Getting To The City Is Easy For Homeowners At The Enclave At Mill Creek

After landing a job that required more commuting into Chicago, Erin Fiegel decided it was time to move from Aurora to a suburb closer to the city. She found an ideal location just minutes from Interstate 290—The Enclave at Mill Creek. The community of low-maintenance new homes is being developed by Meritus Homes at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street in central DuPage County.

Erin had been considering a move for about a year and researching in earnest for about three or four months when she came across The Enclave at Mill Creek. Browsing the typical real estate listing websites, she narrowed her scope with the help of a friend who had moved to Addison a few years earlier.

“One of Meritus Homes’ Quick Move-In Homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek popped up in a search and it had everything I wanted, in particular a great location,” she said. “So I visited the community, walked through the home, and toured the model. The rest is history.”

Prior to purchasing, Erin also looked at existing houses in the western suburbs, including recently renovated ones in mature neighborhoods and houses that she could rehab herself. Ultimately, the fact that The Enclave at Mill Creek offered new construction in the area she sought tipped the scales.

“It’s rare to be able to get the location you want and the option to build new,” she said.

Erin chose a Waterleaf ranch, which has 2,154 square feet of space, three bedrooms, two baths, and an attached two-car garage.

“The main living area is comparable to what I had in my townhome,” she said. “But the space is configured differently. The open layout where the great room, living room, dining room, and kitchen all flow together is well thought out and functional for both everyday living and entertaining.”

A large center island and walk-in pantry are highlights of the kitchen while Erin added a fireplace in the great room to create a focal point. Also on the main level is a flex room that can serve as a hobby nook, library or den, depending on the homeowner’s lifestyle. The first-floor master suite with its private bath and walk-in closet is a relaxing place to unwind. Two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and laundry room complete the first floor.

One of the most exciting things about finding new construction in a mature area is that homebuyers don’t have to compromise and settle for someone else’s tastes or décor, like they would with a resale house. Instead, they can pick from a wide array of selections, finishes and options to match their personality. And Erin did just that adding a few upgrades to her Waterleaf such as the gourmet kitchen. Her homesite also accommodates a lookout basement, which she upgraded to a deep pour basement with the thought of finishing the lower level in the future.

The Waterleaf is one of four designs Meritus Homes is offering at The Enclave at Mill Creek. Ranch plans have 1,603 to 2,154 square feet of living space; two, three or four bedrooms; and two full baths for base prices that range from $394,900 to $443,900. Second-story options add 866 to 1,090 more square feet of living space, one or two bedrooms or a loft, and another bath on the upper level. This brings the square footage up to 2,620 to 3,077 with base prices that range from $472,900 to $493,600.

When complete, The Enclave at Mill Creek will feature a total of 87 homes. A few remain in Phase I and sales now are underway for Phase II.

Erin’s home is in Phase II, which is set back over a bridge and adjacent to open space and trees—an unusual find for an established suburb. Overall, the property boasts abundant green space, including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting area. More than two thirds of the homes back up to nature.

“Usually, if you want open space around your home you have to move farther away from the city,” she said. “So to have this pocket where I have views of the neighboring woodlands and wetlands is rare.”

Another factor swaying Erin’s decision to choose The Enclave at Mill Creek was the low maintenance lifestyle. With career and free time competing for her attention, she is happy to not have to worry about shoveling snow or doing yard work. The homeowners’ association will perform all lawn care for her homesite as well as maintain common area landscaping and even handle snow removal on her driveway. Coming from a maintenance-free townhome, Erin was accustomed to this more carefree lifestyle.

This is Erin’s first time building a new home, though she is familiar with the construction industry working in the marketing department of a commercial general contractor. She felt the process went very smoothly with everyone at Meritus Homes being transparent throughout the entire construction cycle.

“Not only did they walk me through every step, they have been incredibly pleasant and responsive, as well,” she said. “They have made what many claim to be a stressful ordeal an exciting experience.”

She is impressed that the homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek are built to the exacting standards that signify a Meritus home. For example, interiors have nine-foot first-floor ceilings, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning, and full basements.

Exteriors are designed to complement home styles in the surrounding neighborhoods with traditional architectural details such as brick or optional stone accents, gables and ornamental trim that create interesting rooflines, and windows and classic embellishments on garage doors. Covered entries provide shelter from inclement weather. Front, side and rear yards are fully sodded plus a landscaping package is included with each new home to give it instant curb appeal.

The Enclave at Mill Creek is just north of Army Trail Boulevard and west of North Mill Road in Addison. The community’s entrance is on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive and the sales office is located at 758 Fairway Drive. (Enter 601 Army Trail Boulevard into GPS system to find the site.)

Two decorated models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information on The Enclave at Mill Creek, call (331) 225-3646 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

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