A solution for storing toys
As many parents know, at this time of year kids' toys seem to multiply like magic. And as they watch the number of gifts grow, so does concern over where to store it all. Several Chicago-area builders have a solution, offering space for a playroom in single-family homes and townhouses alike.
Kimball Hill Homes
Offering family-friendly floor plans is a priority for Kimball Hill Homes. The Rolling Meadows-based builder has a number of options for toy storage.
"One of the most practical options for toy storage is one that doesn't immediately occur to people, and that's using the four-season sun room as a playroom," said Jack Wexelberg, regional president for Kimball Hill Homes. "It makes a lot of sense because it's near the kitchen and family room, so parents can keep an eye on what the kids are doing while they cook dinner or watch TV. But all the toys remain out of the way, so the rest of the home stays neater."
The sun room's tile floor is a practical choice for a playroom because it makes cleaning up messes like play dough or juice spills much easier.
The optional sun room is available at all of Kimball Hill's suburban Chicago communities.
J. Lawrence Homes
For parents who prefer to keep the toys off the main level altogether, Naperville-based J. Lawrence Homes suggests using the second-level family room as a playroom. This feature is standard in select floor plans at Silver Leaf in Joliet and Midlane Country Club in Wadsworth.
"It's convenient to have all the toys and games up near the bedrooms. That way all the kids' stuff, including clothes, books, homework -- everything -- are all on one level," said John Wozniak, president of J. Lawrence Homes.
Wozniak added that there is plenty of space in the second-level family room for both a TV and a computer. "Whether your kids play video games or online games, families have one spot for everything to entertain the kids."
Lennar
A designated playroom isn't limited to single-family homes. For young families choosing a townhouse, Lennar offers a series of multi-level designs with finished lower levels that are ideal for open playrooms.
Measuring about 200 square feet, the lower levels feature large look-out windows that allow kids to see what's going on in the neighborhood. The area also offers convenient access to the outdoors via an attached two-car garage.
"A lot of kids scoot around in toy cars and play ball both inside and outside, so having a playroom right off the garage is really convenient," said Leigh Nevers, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar. "Easy access to the garage is great for when parents are loading or unloading the car because they can keep an eye on the kids."
Having a lower-level playroom keeps toys out of view from the more formal living and dining rooms. The finished lower level is large enough to set up a media cabinet with a TV plus a couch and chairs, so it can do double duty as a play room and second family room.
Lennar offers this series of townhouses throughout the Chicago area. Priced from the $240,000s, homes measure 1,721 to 1,984 square feet with two to three bedrooms and 2 to 2½ baths.
For more information on Kimball Hill Homes, call (800)-355-5945 or visit www.kimballhillhomes.com; for J. Lawrence Homes, call (630) 281-4720 or visit www.jlawrencehomes.com; and for Lennar, call (888) 765-3662 or visit www.Lennar.com.