Sullivan Homes still in business

SANDPOINT — Todd Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Homes Idaho, has been busy fielding calls about the financial status of his company after several news sources reported that Sullivan Homes, Inc. had become a casualty of America’s housing crisis.

While he confirms Sullivan Homes, Inc. did close, Sullivan made it clear that his business — Sullivan Homes Idaho — shares nothing more than a similar name and a family connection with the newly-defunct business.

Last month, Spokane-based Sullivan Homes Inc. — owned by Todd’s father, James Sullivan — closed its doors after 12 years in business. The home-building company is in the process of liquidating its assets to pay back the more than $16 million it owes to local banks, vendors and contractors.

The irony is that even in this difficult financial environment, Sullivan Homes Idaho is doing great business, Sullivan said.

“We are busier than we’ve ever been. We’re getting about one new custom inquiry a day. It’s been amazingly busy lately,” Sullivan said.

Todd Sullivan started Sullivan Homes Idaho in 2006 and has nearly $30 million in current housing construction, including properties at the new Idaho Club.

The company took part in the 2006 “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” television show and has continued a partnership with KXLY on the Extreme Team, which offers pro bono home remodeling to individuals and non-profit groups in need of assistance.

Sullivan said that while it has been difficult to watch his father’s business hit hard times, he is also frustrated by the confusion it has created for his own business.

“We’re going straight ahead and strong and just trying to make certain that people understand that we’re still here,” Sullivan said.