Builder Richmond American Homes has pulled out of the Tampa Bay, unable to stay afloat in a housing market swamped with unsold homes.

The Denver builder was a mainstay for years in southeast Hillsborough and Hernando counties. It built in such communities as Avalon Park and Covington Park.

It joins other new-home builders that have ceased construction in Tampa Bay. They include McCar Homes, Tripp Trademark Homes, Nohl Crest Homes, Windjammer Homes, Smith Family Homes and Engle Homes.

Many went out of business when banks called in mortgages on lots builders had overpaid for when housing was hot. Others hope to outlast the downturn by merging, which happened in the case of Pulte Homes acquiring Centex Homes this year.

Richmond American pulled down images of Tampa Bay model homes from its Web site and deactivated its phone lines. Jacksonville sales continue.

Tampa Bay new home sales seem to have struck bottom in the winter after three years of declines, but haven't shown much upward momentum.

Business isn't hopeless, though. David Pelletz, regional president for Standard Pacific Homes, said foreclosures have competed against his new home inventory but that "most of the best foreclosures have been picked through."

"Builders like Richmond have gone. The market not as big as it was," Pelletz said.