From: BUILDER May 2007
Posted on: May 14, 2007

Hot Sellers: On Target

Orland Park Crossing, Orland Park, Ill.

By:: Kathleen Stanley

WHY IT WORKED: Orland Park Crossing, 30 miles southwest of Chicago, has lots of what its target market—young professionals and downsizers—wanted, including good commuting options, top-notch interior features, and proximity to a new redevelopment area in the Village of Orland Park.

The 85-unit townhome complex is one of Lennar's “Everything's Included” projects, which means that the features seen in one of two model homes come standard with each plan. Those include stainless GE appliances, granite countertops, and master suites with walk-in closets.

A pedestrian bridge leading directly to a new Metra (commuter rail) station is slated to open in early 2008.

Orland Park, No. 45 on Money magazine's 2006 list of top places to live among small cities, is steps away from an established single-family neighborhood and a new upscale shopping district.

The best-selling Montrose plan has two master suites, which appeals to roommates purchasing a home together as well as downsizers with visiting family.

PROJECT CREDITS

Project: Orland Park Crossing, Orland Park, Ill.; Sales started: May 2006; Sales through mid-January 2007: 42; Units planned: 85; Price: $324,990 to $341,490; Unit size: 1,771 to 1,984 square feet; Builder/Developer: Lennar Corp., Miami; Architect: Bloodgood Sharp Buster, Palatine, Ill.; Land planner: JEN Land Design, Chicago; Landscape architect: Pugsley & LaHaie, Lake Zurich, Ill.; Interior designer: Kathy Andrews Interiors, Houston

BD070501123L1.jpgCLICK HERE FOR IMAGE GALLERY

Right Price

Saguaro at Windingwalk, Chula Vista, Calif.

WHY IT WORKED: These homes were just what buyers wanted, priced to sell—even when the pool of interested prospective homeowners began to dry up. Irving Gill–inspired architecture helped make Shea Homes' first attached product at Windingwalk a success with first-time buyers, empty-nesters, and move-up homeowners.

With two stories and two-car garages, these motor court–style attached residences seem like detached homes. Because walls are constructed separately for each plan, there are few shared walls, which accentuates the individual-dwelling feel.

Amenities in this 1,200-acre master planned community include 455 acres dedicated to natural habitat open space. Saguaro shares a private pool, spa, and children's pool with two other neighborhoods.

The best-selling Plan 5, an end unit, boasts a lot of natural light, larger rooms, and a private courtyard off the dining room.

PROJECT CREDITS

Project: Saguaro at Windingwalk, Chula Vista, Calif.; Sales started: April 2006; Sales through mid-January 2007: 70; Units planned: 100; Price: $380,000 to $440,000; Unit size: 1,279 to 1,585 square feet; Builder: Shea Homes, San Diego; Developers: Brookfield San Diego Builders, San Diego; Shea Homes, San Diego; Architect: The McKinley Associates, San Diego; Landscape architect: Gillespie, Moody, Patterson, La Jolla, Calif.; Interior designer: Ryan Young Interiors, San Diego

BD070501124aL1.jpgCLICK HERE FOR IMAGE GALLERY

New to the Neighborhood

Eastgate Village, Chicago

WHY IT WORKED: This project, near Chicago's Loop and lakefront, is the only new construction in the area, which has seen a population boost in recent years. A wide variety of options—townhomes, walk-up condominiums, and duplexes—give buyers plenty to choose from.

There are no pass-through streets in the 9.75-acre project, which helps keep the area limited to residents and their guests.

Standard finishes include hardwood flooring in the main living areas, granite kitchen countertops, and 9-foot ceilings.

Townhomes feature a rooftop deck and an optional rooftop room.

PROJECT CREDITS

Project: Eastgate Village, Chicago; Sales started: October 2006; Sales through mid-February 2007: 67; Units planned: 500; Price: $153,900 to $619,900; Unit size: 527 to 2,647 square feet; Builders/Developers: New West Realty, Chicago; Fogelson Properties, Chicago; Forest City Enterprises, Cleveland; Mercy Developers, Chicago; Architect: Bauhs Dring Seglin Main, Chicago; Land planner: Solomon Cordwell Buenz, Chicago; Landscape architect: Daniel Weinbach, Chicago; Interior designer: New West Realty, Chicago