Area golf courses are magnets to both builders, buyers
Guided by such phenoms as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, golf is an increasingly popular sport. In fact, one industry report indicates the number of rounds played each year is on the rise.
However, scheduling that golf vacation or even finding the time to hit the front nine can be "rough." One solution for golf aficionados is to bring the links closer to them by living on or near a golf course.
Numerous Chicago-area developers offer new-home communities that cater to everyone from the avid golfer to the more casual player, as well as those who just want to enjoy the beauty or catch a glimpse of their favorite golf celebrities in action.
Golf enthusiasts living at J. Lawrence Homes' Midlane Club only have to walk a few steps to hit the links at a renowned 18-hole course in Wadsworth. Located off of Yorkhouse Road, the clubhouse community is built on the site of the Midlane Golf Resort, which was once host to the Illinois Open.
Built in the 1960s, Midlane Golf Resort offers plenty of challenges with its mature layout and fast, sloping greens. The course has an on-site pro shop and driving range.
"Like me, many of our home buyers love golf and having a challenging course outside their front door is a big reason they purchased here," said Jim Chittaro, chief financial officer of J. Lawrence Homes. "And, family members who don't play golf value the other amenities like the pool and clubhouse."
Located near the driving range, Midlane Club's exclusive clubhouse includes a swimming pool, kiddie pool, locker rooms, fitness and lounge areas, a kitchenette and a deck that overlooks the pool.
The community offers eight floor plans in ranch and two-story designs. Homes range from 2,019 to 3,354 square feet and have two to four bedrooms, two to three baths, attached two- or three-car garages and basements. They are priced from the $290,000s to the $370,000s.
For buyers wanting to perfect their short game without leaving home, Kimball Hill Homes has the answer: its Mayfair in Naperville will feature an on-site putting green. The community also will be just two miles from both the Arnold Palmer Signature White Eagle Golf Club and Naperville Park District's Springbrook Golf Course.
"Whether you're a busy professional who enjoys the occasional game or a retiree with more time for the sport, the community is a great spot for any golfer," said Jack Wexelberg, regional president for Kimball Hill Homes. "The on-site green is ideal for squeezing in a quick putting session, while the White Eagle Golf Club and Springbrook Golf Course offer 27 holes and 18 holes, respectively."
The residents at Mayfair will also enjoy walking trails, bocce ball courts and horseshoe pits.
"Having such a strong recreational component fosters a sense of community, which is especially important in a close-knit area like Naperville," Wexelberg added.
The community of 172 homes, which is expected to start sales this spring, will offer two- and three-level floor plans measuring around 1,900 to 2,100 square feet.
If watching PGA stars play is more enticing than playing a round, buyers will find all the celebrity sightings they need at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. Located in southwest suburban Lemont, Cog Hill is among Chicago's most revered places to watch a PGA Tour tournament.
"For many years, Cog Hill has been the home of the renowned Western Open, which draws the top celebrity-status golfers to Lemont," said Jeff Prosapio, partner of Marquette Companies, which is involved in the Lemont Downtown Redevelopment Project. "This year, the tournament has a new format and will be called the BMW Championship, but it will have the same star appeal for those hoping to see their favorite golfers."
As the first phase of the Lemont's redevelopment project, The Front Street Lofts will put residents just two miles from Cog Hill. Developed by Marquette Cos., The Front Street Lofts offers 82 loft condominiums in four, five-story buildings. Homes measure 723 to 2,232 square feet and include one-, two-, and three-bedroom designs with one to 2½ baths. Base prices range from the low $200,000s to the upper $400,000s, and include one parking space.
"The proximity of our homes to Cog Hill is a big plus for home buyers who not only want to watch a pro tournament, but also want to be in the heart of the flurry and excitement when these stars come to town," Prosapio said.
The Lemont Downtown Redevelopment Project is a $250 million plan to bring new retail, housing and entertainment to downtown Lemont along the historic I&M Canal.
For more information on The Front Street Lofts, call (630) 243-6162 or visit www.lemontlofts.com. For Midlane Club, call (630) 281-4730 or visit www.jlawrencehomes.com. For Mayfair Courtyard Townhomes, call (888) 440-6707 or visit www.kimballhillhomes.com.