A trip back in time is part of the allure of a new housing development in Aurora.
HomeTown takes its inspiration from the past, featuring such old-fashioned amenities as front porches, picket fences, a park with a gazebo and a general store.
The Bigelow Homes development is planned for more than 1,000 single-family homes, now base-priced from $99,900 to $154,900. The 13 floor plans range from 900 to 2,100 square feet, with two to four bedrooms.
The 140-acre site will be divided into eight neighborhoods with 15 parks, according to Perry Bigelow, president of his Palatine-based home building firm.
Though neo-traditional in concept, Bigelow prefers to call HomeTown a “neighborly neighborhood based on small-town America.”
Two basic types of residences are offered–the Courtyard Series, detached single-family homes with maintenance-free condominium ownership; and the larger residences in the Neighborhood Series, located along curving streets designed to slow traffic.
The pedestrian-friendly subdivision de-emphasizes the automobile. Half of the homes will have garages in the rear, while other garages will be set back from the front of homes.
The grand opening of HomeTown is set for May 30, according to Bigelow. Six decorated models can be viewed. They border Holiday Park, a central amenity with a gazebo and a tot lot.
Nearby, an old-fashioned general store will be built later this year. Planned as a gathering spot for the community, it will offer ice cream, coffee, sandwiches and other convenience items, plus a post office.
To visit HomeTown take U.S. Highway 34 west from Illinois Highway 59, then west on Montgomery Road.