Simply at home in Wheaton

As the parents of three and grandparents of 13, Jim and Carolyn Orme hope that their home will always be a prime gathering spot for family and friends. And occasionally, the Ormes also host international students through an outreach program with College Church in Wheaton.

So when the Ormes were looking for a new home, they knew they also needed to have extra room for Chinese students visiting from the various Chicago university campuses.

But all of those concerns didn't change the retired empty nesters' wish for a simplified lifestyle in a townhouse that offered ample room and relieved them of the burden of routine maintenance like lawn care and snow shoveling. And they wanted to remain in Wheaton, their long-time home.

"Our existing split-level home of 31 years had a tight square footage and a small kitchen and dining area, so a larger layout appealed to us. Plus, we wanted to be able to accommodate my sister, who is wheelchair-bound and visits us somewhat regularly for family parties. Having the most wheelchair-friendly home in our family would also mean that we would probably host most of our extended family's get-togethers, too."

With all of these needs on their new home wish list, the Ormes were at first frustrated trying to find the right home in the right community. But then a friend recommended that they check out Airhart Construction and its newly announced Mackenzie Place community located less than a mile from their existing home.

Airhart is a family-owned-and-operated business that over the past 50 years has grown from a small niche builder to one that crafts more than 40 luxury homes a year.

"At the time, Airhart had just cleared the land and had not yet begun building," said Jim. "We had visited other townhouses, and came close to purchasing a couple of different times."

Located one block south of Geneva Road and President Street in north Wheaton, Mackenzie Place is a community of attached two- and three-residence custom manor homes presented in a charming old world masonry, stucco and shingle siding style.

Four different townhouse floor plans are available, ranging from 1,764 to 2,716 square feet. Three of the four designs include a first-floor master bedroom suite -- one of which is a ranch. Base prices range from $529,000 to $615,000. Options, depending on the unit, include a private elevator.

Eventually, when the plans became available for Mackenzie Place, "we checked them out," he said. "That's when we knew this was the location for us. It offered quality construction, an easier lifestyle and a smooth transition. We could keep our same doctors and visit all the stores, restaurants and other favorite destinations that we have known and loved having lived here for three decades."

After scrutinizing the floor plans, the couple chose The Stewart, a design with a first-floor master bedroom, two additional bedrooms on the second level and approximately 2,800 square feet of living space. The new home would also feature formal living and dining rooms, a large island kitchen with two ovens, as well as a loft, full basement and a convenient patio off the living room.

"There were several modifications we asked Airhart Construction to make, however," said Jim. "We requested that they re-landscape the sidewalk so that it came up to the level of the front porch for my sister-in-law, which they were happy to do. This eliminated the need for us to have a ramp to get to the porch. We also had them make the hallway outside the bedroom wider and open up some of the doorways to provide extra clearance for a wheelchair."

The Ormes weren't just thinking of their family member. They were also thinking of the future.

"Implementing these universal design personalizations in our next home would make it easier to age in place more gracefully, especially if one of us ever required a wheelchair or a walker in the future," said Jim.

The townhouse was completed exactly to Jim and Carolyn's specifications, and they moved in without a hitch about a year ago.

"We appreciated the high level of service and professionalism that Airhart demonstrated throughout the whole process," said Jim. "From sitting down with you and helping you make informed decisions about floor plans and selections to following up with you after you've moved in. They want you to be completely satisfied and pleased with your purchase."

One of the couple's favorite areas in their new townhouse is the basement, where they placed a ping pong table -- a very popular item with the Chinese students they invite into their home. The basement also houses a craft/study room and a TV/play area that is perfect for their grandkids. Additionally, Carolyn has set up a sewing corner in the loft, across from a sofa and second television.

"Our neighborhood has an interesting mix of extremely friendly people," said Carolyn, who sings in a local choir. Both remain active in their church. The Ormes also appreciate their community's outdoor amenities. There's a school playground just across the street where they can take their grandchildren. And the Mackenzie Place property includes two picturesque ponds.

Mackenzie Place is located near I-355, I-88, and the College Avenue Wheaton Metra station, which commuters can use to reach downtown Chicago in 40 minutes.

Sales for Mackenzie Place are being conducted at 2004 N. Stoddard Avenue, Wheaton. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment only and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information on any Airhart Construction community, call (630) 665-5700 or visit www.airhartconstruction. com.