Active Voice: Grand Reserve Speaks to Boomer Needs

ELGIN, IL, August 24 - They began to dominate and reshape American society in the late 1940's-and they're not through yet. Large numbers of Baby Boomers are aging, but they're doing it youthfully, just as they've done everything else. Healthy, physically active, and extremely independent, they're demanding housing that's just like the relatively luxurious kind they've been living in-except a lot more convenient. With builders designing so much of their product for younger generations, where is this Boomer-driven housing going to come from?

"Grand Pointe has tailored an entire community for active adults 55 and over, and we're calling it Grand Reserve," said Scott Ballard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the West Dundee-based builder. With plans for 110 duplexes, 84 attached manor homes, and 44 detached single-family homes, the community-west of the Randall Road corridor in Algonquin-will seek to meet every housing want and need of the Boomer generation.

"Grand Reserve gives emphasis to the active, more carefree lifestyle that older Boomers want to live. The homes themselves require much less maintenance and busy work than the homes they're leaving. And the community sits close to at least six public and private golf courses, along with several parks, wildlife-rich forest preserves, and other outdoor recreation. And a walking path winds through the neighborhood and around the property's wetlands, connecting the single-family homes, manor homes, and duplexes. There's no excuse to be inactive here," said Ballard

Ranging in size from 1,725 to 2,059 square feet, the community's five single-family home plans are models of luxury and convenience. Four of them feature expansive single-story ranches with great rooms, while the fifth-the two-story Lafayette-puts all the main living areas, including a master suite, on the first floor. The second floor, with two bedrooms and a bath, becomes a perfect place for visiting children and grandchildren to stay. The prices range from $253,900 to $286,900.

The four duplex models offer maintenance-free agreements-and plenty of space. These two-bedroom homes range in size from 1,575 to 2,029 square feet. One model-the ranch-style Raleigh-comes with a large, old-fashioned formal dining room. " That's the one space many Boomers aren't willing to give up," said Ballard. "It may be used only half dozen times a year, but a dining room is the focal point of family gatherings. It's a place where Boomers can gather with their children and grandchildren and renew family ties." Pricing starts in the $250's.

Finally, eight different models of maintenance-free manor homes will also grace Grand Reserve. The manor home is an upscale, groundbreaking townhome, which-according to Ballard-"you have to see to believe." With traditionally styled architecture accented by stone detailing, decorative trim, imposing columns, covered entries, and quaint sidelights, the homes offer an ample 1,692 to 2,310 square feet of interior space with two bedrooms, one- to two-and-one-half baths-and in some cases-a loft and optional flex rooms. The homes seem perfectly suited for empty-nesting couples or even the newly single. Prices range from $198,900 to $234,900.

"Boomers have never done anything in a quiet, retiring way, and they're not going to start doing so now. Grand Reserve simply provides them with the size, luxury, convenience, and opportunity to which they've been accustomed. Its homes are designed for the way Boomers want to live today-and expect to live tomorrow," said Ballard.

To visit Grand Reserve, take I-90 to Randall Road, north to Harnish Drive, west (left) to Eineke Boulevard, left to the model. Decorated models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

People seeking information on Grand Reserve can call (847) 854-9500 (for single-family homes), (847) 458-2600 (for duplexes), or (847) 854-8200 (for manor-style townhomes).

Submitted 8/24/2007 12:15:33 PM