Building likely to resume in Hoffman Estates subdivision, stalled since 2009
Hoffman Estates appears poised to allow a developer to build on 38 of the remaining lots in the Devonshire Woods Estates subdivision on the west side, over objections from some residents that some of the proposed houses are too small.
Devonshire Woods Estates was originally laid out for 55 homes, but only 10 were built when Dartmoor Homes defaulted on its loans in 2009 and construction was stopped.
Oakbrook-based Oxford Bank and Trust took over the subdivision, south of Shoe Factory Road and east of Rohrssen Road. Other developers pursued finishing it, including D.R. Horton/Cambridge Homes in 2013.
Their plans were criticized by existing Devonshire residents, who said the models were too small and not of comparable quality to their own homes — and therefore might hurt their home values.
The same criticisms arose with the latest proposal by CalAtlantic Homes, formerly Ryland Homes, last fall.
CalAtlantic brought new plans to the village board this week, which showed they were using more brick in their models, like residents were asking for. They also agreed to drop their smallest two-story model.
Several residents argued that at least one of CalAtlantic's models is still too small to strengthen the value of their own homes, but the village board voted 5-2 to recommend approval.
Final approval is scheduled for the village board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 21.
CalAtlantic's models range from a 2,170-square-foot ranch to a 4,400-square-foot two-story.
The model that neighbors criticized as a “too-small house trying to look bigger,” is The Kensington, a 2,576- to 2,653-square-foot split level.
Village Trustee Gary Pilafas asked the developer whether removing that model from its options was a deal-breaker.
Omar Rodriguez, vice president of land for CalAtlantic Homes, said The Kensington is a choice the company definitely wants to make available.
Homeowner Allan Deforest, while not happy with The Kensington, said he and his neighbors would like to see Devonshire Woods Estates completed and conceded that CalAtlantic Homes is probably the right company to do it.
Pilafas and fellow Trustee Gayle Vandenburgh voted against recommending CalAtlantic's plans while the rest of the board voted in favor.
There are still seven lots in Devonshire Woods in other hands and not under CalAtlantic's control, village officials said.