Weathersfield in neighborhood profile

Once a quiet, rural village, Schaumburg changed dramatically in the early 1960s when Alfred Campanelli began construction of the community's first large residential subdivision known as Weathersfield.

Today, thousands of single-family homes built in 22 phases over two decades make up the neighborhood, which holds about 20 percent of the village's housing stock.

The original and first part of Weathersfield is often referred to as the "W" section because all the streets begin with a W, such as Weston, Warwick, Wayland and Winston lanes, said Bob Brandt, real estate broker and resident of the W section.

At that time, the new subdivision was a phenomenon. Homebuyers flocked to see these new models at affordable prices in the original Weathersfield, which is bordered by Schaumburg Road, Weathersfield Way, Springinsguth Road and Walnut Lane.

The area featured almost all ranch homes on hot water-heated concrete slabs, Brandt said.

"We have lived in our Fantasia model ranch for 28 years, and our home still has the hot concrete radiant floors and the original gas boiler for heat and hot water. Many residents have changed to a new boiler or a forced air heat and AC system.

"The builder featured good workmanship and materials in these original homes, which offer large quarter-acre lots, concrete driveways, spacious open kitchens with built-in appliances, including wall-mounted GE refrigerators, ceramic baths and oversized, one-car garages - the new standard in midcentury modern ranch designs. Also, many homes had fireplaces in the center of the home for maximum heat efficiency."

Some original owners continue to enjoy the midsized homes with mature trees that keep them cool in the summer. Most original homes have been remodeled or expanded and have traded hands several times, Brandt said.

"I have three original-owner neighbors who bought their homes when they were brand new, and they still love living in the neighborhood."

After the original Weathersfield, Campanelli continued to build other subdivisions such as Weathersfield West, Weathersfield 21 and Weathersfield Lakes, where he expanded his designs to include condos, quads, townhouses and larger split-level and two-story models.

Many local Realtors say Campanelli specialized in ranch designs and enjoyed building them the best.

From Massachusetts, Campanelli began building homes in New England and came here offering many one-level ranch designs such as the Bourne, the Waltham, the Bradford, the Fantasia, the Bostonian, the Beverly and the Easton. He also brought in the names of old familiar places, all locales and schools from the East Coast, for street names in Weathersfield.

Many homebuyers are attracted to Weathersfield today because of its reasonably priced homes on big lots with mature trees, good schools and desirable location near employment centers and expressways.

Bob and Susan Brandt like that Schaumburg has a nice, small-town friendly feel with all the conveniences of a world class city, along with great walking trails at nearby forest preserves.

Schaumburg offers many shopping, dining and entertainment options as well as a lot of open space for parks. The Community Recreation Center is only four blocks away with indoor pools, newly redone fitness center, jogging track, senior lounge, a basketball gym and fitness classes.

Other attractions in the area include the Prairie Center for the Arts, which offers quality theater, music and dance performances, and the Spring Valley Nature Center, where visitors can see a working farm with live animals.

Listing sheet

<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $180,000 to $250,000 for original homes; $500,000 to $650,000 for newer homes

<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes: </span>Development began in 1959

<span class="fact box text bold">Schools:</span> Campanelli Elementary and Adams Junior High schools in Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 and Schaumburg High School in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211.

<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Schaumburg Park District