Tall Grass Growing Into a Real Community

ELGIN, IL, December 20 - How long does it take for a new homes development to become a real community? Grand Pointe Homes announced today that its Tall Grass Ridge single-family development, near downtown Mundelein, might already be starting to reach that point despite being under construction only since last summer. In a slow real estate economy, the West Dundee-based builder can boast that five homes have already been built, sold, and occupied. All of these homes are premium models that back up into a lush wetland (only 16 of the development's 43 homes promise that feature).

"We're pleasantly surprised that a community seems to be emerging so quickly," said Scott Ballard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Grand Pointe. "Because of the area's great school districts, transportation, and overall location, a lot of people have been coming out to inspect Tall Grass. The development seems to be meeting a kind of pent-up demand for single-family homes in Mundelein," he said.

People have also been impressed with the size and luxury of the Tall Grass homes. The three- and four-bedroom homes include formal living rooms, formal dining rooms, master suites with oversized baths and closets, two-story family rooms, and gourmet kitchens-ranging in size from 2,727 to 3,552 square feet (with prices starting at $449,900). They're homes built with real families in mind. "Our large living areas are designed to provide growing families with all the space and privacy they'll need," said Ballard. "At the same time, certain room layouts-such as a kitchen/dinette connecting to the family room-promote interaction and togetherness." The thinking and execution behind such layouts reflects the attention to detail and craftsmanship for which Grand Pointe is well known.

While the community's seven different models are all traditional family homes (including the newest, the Hawthorne), they each feature unique touches that give them an appealing contemporary feel. Art niches-places for a prized photo or painting-provide a nice twist on the conventional. Another dramatic touch is one model's skybridge, which connects a two-story foyer and family room. Others include imposing columns separating a dining room and living room; a stunning double staircase; a master suite with its own octagonal sitting room; an octagonal breakfast area connected to a gourmet kitchen; a turret-style dinette; private commodes in their own roomettes; studies and master suites with double-door entryways; arched openings; and much more.

Meanwhile, Grand Pointe offers Tall Grass buyers plenty of individual choice, encouraging them to add their own personality to the homes through upgrades such as bay windows, skylights, jack and jill baths, lofts, extra bedrooms, cathedral ceilings in master bedrooms, three-car garages, and-even-raised-platform Roman tubs between pillars in the master baths. "Buyers have the flexibility to essentially put their family's personal stamp on their new home," said Ballard.

Distinctive style isn't confined to just the inside of Tall Grass homes. The exteriors can encompass covered entries, large front porches, shutters and coordinating trim, archways, coach lights, and decorative windows such as transoms, half-rounds, and palladians. Each floor plan comes in several exterior variations, producing many eye-catching elevations. Furthermore, Grand Pointe offers a variety of colors and materials (including brick, siding, and stucco) to help create diverse streetscapes and pleasing curb appeal.

Mundelein's location won't curb Tall Grass residents from getting around. Located just 35 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the town offers quick access to Interstate 94 and Routes 60, 45, 176, and 83. A nearby commuter train line runs from downtown Mundelein to downtown Chicago. The town also boasts many recreational facilities, from exquisite golf courses to more than 20 neighborhood parks. Baseball, boating, fishing, swimming, and ice skating provide some of the other diversions.

"For people who have always wanted to move to the Mundelein area, now's their chance. They'll be moving into a development that's growing with families-the start of a real community," said Ballard.

To see a Tall Grass model, take 294 to Grand Avenue, exit and head west to the sales center, which is located two blocks east of Route 83. Sales office hours are 10 to 5, Saturday through Wednesday. For more information about the homes, call 847-837-8700, or click here.

Submitted 12/20/2007