Neighborhood profile: Academy Highlands
The Academy Highlands subdivision in Wheaton sprouted up on land of the former Midwest Military Academy, which was in operation for 55 years until the 17-acre campus was developed for new homes about 20 years ago.
Jerry Williams, broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, grew up in a mansion on the property. His parents owned and founded the military school for boys, ages 8 to 15. The residence included a coach house and formal gardens.
Williams and his wife, Sandi Williams, who is also a managing broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, lived in the mansion and ran the school for 40-some years until costs escalated and operating the school became more and more demanding, Jerry Williams said.
Approached by builders to sell and develop the land, the couple worked with them on the project and bought a home in the subdivision themselves because they loved the area.
The old mansion has been renovated, and a family now lives in the historical home that sits atop a hill in Academy Highlands.
Today streets that comprise the subdivision — Midwest, Promenade, Plamondon, Cadet Court, Gables Boulevard — reference the academy, built in 1907 on property that was once the estate of George Plamondon and known as Green Gables.
One of the first homeowners in Academy Highlands, Kriste and David Sveen, were attracted to the new piece of land that opened in Wheaton.
“We didn't know any neighbors at the time, so it was just the land,” Kriste Sveen said. “They were nice lots backing up to the (Illinois) Prairie Path.
“For the house, we worked with the builder to design it, so we tailor-made it to our lifestyle. It's a passive solar house that faces south into the neighborhood and has lots of windows.”
Sveen's favorite spot in the house is the sunroom and patio where she enjoys a little privacy and a nice view.
“This has been a wonderful neighborhood for raising our kids,” Sveen said. “It's self-contained, and everyone watches out for each other. We have made some long-lasting friendships and have established some nice traditions such as a gourmet club, Bible club and Halloween and Labor Day parties for the kids.
“This is a very family-oriented neighborhood. We've watched all the kids grow up and now they're getting married. It's a nice little community within a nice community.”
Today the area attracts buyers because of its rolling hills, diversity of home styles, and Wheaton's excellent schools and park district, said Williams, who continues to live in the subdivision.
“We have some of the original glass from the old mansion in our house now,” Williams said. “It looks like Tiffany glass, but we can't authenticate it because no one has seen anything like it.”
The neighborhood features mostly two-story homes with basements. It's a good mix of homes and a distinctive looking neighborhood, Williams said.
There's a big retention area in the middle of the subdivision, and the kids like to play there. They even freeze it over in the winter for ice skating, Williams said.
For other recreation, Toohey Park is just down the street, which has a Safety City where kids have a bike-riding test and receive a license. Kelly Park, next to Edison Middle School, is a larger park with several sports facilities and natural areas.
The subdivision abuts the Illinois Prairie Path, a popular place for outdoor activities. You'll see bike riders, horseback riders, walkers galore, and runners. You can also walk to a lot of parks, and it's not even that far to walk to downtown Wheaton along the prairie path.
Another point of interest is the Chicago Golf Club off Plamondon Road, which was the first 18-hole golf club in the nation, Williams said.
“This is a great area near major highways, the Danada shopping area and close to the schools.”
Listing sheet
<b>Price range: </b>$650,000 to $800,000 plus
<b>Age of homes: </b>19 to 23 years
<b>Schools:</b> Madison Elementary, Edison Middle and Wheaton Warrenville South High schools in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200
<b>Parks:</b> Wheaton Park District