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2008 Parade of Homes Spring PreviewSM Showcases Five Featured Neighborhoods
2/5/2008

The Twin Cities metropolitan area is a beautiful place to live and work, full of activities and amenities unique to the region. The bread and butter of these communities are their residential neighborhoods, and this year the Parade of HomesSM highlights a few of the best new neighborhoods in the Twin Cities.

Feel free to visit and explore these neighborhoods during the 2008 Spring Parade of HomesSM.

Chevalle in Chaska

#487 Charles Cudd Co.- Signature Homes Division, 3667 Le Rive Way
#488 Lecy Bros. Homes, 3673 Le Rive Way
#489 Wooddale Builders, Inc., 3679 Le Rive Way
#490 Allen-Lee Homes, Inc., 3820 Pascolo Bend
#491 J. Scotty Builders, Inc., 3826 Pascolo Bend
#492 Sondergaard Forcier Builders, LLC, 3828 Pascolo Bend
#493 J. Scotty Builders, Inc., 3758 Talero Curve

Joie de Virve

Chevalle is a conservation development that raises the bar on how neighborhoods and homeowners can enhance their own communities. The neighborhood’s plans encompass environmental restoration, conservation and education along with philanthropic outreach. Chevalle combines a wide range of high minded goals with elegant and livable family homes. This is also a carefree, fun place to call home.

Situated on 300 acres of pristine rolling countryside along the north shore of the fully recreational Lake Bavaria in Chaska, Chevalle is less than one-half-mile from the new Highway 212, just south of the intersection of Bavaria Road and Highway 5. Through the use of conservation easements, only one-third of the 300-acre area will ever be developed. The other 200 acres will be naturally restored, preserving green areas, woods, wetlands and pastures.

This environmentally sensitive, master-planned community features life-cycle housing in four distinct residential neighborhoods: Le Rive, Pascolo, Talero, and Valencia. Lots range in size from a quarter-of-an-acre to one-and-three-quarter acres, situated to offer views of Lake Bavaria and nearby wetlands. Le Rive, meaning “waterfront” focuses on single-family homes selling for $900,000-plus, located on the south side of the development adjacent to Lake Bavaria. Pascolo, or “pasture/meadowland” features single-family homes for $500,000-plus, and is to the development’s northwest corner. Talero for “hilltown” showcases maintenance-free villas and is located at the northeast end of the development, surrounded by rolling pasture land, mature trees, and open wetlands. Valencia, or “Spanish seaport”, is located at the northwest end of the development and features single-family homes beginning in the $300,000s.

The two-hundred acres of green space will feature a wide range of amenities, including two new public parks, a pool, children’s playground area, a neighborhood pavilion, and ten-and-a-half miles of lit public trails for walking, biking, hiking and horseback riding. Pontoon and canoe reservation is available through the neighborhood association. Educational placards will be placed throughout the property to help residents and community trail users better understand and appreciate their environment.

The developers are restoring over 30 acres of habitat-designed wetland, re-introducing native bird species, and incorporating a butterfly garden, poppy fields, a professionally maintained flower and herb cutting garden, and an apple orchard into the design. Plans call for breaking ground on the 40,000 square-foot Chevalle Equestrian in fall of 2008. In conjunction with the Equestrian Center the developers have launched “Reins of Hope”, a non-profit entity that will partner with organizations that offer therapeutic riding for children and adults living with disabilities.

Exhale, you’re at Chevalle.

Stillwater Mills on Main in Stillwater

#198 Doug Speedling Builders, Inc., 350 Main Street

Refined Renaissance

We all know and love Stillwater for its historic charm and bustling Main Street ambiance. Combine that street-based downtown core with smart-growth principles, and Stillwater Mills on Main is forged. The site was originally developed more than a century ago, and the design of this newly crafted building ensures it would have mingled well with the best of that era’s structures.

Stillwater Mills sits at the heart of historic downtown Stillwater at the corner of Main and Mulberry Streets. The classic architecture and style combines the rich history of Stillwater with thoroughly modern living. The project includes 98 luxury condominiums sure to enhance the downtown area.

The goal of Stillwater Mills is to embrace smart-growth principles, with buildings designed to emulate the vernacular of the historic buildings in the area. The developer worked with both the City of Stillwater and the Heritage Preservation Commission to ensure an aesthetically pleasing structure that fits with the existing neighborhood.

Stillwater Mills both maintains and enhances a street-based downtown core, bringing a mix of residential and commercial life to the neighborhood. By including 14,000 square feet of commercial space at street level, the developers add to the existing 140 downtown businesses that rely on the foot traffic and tourism that is historic to this area. By doing so, they hope to increase the vitality of the north end of downtown and boost the economic pulse of the surrounding businesses by bringing new residents into the community.

The outside of the building is designed to reflect and blend with the historic commercial and residential buildings around it. Homeowners will love the proximity to recreational facilities and access to the natural environment including the St. Croix River, bike trails, public parks, dining and retail shops.

Inside this beautiful building you are pampered from head to toe. Services and amenities abound: fitness center with sauna and whirlpool spa, fireside lounge with billiards table and full kitchen, twelve-seat movie theater, community library, guest suites and of course, underground parking. Outside there’s also plenty to spoil: features include an outdoor heated pool, outdoor fireplace and grilling pavilions, all within the landscaped private plaza of the condominium. This creates a private community within the public realm. Stillwater Mills is a community with the lifestyle amenities that truly add style to your life.

The Woods at Eagle Lake in Big Lake

#715 Scott Breuer Construction, Inc., 18939 - 238th Avenue NW

Suburban Lake Living

These large and private homesites overlook 45 acres of preserve, and offer easy access to Eagle Lake. This winning combination of neighborhood and builder creates a unique living experience just five minutes north of Big Lake. Each lot averages three-quarters of an acre, triple the typical size of today's neighborhoods. Private backyards with plenty of room for the patio, pool, gardens, and space between you and your neighbor. With a total of only 40 homesites, this neighborhood captures the small-town feel while leaving plenty of space for you to breathe.

The preserved land includes meadows, ponds and wetlands, trees and a variety of wildlife. The preserve is maintained by the association, so you get the enjoyment of the open spaces without the work. One of the best ways to enjoy this neighborhood is by getting out there and walking its paths. These paths connect the natural pockets of land to one another, and provide a great way to keep active while staying safe and close to home. The neighborhood's proximity to many other great parks and recreational areas, like the Sherburne Wildlife refuge, offers even more opportunities for family fun and outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback riding and snowmobiling.

The owners’ recreation area on Eagle Lake offers a private sandy beach, picnic area and fishing dock. The boat landing features convenient access for all types of boating, fishing and waterskiing. Just imagine, coming home from a stressful day at work and going fishing or skiing for a couple hours and not have to make it a major event. This neighborhood is for those who love to not only be surrounded by nature, but also want easy and frequent access to it.

Some people have two homes, one to live in and one to play at, leaving them with two house payments and two homes to furnish and maintain. At The Woods at Eagle Lake you can have it all in one home and have more time to enjoy together.

The location offers not only an incredible setting, it also features a wide array of options for commuting and shopping. It will be just 10 minutes to the future NorthStar Light Rail Station, 15 minutes to I-94, 45 minutes to Minneapolis, within 60 minutes to the airport, and within 30 minutes to St. Cloud.

With the views of the lake, the nature preserve and all the activities right out your door, you'll find the setting you’ve been looking for. With a wide array of home styles and prices, you can find your American dream right here at The Woods at Eagle Lake.

Villas of Wilkinson Lake in North Oaks

#175 Hanson Builders, Inc.. Osprey Court
#176 Kootenia Homes, Inc., Osprey Court

Mature Sanctuary

This is another of the metro area’s classic examples of a master-planned community built on a solid history of conservation combined with a view to the future. Located just west of Centerville Road near the Tria restaurant, this neighborhood caters to a growing population who desire the finer things in life without the hassle of caring for it all themselves. These association-maintained villas take living in luxury one step further; all homes have access to services and facilities provided by the Presbyterian Home in North Oaks.

The development plan has remained focused on preserving the natural beauty of the area. Wherever possible, roads and homes are built to leave the topography, drainage, woodlands, and wetlands undisturbed. Winding roads, cul-de-sacs, the absence of sidewalks, and the limited use of street lights all contribute to the privacy and seclusion of the homesites. The single-level homes demonstrate an understanding of integrating architecture into the landscape, and homeowners will enjoy undisturbed views for, well... forever. The Villas share borders with 660 acres of conserved land that will remain protected from development. Nestled along the lake's east shore these homes display stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.

Most of the area within the present city limits was at one time known as the North Oaks Farm which was established in 1883 by James J. Hill, financier and railroad tycoon. In 1950, the North Oaks Company was formed and began the development of the community, including a private golf course. The company is now owned by James J. Hill's great-granddaughter.

The City of North Oaks is designated as a game refuge. In 1999, the North Oaks Company dedicated 885 acres of permanent open space to the city and the North Oaks Home Owners’ Association. Of this amount, 660 acres comprise a natural Conservation Area. One of the activities that takes place in the Conservation Area, for example, is bird banding. Many walking paths meander through the area as well, giving residents access to the natural habitat.

Many of the amenities will appeal to such a wide array of homeowners that there’s no minimum age requirement for the Villas. The perks from the relationship with the Waverly Gardens facility run by Presbyterian Homes includes meal service, cleaning service, and in-home health care. These add up to more than amenities, and equal true peace of mind. There is also preferred placement into Waverly Gardens based on availability to residents of the Villas of Wilkinson Lake . Hanson Builders won a 2007 Reggie AwardSM for their model home here, lending another level of credence to this neighborhood. Come visit both builders’ models, the most recent in a long legacy of fine homes.

Hunters Crest in Minnetonka

#550 GBI Homes, Inc., 9075 Partridge Road
#551 Donnay Homes, Inc., 9299 Hunters Court
#552 Donnay Homes, Inc., 9437 Bandy Lane
#553 Brandl Anderson Homes, Inc., 9439 Cottontail Drive
#554 Mattamy Homes, 9475 Gander Lane

Front Porch and Family-Friendly

This is a perfect example of a community planned to take advantage of the natural beauty and abundant amenities that already encompass the land. Hunters Crest is a 365-acre master-planned community conveniently located off of Highway 7 in Minnetrista just forty minutes from downtown Minneapolis. The neighborhood is adjacent to downtown St. Bonifacius and just minutes from historic downtown Waconia. This location couples small-town ambience with big-city services.

The neighborhood’s location offers a variety of recreational opportunities for its residents. Nearby regional parks include the 3,300-acre Carver Park Preserve, the 292-acre Lake Minnetonka Regional Park and the newly established 130-acre Lake Waconia Regional Park. Hunters Crest also abuts the recently approved Dakota Rail Regional Trail which will run from Hutchinson to Wayzata, offering scenic views of Lake Minnetonka’s northern bays. The paved trail will be ideal for hiking, biking and rollerblading.

Hunters Crest features over 120 acres of open space, miles of trails and sidewalks, and over 32 acres of city parkland with both active and passive recreational opportunities. The recently completed Linden Park includes four acres of open space, colorful playground equipment, basketball and sand volleyball courts, and a picnic pavilion. Another twelve-acre community park located in the southeast area of the community is currently in the planning stages.

Designed around the gently rolling hills and abundant amenities, the majority of the homes take full advantage of the surrounding scenic beauty. Over sixty percent of the homesites abut pristine marshes, city parks, preserved hardwood stands or permanent open space. The final phase features one-hundred single-family lots, of which three-quarters have views of marshland and permanent open spaces. The homesites have been planned to accentuate their wide street frontage, which along with adopted architectural controls, ensures that the streetscape is reminiscent of days gone by and definitely not dominated by garages .

“What we were able to accomplish with Hunters Crest,” says Roy Schroeder, “was to design a neighborhood that is equal to those that sell for considerably more, while offering beautiful homes and homesites, with the gently curving streets in a natural setting that puts homeowners at ease.”

Hunters Crest offers four of the area's finest builders constructing homes of excellent value and design. Roughly three-fourths of the homes will be complete and ready for the 2008 Parade of HomesSM. Possibly the most attractive feature of Hunters Crest is its affordability, with house packages starting below $300,000.


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