When Rob Rice Homes began construction in Campus Highlands over six years ago, Rob knew it would be a different kind of community from the neighborhoods he had developed and built during his previous 25 years. Located in Lacey, WA, these new homes were located in the master planned community of Meridian Campus – and there was clearly a reason the developer had saved Campus Highlands and Campus Estates for last – the large lots and the expansive views are definitely a step above the rest!
From the beginning, Rob made the decision that the golf course homes would include features that most builders considered upgrades. Slab granite counters in the kitchen, generous use of tile in the master bathrooms, fully landscaped and irrigated lawns were just a few of the finishes that convinced buyers that Rob Rice Homes was the right decision for their dream home.
Fast forward to 2018 and Rob Rice Homes has built over 200 homes in the Meridian Campus community. During the past six years, their unique pre-sale program has allowed buyers to customize their home, not only selecting cosmetic finishes, but upgrading many of the features as well. Over time, a trend appeared and many buyers were making many of the same changes to their homes.
It was out of a desire to showcase many of those upgrades that led to the decision to participate in the Olympia Master Builder’s Tour of Homes this September. That decision led to the home at 4223 Bogey Drive being judged as “Best of Show” for 2017! The resounding feedback from visitors during the tour was that they loved the finishes, the attention to detail, and wanted those same features in their home. That’s when Rob made the decision to Kick it up a Notch!

Quartz counters with under-mount sinks coupled with that full tile shower make an impressive statement!
Buyers said they wanted granite or quartz counters in the master bathroom – so solid surface counters and undermount sinks are now standard, not just in the master bathroom, but in all the bathrooms and the utility room, too! The master shower also got an upgrade and all plans now include a mud-set shower with gorgeous deco tile accents and he raised the vanities to be the same height as kitchen counters – another frequent request – and you won’t find any laminate or vinyl in any of these homes!
Not to be outdone by the master bathroom, the kitchen got a nice makeover as well – Range/ovens were replaced by GE Convection Microwave / Wall Oven Combinations with separate gas cooktops featuring either a down-draft or overhead hood vent. All the cabinet doors and drawers are slow close, and some cabinets were replaced with banks of drawers, which have become very popular with buyers.
Lighting also got a nice upgrade, with LED lightbulbs used throughout the home to include all the can lights. A wider variety of lighting fixtures and a ceiling fan in the family room have added a special touch as well. Many buyers have chosen to add air conditioning over the past few years, so the homes are now pre-wire and pre-plumbed so that it is a simple process to add that feature during the building process or even down the line after move-in.
The exterior wasn’t ignored either! You’ll find larger rear patios and sidewalks to help take in the views. Many of the floor plans in this community have extensive covered and uncovered seating areas located just steps from the great room and kitchen.
All the homes have three car garages, each serviced by an automatic garage door opener and an exterior keypad for easy entry even when you don’t have your car or your keys!
At the same time all these standard features were upgraded, the color palate for cabinet stains and door styles has been expanded to five standard stain colors and a wide assortment painted maple as an upgrade. There are now over fifteen standard granite and quartz choices, over fifteen standard hardwoods, and an endless variety of tiles.
Rob Rice Homes continues to offer their pre-sale program and encourages buyers to further personalize their home beyond these features. The design staff at Signature Floors & Interiors, the lighting experts at Olympia Lighting, and Rob’s sales representatives at Coldwell Banker that have been involved in hundreds of pre-sales are ready to help the next round of buyers make selections and choose upgrades that will make the statement that they have found their perfect home – a Rob Rice Home.
Preview our new home community of Campus Estates. For sales information, contact the Coldwell Banker Team or visit our open house every Saturday from 1:00-3:00 at 4218 Bogey Drive NE, Lacey.
Rob Rice is Thurston County’s largest local home builder and has been voted the Best of South Sound for the last four years. He has built nearly 3000 homes in 43 different new home communities over more than 30 years. He and his wife Helena live in Olympia with their two sons, Alex and Carson. Rob is a graduate of Washington State University with degrees in construction management and architecture.