What was just a construction site a few months ago is now a neighborhood reminiscent of Main Street America, thanks to the streetscape created by the custom home builders in Homearama 2009.

Held in Culpepper Landing, this year's event marks the 28 th year Tidewater Builders Association has brought together fully furnished and landscaped custom showcase homes that demonstrate the latest in home construction, design, furnishings and technological innovations. It's also the fourth year BB&T is a presenting sponsor.

With a theme of “Make yourself at home,” this year's event features 12 homes that display classic interpretations of traditional architectural styles. Developed by Robinson Development Group, the mixed-use community features traditional neighborhood design, with front porches, sidewalks and side or rear-loading garages. Adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, it also hosts a 150-acre conservation area, a canoe landing and walking trails and campsites. When complete, the neighborhood will also host townhomes, rowhouses, a pool and clubhouse, and a commercial Mercantile District.

“As usual, Homearama is about showcasing the latest trends in home construction, design and materials,” said TBA President Pete A. Kotarides. “Guests have the opportunity to learn about ways to improve their lives with the new modern floor plans, low-maintenance materials and a new emphasis on energy efficiency.”

TBA launched the event as a way to spur interest in new homes and home products, added Kotarides. “We consider this our annual ‘buy now' event to generate interest from consumers in new homes of all price ranges. With lower prices, low mortgage rates and plenty of incentives, the current housing market presents a great opportunity for buyers. We encourage them to learn all they can at this year's Homearama.”

The Homearama homes range from 1,500 to more than 3,000 square feet and are priced from the low $300,000s to $500,000. Among the showcase homes will be:

The EasyLiving Home, built by The Walters Company Inc., is accessible to anyone at any age and with any physical limitations. Designed with these features in mind, the home will not need to be retrofitted to suit a homeowners' changing physical needs as they age.

The Sydney Lambert, named for a 6-year-old cancer patient, serves as this year's Charity House, also built by The Walters Company Inc., with proceeds to benefit the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters.

The Whitaker, built by SGB Homes, is Homearama's first green custom modular home. Constructed away from the elements in a Pennsylvania factory, the home was assembled on site.

The Chesapeake House , built by Widener Corp., will feature products and décor that reflects the city's culture and heritage.

The Elderberry, a Christmas tradition, built by WATAB Construction, will be decorated for the holiday celebration.

The Thanksgiving House, built by Definitive Homes , is also ready for the family celebration .

The Virginia Living House, built by Stephen Alexander Homes, will showcase the latest trends in green homebuilding.

There's also a show within the show at the more than 150-booth exhibit center, where vendors will display the latest products and services available for homeowners and the latest Mercedes-Benz and Land Rovers from Phillips Automotive in the driveways.

Homearama 2009 at Culpepper Landing will be open Oct. 3-18 , noon until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, and Tuesday, Oct. 13, visitors can take advantage of “ Two for Tuesdays” with Cox Communications with a two-for-one admission to anyone presenting a Cox Communications invoice.

A Taste of Chesapeake, sponsored by Columbia Natural Gas and HR Magazine , from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5, will allow guests to sample cuisine from Chesapeake restaurants.

On Military Appreciation Day, Monday, Oct. 5, military guests can take advantage of buy one, get one free admission with a valid military identification card.

Realtors Day , set for Wednesday, Oct. 7, allows area realtors to be admitted free all day long with a business card. Early birds enjoy a hearty breakfast from 9:30-11 a.m.

A “Kidarama ” hosted by Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, features face painting and children's activities from noon to 2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 17.

Official sponsors include BB&T, the City of Chesapeake, Cox Communications, Colonial Crossings of Williamsburg, Columbia Gas, Dominion Virginia Power, Farm Fresh, James Hardie Siding Products, Phillips Automotive, Superior Equipment Sales, Inc. and Virginia Living magazine. Promotional co-sponsors include Cox Communications, RSVP Publications and The Virginian-Pilot .

More information, a list of events and a coupon are available at www.homearama.tv or ( 757) 420-2434.