Winfield makes move for new builder to finish project

Winfield leaders have given their blessing for a new builder to take control of an unfinished condo and townhouse project started by the soon-to-be-closed Kimball Hill Homes.

Ohio-based M/I Homes is hoping to resume construction in the spring at Shelburne Farms, a 28-acre development along High Lake Road just west of the village's town center.

Initially, Kimball Hill planned to build a total of 191 townhouses and 64 condominiums over three stages of the project.

But by the time the Rolling Meadows-based builder announced in December that it's winding down operations, only 40 townhouses had been completed.

On Thursday, village trustees signed off on revisions to the annexation agreement that originally approved Shelburne Farms.

As a result, M/I Homes can now buy the land and take control of the project.

Village President Rudy Czech said after Thursday's vote that he was "very pleased" a builder stepped forward amid the economic crisis.

"I am glad that the majority of the board realized that this was a needed project," he said, "rather than risk having bulldozers sitting out there and weeds growing."

M/I Homes has agreed to finish the 31 townhouse units that were supposed to be built as part of the project's first phase.

Ronald H. Martin, an area president with M/I Homes, said the company might modify plans for the two remaining phases of the development.

Any changes that are made must be reviewed and approved by the village.

"The board wanted safeguards in case there were major changes," Czech stressed.

In the meantime, Martin said Shelburne Farms' location near the town center and train station helped make it "an ideal match" for M/I Homes.

"We're new to the Chicago-area market," he said. "As a lot of other builders are leaving the market or closing their doors, we see a lot of positives of being in Chicago for years to come."

Trustee Angel Oakley said the ones who will benefit the most will be the residents living in Shelburne Farms.

"Having a viable builder in there with plans and growth definitely gives them their value back," she said, "and that's important."