In days past, shoppers could depend on the touchstone to separate the silver or gold from alloys masquerading as precious metals. Luckily, today's homebuyer can also refer to a Touchstone when measuring quality. Touchstone Homes, the Metro Area's newest name in residential construction, is as time-honored and trusted as that silica rock, and is setting the gold standard for quality, value and function for new home construction. Although the Touchstone name is new, the people who make up the homebuilding firm are among the most knowledgeable the local market has to offer. When Mark Teitelbaum, who brings more than 32 years of industry experience, joined Fred Kemp, noted St. Louis architect, in his organization - the highly regarded Kemp Homes, a leader in the new home market for more than a half-century, the two began to lay plans for a company that would be owned and operated by employees, and built upon the Kemp Homes legacy of affordable quality, innovative design and value. With key leadership identified by 2001, three years before Kemp's death, the foundation for Touchstone Homes was laid. He entrusted his legacy to three well-qualified employees, all partners and owners, Mark Teitelbaum, manager; Brad Obert, controller, Kevin Astroth, designer, as well as Kemp's youngest son, Bill Kemp, who is currently handling many projects for the company. While actively pursuing his undergraduate degree at St. Louis University, Bill is focused on continuing the building legacy once his college career is complete. With the homebuilding firm operating under the Touchstone Homes name, as of this month, Teitelbaum, who served alongside Fred Kemp for five years, commented on being hand selected, "He saw potential, trusted us, and believed we could carry on his tradition. That's not something any of us take lightly," he stated. Teitelbaum assures that aside from changes to the stationery, homebuyers and homeowners alike are not likely to notice too many changes. "It was always Fred's intent that Touchstone Homes would be the continuation of Kemp Homes," he explained, emphasizing that the Touchstone Homes team is committed to maintaining the high standards established by the award-winning homebuilder. Touchstone will continue to focus on high caliber projects. "The goals of value and quality, rather than volume, will continue to govern the decisions about new home building and land acquisition," he added. Employees will also remain focused on total customer satisfaction and building long-term relationships. Additionally, the majority of design decisions will come from in-house, where value engineering will remain the center of attention. Lead designer and partner Kevin Astroth will continue to work closely with architects to develop desirable floorplans filled with cutting edge design and all of the most-asked-for amenities - including many that are optional in competitor's homes. For more than fifty years, St. Louis area homebuyers have trusted the Kemp name, as evidenced by the more than 10,000 Kemp-built homes. But as the company enters this new chapter, Brad Obert is confident that Touchstone Homes will not only persist in providing affordable, welcoming neighborhood's, but in doing so create the same household name recognition held by its predecessor. "Homebuyers will think quality and value when they hear the Touchstone name," he stated. Teitelbaum concurs adding, "The goal is to add another 50 years to the Fred Kemp legacy." Home shoppers can visit the following Touchstone Homes developments: Strawberry Ridge, a scenic Arnold-area neighborhood, base-priced from the $240's, that features a recreation complex - including a 5-acre spring fed lake, for resident's enjoyment; Laurel Bluffs, an intimate North County community of just 47 homes, situated off Dunn Road and overlooking the majestic Missouri River Valley and Saratoga Village in Barrington Downs, an enclave featuring just 30 carefree homes priced from the $190's; and in West County, Phase 2 of the highly successful Chesterfield Ridge, a single family attached neighborhood located off Clarkson Road in the heart of Chesterfield and characterized by European style luxury homes priced from the $500's. Oryan Place, in Clayton, is the newest undertaking for Touchstone Homes. Designed for those with discriminating tastes, this development offers a tony address combined with city convenience. Nestled between Bemiston and Kingsbury, this apartment/condominium conversion will feature 27 residences from the $270's. Home buyers interested in learning more about this coming community can phone 314-725-4084.