Downers Grove development turns parking lot into destination point

The third condo building is under construction at Acadia on the Green, a transit-oriented community in downtown Downers Grove.

Vince and Gloria Bicicchi just moved into their three-bedroom, 2½-bath condo at Acadia on the Green after downsizing from their larger home.

Vince and Gloria Bicicchi just moved to their three-bedroom condo at Acadia on the Green in downtown Downers Grove. What they enjoy most about their new home is being steps from great restaurants, the train and events such as the farmers market.

Downsizing from a nearby single-family home, the couple also likes being near their family and friends. From their fourth-floor condo, they can look out on the town square.

"We like action and activity," says Gloria Bicicchi. "It makes us feel young and alive."

Celebrating its 175th anniversary, Downers Grove is the area's best kept secret, according to Linda Kunze, manager of the Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation.

"Our town has a lot going on. The downtown area is constantly attracting new businesses and also sponsors events such as a Fine Arts Fest, parades, classic car shows and a farmers market," Kunze said.

Acadia on the Green, being built by New England Builders, will add 124 condos, along with retail space, to the downtown area when complete.

Located across the street to the Metra Station, the three-building community is on a 2.8-acre site surrounded by Burlington, Washington, Main and Curtiss streets.

Chris Rintz, executive vice president for New England Builders, says he's proud of what the company and village have achieved.

"Building One is complete and folks are moving in every day, while Building Two is undergoing roofing and exterior brick work. We just began construction on the third building," he says. "By transforming an unused parking lot into a destination point, we are creating a place where people want to live and congregate."

New England Builders' village green concept for the parcel is proving popular with buyers, as shown by sales: Three-fourths of the units already are sold. The builder will start work on a smaller parcel that will provide an additional 5,000 square feet of downtown retail space in 2008.

Featuring 15 distinctive floor plans, the residences range from 774 to 1,917 square feet, and are priced from the low $200,000s to the mid-$400,000s. Plans showcase dens, dual access to the balcony and views of the village green.

The four-story upscale elevator buildings will have first-floor retail and upper-floor homes with underground heated parking and storage.

"In the old days, people lived in apartments over the store which were very affordable. There is a return to the mix of retail and housing," Rintz said.

Traditional red brick buildings will circle the village green, a landscaped park that will have a bronze sculpture as its focal point. Park benches, brick paver walkways and a flower garden will welcome visitors to this centrally located gathering spot.

"It's our way of giving back to the community and also providing a beautiful haven for rest and relaxation," Rintz said.

Acadia on the Green appeals to a wide range of buyers, including single professionals, newly married couples, empty-nesters and snowbirds. Buyers like its proximity to major expressways and its maintenance-free, single-level lifestyle.

Homes have 9-foot ceilings; painted, solid-core, smooth, six-panel doors with colonial trim; in-unit laundry hookups for side by side or full-size stackable washer and dryer, and a soundproofing system.

Kitchens have Corian solid surface countertops; stainless-steel double basin sinks; a Frigidaire stainless-steel appliance package with self-cleaning sealed burner gas range, micro hood, dishwasher and refrigerator, and a choice of maple, birch, oak or white cabinets in a variety of finishes.

The Downers Grove Park District's comprehensive park system includes 49 park sites on 600 acres. Many recreational facilities for families and children are available, including baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing ponds, walking and jogging trails, nature areas, a 9-hole public golf course, volleyball courts, historic museum, recreation center, gymnasium and indoor pools.

For information, call (630) 963-5300.