The merger of Don Simon Homes and

The merger of Don Simon Homes and Midland Builders — announced in June — has created Wisconsin’s largest homebuilder and one of the top 150 nationally. The new company, Veridian Homes, is headquartered in Madison, WI, and will focus on green design and traditional neighborhood development (TND). Don Simon Homes’ former president, David Simon, leads Veridian’s building division, while former Midland Builders president Jeff Rosenberg heads up the land acquisition and development division. Sales projections for 2004 are approximately $143 million, with more than 640 home closings anticipated. Veridian’s principals — whose portfolios include Madison TNDs Grandview Commons and Glacier Crossing — say their company’s name reflects its commitment to Wisconsin’s Green Built Home environmental building initiative, as well as the Wisconsin Energy Star program and other formal standards promoting environmentally friendly, energy efficient construction.