Manor subdivision began Lake Zurich's expansion
Established primarily as a farming community, Lake Zurich became a popular resort for wealthy Chicagoans when Routes 12 and 22 were built. The village is now a thriving suburb with low crime, excellent schools and a strong community vibe.
Lake Zurich's housing boom began in the 1950s with the Manor subdivision, one of the early tract subdivisions in this period of rapid suburban growth.
Manor is a great place for first-time homebuyers, said Gy Sathe, real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Service Starck Real Estate.
"Reasonably priced small homes in a nice neighborhood make good starter homes, and this is a very friendly, pleasant place to live," she said. "Some original owners still remain in the neighborhood."
The subdivision was one of the area's hardest hit by the 1967 tornado when almost 80 homes were destroyed and more than 200 houses severely damaged. Residents at the time described the storm as a low, fast moving, swirling black cloud that looked more like dense smoke. Seth Paine Elementary School was a total loss. The school was rebuilt, and today the highly rated school is a big plus for the neighborhood.
After the storm, people in the neighborhood and the entire town joined together to help each other during the rebuilding period. The neighborhood built a lot of camaraderie then, which is still apparent today, Sathe said.
Long after the tornado, Sathe lived on Robin Crest Drive in a nearby subdivision where the trees in her yard had been clipped by the storm.
Situated on Pine Tree Row and Old Rand Road, Manor subdivision offers mostly ranch homes with two to four bedrooms, one to two baths and one- or two-car garages, along with a neighborhood park with a picnic area, shelter and playground.
Sathe said many homes have been remodeled with updated kitchens and baths, new flooring, windows and roofing.
Fifteen years ago, Marika and Rick Schaefer purchased a home in Manor when a good friend was getting married and selling his house.
"The price was right, and it fit our needs," Marika said. "I'm happy here. We're practically downtown, right smack dab in the middle of everything, so it's a convenient location. And it's quiet; we don't hear any noise from Rand Road."
For recreation, the spring-fed Lake Zurich is the heart of the village where residents enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming.
The lake area includes the 41-acre Paulus Park, a skate park, sledding hill and the beach. Activities are offered through the village's parks and recreation department. Many community events take place at Paulus Park, including Fourth of July Family Day and Ela Festival of Arts.
In the summer of 1942, the Lions Club hosted the first Alpine Fest, which continues as an annual event today held the third weekend in July at Lions Park. The community festival features live music, parade and carnival. The event honors the United States victories during Word War II.
For shopping, many national retailers, grocery stores and services sit along Rand Road, as do several popular restaurants and a movie theater. Along with supporting the large chain stores, people enjoy some of the smaller independent stores that offer unique products or specialized services.
Also, the subdivision is situated near Deer Park Town Center, a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Listing sheet
<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $140,000 to $250,000
<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 50 to 60 years
<span class="fact box text bold">Schools: </span>Seth Paine Elementary, Lake Zurich Middle and Lake Zurich High schools in Lake Zurich Unit District 95
<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Lake Zurich Parks and Recreation Department