Meet the Winner of HGTV Urban Oasis 2012
I’m sending a big shout out and congrats to Houston, Texas, resident James Walley, who has won the HGTV Urban Oasis 2012 Giveaway. HGTV’s John Gidding came knocking on the Walley family door yesterday evening, just one day after James’ birthday. At that moment, James was helping his oldest son, age seven, with a homework project, while his wife Denise was finishing up a bath for the couple’s youngest son, age two. “My son ran up to the door and yelled up and down the hallway ‘HGTV is here! HGTV is here!’” says James.
James works in the IT department for a national sporting goods chain and says his favorite HGTV shows are Property Brothers and Love It or List It. Denise, who just opened her own medical practice, says she loves the series Property Virgins. As for a move to Miami, the couple says they enjoy the city and have vacationed there before and agree that the location of the home made the contest very attractive. The Walleys entered the HGTV Urban Oasis 2012 Giveaway twice a day — almost every day — through the entry period.
To see James’ reaction to winning the grand prize, tune into the HGTV Urban Oasis Giveaway 2012 special on Friday, December 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
THIS ABOUT SUMS IT UP!
It seems that there's something gone missing
Just a clue, maybe two's what we're wishing
For an oasis that's urban
Even one that's suburban
But the sign on the door says 'gone fishing!'
Maybe Jack T and HGTV are teaming up to bring us a Hawaiian Urban Oasis this year. If so, I wonder if Waikiki's Royal Kai Lani luxury condos are a possibility? Beach front would be nice…. http://www.royalkailani.com/interior-details.php
OMG Coop, You better start praying I win the DH or SH because if HGTV choses the Waikiki’s Royal Kai luxury condos I would have to somehow distract you (and everyone else) from entering.
Here is to hoping.
Hawaii would be wonderful! The crystal clear turquoise water and white sand beaches are breathtaking.
I think we found Mary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0qFRdcJfFs
Who knows, alicesoneysmom; if that's Mary at the Koloa Landing Resort, I wonder how long she's planning on staying in paradise at a rate of $350 a night? (That's a current "construction special" rate.)
It has been two weeks since we found Mary. With those prices she must have a big expense account. Rumor has it that Mary is High Maintenance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m9g030ukHo
Since the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl, I was thinking that maybe the next Urban Oasis should be in Baltimore. I have never visited Baltimore or DC for that matter……..but I would love to! And, of course it would be great to win an Oasis there.
I am thinking of all the possible cities where Urban Oasis 2013 could be located, and LA is sounding really good about right now. A girl can hope!
Dallas, TX!!!
Huston, TX
Speaking of possible locations, I was just thinking about songs and bands that mention cities or states.
Bands include:
Boston
Kansas
Chicago
Alabama
Whitney Houston
Bay City Rollers
Songs include:
Hotel California
California Dreaming
California Girls
Sweet Home Chicago
Sweet Home Alabama
New York Minute
New York State of Mind
Georgia on My Mind
Leaving Las Vegas
I am sure there are more that should be added to the lists above, but this is all I can remember.
Summer, I’m sure Miami must have a song. May-be that is how the Urban Oasis is chosen. You have come up with the first real Destination Clue. Good Job.
I would like to add: “The Bluest Sky’s You Have Ever Seen are in Seattle.”
No, I don't think that they choose the location based on a song. But I do love music!
Do you realize that by this time last year (Feb. 16) Mary already had us at Urban Oasis 2012 Location Clue #2 (the lighthouse prism glass.)
With the Dream Home entry period over, isn't it time to set the 2013 Urban Oasis Location search in motion? We've got some catching up to do — even if we have to tackle a double dose of clues in one fell swoop.
The crowds are waiting anxiously with bated breath, fingers at the keyboard, ready to jump on even the most convoluted clues. Our fate is now in Mary's hands….
Mary has been busy today. She has posted an update on both the Dream Home Blog and the Smart Home Blog. Now if we could just convince her to tell us where the next Urban Oasis is going to be located. If only!!!
I like seeing James and Denise Walley and their little boy smiling with John Gidding but the day I come to this sight and not see that picture I may faint.
Miss Mary, could we have a clue. It doesn’t even have to be a real clue. (That could be a good laugh for you later when we are trying to figure out what the first clue has to do with the following clues)
A brief Urban Oasis follow-up while we're anxiously awaiting news (rumors don't count) of the Dream Home 2013 winner's name and location: a real estate contact told me today that Ritz-Carlton will soon begin development of a 37 story condominium project in Waikiki (near the recently built Trump Tower) and presales are to open within a few months. Construction has not yet started, but completion is expected in 2016, with prices beginning at about $500,000 for a studio unit.
It's a ways off, but hopefully HGTV and Jack T, if they haven't already done so, will get in on this ground floor opportunity to bring excited dreamers a future Hawaiian Urban Oasis.
Hi ya Coop, Kudos to ya for helping to keep the conversations on an even keel and positive demeanor over at the DH blog. Your questions and comments really help people focus on the fun side of this contest and discussion. You make it a pleasure to participate on these blogs.Just wanted to say thanks.Pleasure to keep blogging with you!
That brick wall (above photo) makes me feel like I am hitting a road block every time I check this blog. It is giving me a headache. And, as handsome as John Gidding is, it is time to move on to the location announcement for the 2013 Urban Oasis. Please Mary, give us a clue!
Mary, is Scripps putting the urban Oasis build to rest? HA! all the really kool people are here at the Urban Oasis Blog. ROTHFL. Just trying to promote some interest over here and lessen the tension of the Dream Home blog. People are a little frantic over there…..It is just a contest. I'm really looking forward to the entire precess of: Location Clues – which are my absolute favorite.I'm so sad if this particular build is going to bite the dust. The Urban build is really applicable to 21st century life styles. Central location, public transportation, city center bustle, the best museums, theater, music, lectures, food, art….Evolution and great changes in countries occur in the cityscape, a society has never moved forward from a basically rural environment . This urban oasis build is really valuable for your viewers. Hoping you were able to generate interest from sponsors! A city gal-Hokiemom
I hope Mary is just busy someplace else. If I remember last year the UO didn’t wake up until after the GH’s virtual tour began. I wish they would give us something new. I feel sorry for all the newbies over on the DH. I wish there was a way to soften the blow they are obviously going to get in a few days. I guess we all have to live through it.
Mary, Hokimom wants to live & dream in the big city!
Hey the Kool people are beginning to show up over here!!! Waaay to go Eugenia! To be completely honest and truthful I really do not care about winning any of these fantastic homes. It's fun, it's interesting and it's entertainment pure and simple. What I really find addictive is the interactions with my fellow bloggers. So much humor, insight and great information. I simply enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow bloggers. I simply don't comprehend how people can get so emotionally invested in a contest??? I also don't understand how people get a rush pressing buttons on a slot machine either. Go figure??? I do love the big city life or at least here in Washington DC metro area. You got my number Eugenia!
I Love learning about the different areas in the country. Take Bar-B-Q for example, here in the Pacific Northwest the terms are completely different than they are in SC. I loved the idea of Serenbe but the houses were so close together. I would move there in a heartbeat (if I won a lottery and could afford a place with just a little more room between homes). I really like the setup in the SM.
There will always be the dream of winning one of the homes after all it is only a 77 to 88 million to one odds. ROFLOL!!!! Someone has to win, right?
Eugenia,I think the state lottery-power ball, might prove to be better odds.But I'm not a gambling woman.Hey this is free, educational, and brings people together.Unfortunately, I have developed a blogging addiction.Which can be just as debilitating.It is a great outlet during those long winters but now that it is getting nice outside, I will soon turn my energies elsewhere.Like cleaning up the yard and getting away from the computer.I'm looking at taking some of those master gardener classes.Not healthy to sit here in front of a computer screen.Off to play some music with the band. Have a gig this afternoon at the local library.I do miss the Seattle area. My younger sister used to live up in Demming near Bellingham. Had a cousin on Wideby Island.Breathtakingly beautiful especially when the sun was shinning.We spent our honeymoon up in the NW and Vancouver Island.Many fond memories:)) But after 30+ years they are fading?lolol
I only buy a power ball when it is over $200,000,000.00 Seeing how you have not read my name in the newspapers, which should tell you how well I chose numbers. I’ll stick to the free entries here at HGTV.
We went back to Seattle for an extended visit 10 years ago and it has grown so much. I remember Whidbey Island form the early/mid 60’s. It was ALL old growth with just a few homes close to the ferry dock. I’ve heard how it has changed. I’m happy with my fading memories of the place.
It would be nice if the next UO was in Seattle. We pass by Olive 8 on the way to the Seattle Veteran's Center. In this area all kind of fun shops and restaurants are opening up. I think due to Amazon.com moving there. Starbucks and McDonald's both have beautiful large fish tanks and the colors of the fish are so vibrant. Fun story. My Navy friend, after our Creative Class, wanted to go to McDonald's. We were walking and all of a sudden she screamed out a 7-Eleven. They did away with so many of them here in Seattle. I said I wonder if they still sell Slurpys and dollar hot dogs. A lady walked up to us and said we are not open yet but if you come in with me I will give you any size Slurpy you want for free because I am the manager. That was the best Slurpy I ever had. Here is Olive 8 a video is on the right scroll down a bit. http://www.olive8.com/hotel.php
p.s. Mary tell HGTV to keep the UO and to keep the clues on all the DH Blogs they are the fun part, that is how we learn about this great country of ours. Thanks
Welcome another very kool person! alicesoneysmom so much excitement over a 7-11! Had to laugh so hard. I live across the street from a 7-11. It has it's good side/bad side. I don't have to go far for my fresh milk and my Washington Post each morning. But I have to make a trash walk around the house twice a day. Lots of activity and I would never suspect an ambush from Dream Home Crew as I would just expect that they were parking and going into the 7-11 for their morning cupa joe. There is always some activity around the place. Unfortunately the delivery trucks show up around 2 am every nite. My kids when little loved getting their weekly slurpy's Great gathering place for the teens. If I was a gamblin' woman I could pick up a lotto ticket at the last minit. I agree a Seattle UO would be awesome!!!! Great City, lots of creative, talented and friendly people! HMMMM where have I heard that before???
Great find Alice. A green Urban Oasis would be the way to go. I checked out the sight and the pictures. Looking out the condos windows was like going home again. I hope HGTV saw your post. if not this year maybe next year.
I am beginning to worry that maybe HGTV is no longer planning to have an Urban Oasis Giveaway. Let's hope not. It would be a very sad day. Hope to hear from you soon Mary……….we are all ready for the 2013 location announcement.
OK you have a new post at the smart home, the winner at the dream home and NADA at the Urban Oasis!!! Show us the love!! What gives??? Us "City Folks" need a fix! Fix us up with some city life to fantasize about. Spring is not fully arrived and we need help getting thur the next few weeks of left over winter strife. PULEEZE??? Break it to us gently….was this was the last UO build?We can take it! Really.
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No we would not be OK if the last UO was the Last. I would love to see them do a Green Portland OR condo, We have so many things going for Portland. As much as I don't like driving in the city I might drive there and take pictures.
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