Homes planned for Lake Zurich-Deer Park border

A developer wants to build houses costing in the $500,000 range on a site that would become part of Lake Zurich's southwest side.

South Barrington-based Castle Creek Homes has received permission to start the official village approval process for the project that would place 10 single-family houses on part of 9½ acres along Deerpath Road south of Cuba Road.

Lake Zurich is being asked to annex the land, which would become part of the village's southwest side. If built, the subdivision would border Isaac Fox Elementary School in Lake Zurich and a residential area in Deer Park.

John Emigh, director of land acquisition and development for Castle Creek, said the lot sizes would average 18,000 square feet. He said Lake Zurich would need to extend sewer and water lines to the site, which includes about 4½ acres of wetlands and detention.

"We believe that the homes in this area will probably average in the $500,000 range," Emigh told the village board during an informal review of the proposal Monday evening.

Village board trustees agreed to let Castle Creek proceed to Lake Zurich's advisory planning and zoning commission. That panel will review the developer's formal plans and issue a recommendation to the village board, which has the final say on issues.

Lake Zurich's acting manager of building and zoning, Sam Hubbard, did not indicate any significant concerns with Castle Creek's proposal when he spoke at Monday's meeting.

"I think, early concepts, we're very open to the proposal," Hubbard said. "I think the developer is going to have some minor challenges with infrastructure, like most developments have. It's an added cost, but I know he's willing to work through those."

Deer Park surrounds the 9½ acres in question on three sides, with the fourth touching Lake Zurich. Under a boundary agreement between the villages, Deer Park's cooperation is necessary if Lake Zurich is to annex the land into its boundaries for the new subdivision.