneer in the movement to construct environmentally friendly \u201cgreen\u201d homes that are built with conservation and cost-savings in mind.\u00a0 Alta is an Energy Star partner and the company\u2019s new log homes can be built to qualify for Energy Star and LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification. LEED is an internationally recognized green building method based on third-party verification.<\/p>\n Alta has more than 50 standard models and customization options provide an endless array of design choices. In addition to serving residential customers, Alta has constructed restaurants, stores, motels, schools and churches.<\/p>\n Mr. Mann pointed out that Alta\u2019s contemporary styling lends itself equally well to rural or suburban settings.<\/p>\n \u201cOver the years, we have been asked to meet a wide array of design requests. Our ability to customize is another trait that helps set Alta apart in the log home field,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n Alta is located on Route 30, Halcottsville, about five miles north of Margaretville in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. For additional information, please call (800) 926-2582 or visit: altaloghomes.com<\/p>\n