Proximity to a wooded forest preserve has prompted The Preserves of Waterfall Glen, a 115-town home community in west suburban Darien, to plan a dramatic, 15-foot-high stone waterfall at its entry point.
This cascade of water is in keeping with the development’s moniker, which is taken from the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. Part of the 2,470-acre forest preserve abuts the 20-acre community on the southeast side.
A walking path will link the community with one in the forest preserve. The buildings blend well with the nearby, rustic landscape. The exteriors of the town homes are partially in a mauve- and cream-colored brick, which complements each of five shades of siding in various neutral shades from grey to linen.
Although nature is retained as a focus in this community, there are signs of suburbia at the doorstep. A mirrored, low-lying corporate building stands on Frontage Road, which leads to the property. This road, which runs parallel to Lemont Road, is being resurfaced.
The community receives some services from the City of Darien, such as police and water. It also is part of the Darien Park District and the Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien. However, fire protection is provided by the Lemont Fire Protection District. Elementary school students would attend classes in Lemont-Bromberek Combined Unit School District 113. High schoolers would go to Lemont Township High School.
“It’s a little confusing,” said Scott Buening, Lemont’s community development director. “We couldn’t have annexed the property. We’re not contiguous (to it).”
Learning which services are provided by which taxing body is useful for potential buyers to sort out. One thing is clear, however, the community is convenient to various destinations such as downtown Chicago, Midway Airport and the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate Highway 294). An entrance to the Stevenson Expressway (Interstate Highway 55) is just a couple minutes away on Lemont Road.
Access to major roadways may be one of the reasons that this community appeals to people who have concerns such as arriving at jobs on time, said Jodi Satko, director of sales and marketing. About 35 percent of the units are already sold–many to younger people.
“We have a few empty-nesters,” Satko said. “But for the most part, the vast majority (of residents) are working professionals, ages 20 to 40, single and married alike.”
Although younger people have their eyes on other units, the empty-nesters are especially attracted by the largest of the models dubbed “The Cascade,” Satko said.
Starting at $187,900, it features 1,915 square feet, three bedrooms, a den, 2 1/2 baths, and a loft.
The vast, two-story loft is the first space one sees upon entering the home’s side entrance. It overlooks the living room, which has tall, arched windows flanking an optional fireplace.
“They (people buying this unit) like the drama,” Satko said. “When you’re dealing with a sophisticated buyer, they want something that will `Wow’ guests.”
On the second floor, there is a master suite that includes a sitting area and a large vanity area. This floor also includes the utility room with washer and dryer hookups. Rather than dragging laundry baskets up and down stairs, this layout makes good sense.
The next largest model is The Brighton, which has two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a loft and 1,844 square feet. It is priced from $176,900.
It boasts a large living room, an open kitchen and a dining room that seats six.
“A dining room that seats six is something you never see in a town home,” Satko said. “The feedback (on this unit) is that it lives like a single-family home. There’s a lot of formality on the first floor and flexibility on the second floor.”
The second floor has a loft that could be used as a TV or sitting room, as well as the two bedrooms.
Another of the models, The Waterfall, is a raised ranch. Priced from $174,900, it offers three bedrooms and three baths in its 1,746 square feet.
A staircase in the entry foyer leads downstairs to where a family room, one of the bedrooms and a full bath are located. It also goes upstairs to the living room, kitchen, master bedroom and the third bedroom.
Optional skylights in the living room and kitchen make this a bright, cheerful space. The layout appeals to young couples who may be looking forward to the pitter patter of young feet in their future, says Satko.
“When they start a family they’ll want a downstairs playroom for the baby,” Satko explained.
Another of the models, The Niagra, is also a raised ranch. At 1,749 square feet, it is nearly identical in size to The Waterfall. Its base price of $165,900 is $9,000 less.
“That’s because it’s on the interior and it has one less bathroom,” explained Erica Seidler, a community consultant at the community.
The last and smallest of the models, called The Ashbrook, seems to appeal to singles, Satko said. It has 1,625 feet, and includes two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and is priced from $171,900.
“This is what we call are bachelor pad,” Satko said. “It has some drama and some fun to it.”
The drama can be seen in the 20-foot ceilings in the living room, which can include, as an option, a two-story fireplace. The second floor features the good-sized master bedroom and the second bedroom.
“This is big furniture and there’s still room to spare,” said Satko, noting the model’s bedroom easily accommodates a king-sized bed.
Both the master and the second bedroom have adjoining bathrooms, which makes this an ideal layout for someone who has weekend guests or a visiting teen or adult child. This layout could allow a parent and a child each to retain privacy, explained Satko.
All of the units come with two-car garages. Fireplaces are optional in all the models. They cost about $3,500 and come in a variety of materialsfrom flagstone to brick, ceramic or marble. A finished basement is an option in the Ashbrook, Brighton and Cascade models.
