Hearth and Home at The Alexa
During my childhood, my friends and I would imagine ourselves in the future as owning high-end automobiles and mansions with giant swimming pools. Such were our childhood ambitions. Though we grew up in Staten Island, New York, where mansions were plenty, I didnβt know anyone who owned one until I was fifteen years old. While in college, I lived in that same mansion. It was grand! Back then, mansions were a symbol of having βmade itβ in life. Through television shows such as βThe Beverly Hillbilliesβ, βDallasβ, and βDynastyβ, on up to shows like βLifestyles of the Rich and Famousβ and βMTV Cribsβ, mansions became the (unrealistic) symbol of the American Dream. It wasnβt until later in life that I realized that mansions were a lot more space than I would be comfortable having (and having to maintain) and that one could have a luxurious home without it being obscenely huge or needlessly expensive.
The type of luxury homes that hold my attention these days are more reasonable, though every bit as luxurious as the manses I admired in my youth. The gated community isnβt a new concept, but not everyone can build the kinds of luxury townhomes Peter Tiflinsky is capable of. The Alexa (named after his daughter) has been called βenchantedβ, and looking at the stunning homes in this community, one can understand why. It is located on fifteen acres in Montvale, New Jersey, an ideal piece of real estate if ever there was one. Having lived in a gated community when I was much younger, I have to say that The Alexa is beyond outstanding, superior to any other Iβve seen in my life. It is suburbia heaven! The architecture is a testament to Peterβs bold vision, in that the homes werenβt built simply to show off. They contribute to the landscape, bring a certain harmony to the environment, and beckon to would-be owners to settle within its comely domain.
The Alexa has all manner of amenities that one could possibly wish for, and only the best. Thereβs a shopping center nearby and one is never too far away from the bustle of New York City. It looks to be an ideal neighborhood to raise a family, but you neednβt have one to live there. Peter Tiflinsky and Premiere Developers LLC have been building homes for some time now, this isnβt their first rodeo, as they say. But if what Iβve seen of it thus far is any indication, it may turn out to be their crowning achievement.
When you left Ukraine to come to the United States, how old were you and was it your intention to become a developer, or did you have other ideas first?
I wish I had intentions, but my family moved to the United States when I was 2 years old. I did already have a great interest in building block toys. (laughs)
You seem to have extensive knowledge of architecture and interior design and I am curious as to what sort of background do you have in either of these fields.
When it comes to the background, I was more of a hands-on learner. I always had a strong passion for architecture and interior design. With that passion, I went through all the latest magazines, architectural designs, projects in my area, and hit the ground running. We have been building ever since.
What are the advantages of owning a home within a gated community rather than outside of one?
Gated communities will always be more secure. Having a gate and 24/7 security allows homeowners to rest easy knowing their home, family, and belongings, are safe. You are not in a high traffic area and you donβt have to worry if your kids go to play outside. A gated entrance creates a secluded, special community where you and your neighbors become friends. With our gated community, you canβt forget the clubhouse, pool, gym, and tennis court!
How did you develop an eye for the kind of aesthetics required to build luxury homes? Is it something that grew out of your environment during your childhood, meaning did you grow up in a luxury home? Or does it come naturally to you?
I did not have the benefits of growing up in a wealthy family or a luxury home. I grew up in a very poor area of Brooklyn, and my family was on welfare. Seeing my family struggle motivated me to want to do bigger & better and be able to provide for myself and my family. So, I guess you could say it comes naturally to me. With extremely hard work I was able to buy, demolish, and rebuild my first home. That was a huge learning curve for me, but I learned a lot, bought my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th homes, and here we are today! Weβve come a long way and our proudest project at the moment is www.livethealexa.com
In another publication, you mention how you are inspired by the architecture in Europe. Which countries inspire you the most?
Peter Tiflinsky
France & Spain β Paris & Barcelona specifically.
I once met a developer who has built some of the most gorgeous condominiums in the U.S., but he lives a lot less extravagant than the residents in his buildings, preferring to live somewhat modestly. What is your personal style?
My personal style is to live in a roomy condo apartment. Right now, I reside in Bergen County, NJ. I always design my townhomes with the utmost luxury and quality but like the developer you previously met, I too like to live a bit more modestly than the gorgeous townhomes I am currently building and have built.
From what Iβve heard, you are involved in every stage of development of the homes you build. You seem to genuinely care about the needs of your residents. But what are some of the challenges for you to be that involved, and how do you meet these challenges?
I do genuinely care. The best builders care about their residents, if you care and put the needs of your residents first, the final product will always be the best it can possibly be.
When being so hands-on there can definitely be some challenges, especially working on multiple projects at once. Luckily, we have a system in our office that works for me. I am very fortunate to have a great team; most have been with me for over a decade. I like to be the first point of contact for every stage of development, but then I am able to delegate to my trusted, knowledgeable, and hardworking staff. My staff knows me and my projects very well and loop me in when they know I am needed; it really is a great process.
Overall, what inspires you to do what you do? Is there some personal philosophy you live by that gets you up in the morning?
There are 2 philosophies I like to live by. (1) No Risk No Reward (2) Face challenges head-on. They will always make you stronger, wiser, and prosperous.
I would like to thank Peter Tiflinsky for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with me. I would also like to thank Michael Broderick et.al. for helping to make this article happen.
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