To most people, the far south suburban village of Matteson may be represented by Lincoln Mall, its sprawling shopping area at Interstate Highway 57 and Ill. Hwy. 30.
But to many of its residents, it’s a sleepy little bedroom community with a pleasant country-like atmosphere.
For example, while dozens of subdivisions are springing up like spring tulips to the north and west, Matteson is taking a more “slow and steady” approach to residential development, said Judy Haldane, a planner with the village’s Community Development Department.
Currently, only three subdivisions are being built in the suburb. “We want to ensure that the nature of our residential areas remain the same,” Haldane said.
Typical of the type of development going on in Matteson is Michael-John Manor, a 185-acre subdivision of single-family homes being constructed on the village’s northwest corner at Ridgeland Avenue just south of Vollmer Road.
When completed, the subdivision will have 165 single-family homes. About 40 percent of the dwellings already have been sold.
The project features nine floor plans, including a ranch, a bi-level, a tri-level, a quad-level and a two-story.
Opened for about three years, the three- or four-bedroom single-family homes at Michael-John Manor range in price from $129,338 to $171,400, and in size from 1,800 to 2,600 square feet.
Each floor plan offers several elevations that allow upgrades such as an additional bedroom or cathedral ceilings in certain models.
Despite the expansive commercial growth further south in the village, developer Michael P. Hryn Sr. said his Michael-John Manor is representative of the “other side of the village.”
“This is place a `sleeper’ in terms of residential communities,” said Hryn of Hryn Development. “In fact, it’s a well-kept secret of sorts. For example, all of the commercial and industrial development found in the village helps keep property taxes down for homeowners and also helps provide excellent schools and village services.
“But you don’t get the sense that this is a commercial village,” added Hryn. “In fact, there’s a corn field across the street from our subdivision.
Also indicative of the rural nature of the area is the Cook County Forest Preserve District’s Tinley Creek Woods, which is also across the street from the subdivision, just north of Vollmer Road. The forest preserve features a 3.6-mile bike trail loop just to the east of the subdivision.
Inside the subdivision is Allemong Park, which features its own jogging path.
The park, along with a school site, was part of a land/cash donation made to the village by the previous owners of the Michael-John Manor property.
As part of the land/cash donation agreement, Hryn will also contribute $50 per each bedroom built in the subdivision to both the local elementary school district 159 and toward the development of Allemong Park. When the subdivision is completed, Hryn expects the donation to reach $40,000.
In addition to the access to green space, Hryn said the subdivision is also a short drive from the shopping district anchored by Lincoln Mall, and the World Music Theatre in Tinley Park. “We’re also a few minutes from both the Metra line downtown and I-57,” he said.
For home buyers with children, the Myra Yates Elementary School is also adjacent to the subdivision.
According to Hryn, the most popular models at Michael-John Manor are the Alaina, a 2,181-square-foot, three-bedroom, tri-level which sells for $151,500; and the Kristen Ann, a 2,220-square-foot, four-bedroom, tri-level which sells for $129,338.
Both homes have volume spaces, which makes them favorites with buyers, said Hryn. For example, the Alaina has a optional bay window and adjacent cathedral ceiling that ties into a standard cathedral ceiling that raises the ceiling height in the living room, dining room and the kitchen.
“As a result, you have a 2,100-square-foot home that gives the appearance of a 4,000-square-foot home,” said Hryn.
The sense of volume space is heightened by opening of the family room area to the kitchen. The two are connected by a four-step staircase.
Standard features in all of the homes are brick front exteriors, wood cabinets and ceramic tile in the foyers and master bathrooms. Many of the floor plans include cathedral ceilings as standard.
Options at Michael-John Manor include full or partial basements, central air conditioning, skylights and bay windows, fireplaces, tile and carpet upgrades and whirlpool tubs.
Three models are available for viewing at the Michael-John Manor sales office at 6338 Apple Hill Rd.
Take Interstate Highway 57 south, west on Vollmer Road, south on Ridgeland Avenue a block to the entrance of the subdivision.
The sales office is open from noon to 5 p.m. daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays. The telephone is 708-720-0436.
