Transplanted nursery plants roots in Lake Bluff

One year ago, Alex and Laurie Horvat found themselves embroiled in a dispute with developers as they tried to preserve the business they had operated in Lindenhurst for more than a decade.

Today, Horvat Nursery is no longer a fixture on Grand Avenue, and the Horvats find their business growing in Lake Bluff and Antioch.

"It's always great to have a new beginning," said Alex Horvat. "I believe Antioch will be a great new beginning for us and the community. We know how to cater to people who live in that area."

Horvat Nurseries opened April 1 on Rockland Road, just east of Route 41 in Lake Bluff.

The Horvats are leasing the property from Alex's brother, landscaper Dan Horvat, and plan on staying there at least a couple of years.

In the meantime, work is being done at the new Garden Center slated to open on Deep Lake Road in Antioch in 2009.

"So far we've had a pretty good reception," Alex Horvat said. "A lot of people are coming from Lindenhurst, and we've got the clientele Dan had. I think we'll do really well."

Horvat Nurseries opened on Route 132 just west of Route 45 in Lindenhurst 1994.

In 2004, Swanson Land Partners approached the Horvats to buy the property, prompting the Horvats to move their home but continue operations until a deal could be arranged.

Swanson Land Partners is working with San Diego-based Oliver McMillan to build the Village Green, a retail and residential development planned for about 20 acres northwest of routes 132 and 45.

The deal between the Horvats and Swanson Land Partners was finally completed in October 2007, allowing the Horvats to move their business and begin working on the 11-acre Antioch property.

Representatives from Swanson Land Partners could not be reached for comment Monday.