Farms on the outer edges of the Chicago metropolitan area continue to be planted with new homes, but the agricultural past is not always forgotten as lawns replace crops.
One new housing development in west suburban Geneva has been named Fisher Farms, and the former owners still will live in their farmhouse.
The 421 acres of gently rolling terrain at the northwest corner of Randall and Kelinger Roads has been planned for 723 homes in nine neighborhoods by the developers, Kimball Hill Homes and Roy Gottlieb & Associates.
The land plan will include a footbridge over water, two parks, an 11-acre school site and 38 acres of open space with walking trails.
The charm of downtown Geneva will be reflected in gas-lit lamps along the streets, while the homes will feature traditional architecture with porches, dormers and gables, according to Tom Tylutki, Chicago division president of Kimball Hill.
Five designs are available, ranging in size from 2,190 to 2,940 square feet and in price from $212,990 to $251,990. The two-story homes have four bedrooms and attached two-car garages.
Open for viewing is the 2,868-square-foot Bristol model, priced from $242,990. A new furnished model, the Wexford, is scheduled to open in February.
Another builder, Cambridge Homes, is constructing Prairie View Estates at Fisher Farms. The 73 single-family homes range in size from 2,441 to 3,418 square feet and in price from $298,900 to $349,400.
The lots–from a third- to a half-acre–allow for many walkout or lookout lower levels. Two furnished models can be viewed at Prairie View Estates at Fisher Farms.
Cambridge is offering eight floor plans, including a ranch. At least half of the homes will have side-load garages.