Algonquin considering revised plans for senior community

Developers could break ground next month on an age-restricted subdivision in Algonquin if the village board approves updated project plans.

The Glenloch of Algonquin community was in the works for years before it was stalled in 2011 due to poor market conditions, Community Development Director Russ Farnum said. The project initially included single-family detached homes, townhouses and an affordable condominium building constructed off East Algonquin Road near the Route 25 intersection.

Virginia-based CalAtlantic Homes, which has since taken over the project, is now proposing new plans that would eliminate the condos and replace each four-unit townhouse lot with three single-family homes. The entire subdivision would be restricted to residents 55 and older.

"There's a lot of townhome products on the market, and the prices don't justify new construction," Farnum said. "(Developers) see a strong market for the single-family detached product."

The changes would reduce the total number of residences from 162 to 146, according to village documents. Algonquin trustees acting as a committee of the whole on Tuesday agreed to move the modified plans to the village board.

If the proposal is approved at next week's meeting, developers would aim to obtain permits immediately and begin construction in July on a handful of model homes, Farnum said. CalAtlantic representative Bill Robinson said he expects the subdivision to be built out within four years.

Though in full support of the project, Trustee Jerry Glogowski said he is concerned that a growing number of retirement communities in Algonquin could affect the success of the Glenloch subdivision.

"How do you ensure this is going to be developed when you have so much competition?" he said.

Robinson said developers have conducted extensive market research and believe there is a strong desire for such housing in the area.

All homes would be built as single-story ranches, ranging from 1,220 to 2,170 square feet and costing between $215,000 and $315,000, according to village documents. Plans also call for the construction of a community clubhouse, which would likely include a pool and other amenities.

The subdivision is planned for a reclaimed quarry property on the far east side of the village, Farnum said, noting the site includes large ponds and unique topography.

"It really is a beautiful setting," he said. "Once they get it cleaned up and back functioning again as a real neighborhood, it's going to have some spectacular features."