Central DuPage Location Draws New-Home Buyers To The Enclave At Mill Creek

Being able to live near family, friends and everyday conveniences is often the reason homebuyers choose a specific neighborhood when moving…whether they’re purchasing their first home or scaling back and simplifying life. For Renzo and Franca Fontana, The Enclave at Mill Creek’s central DuPage County location was a driving factor in the family’s decision to build a new Meritus Homes ranch there.

Now in Phase II, The Enclave at Mill Creek features 87 low-maintenance brand-new homes set against a backdrop of abundant green space, including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting spot. More than two thirds of the community’s ranch-style homes back to natural areas and open space…a rarity in this area.

After enjoying their two-story Fox River Grove home for more than 30 years, Renzo and Franca moved with their son Michael to The Enclave at Mill Creek in part to be closer to their grandchildren in Elmhurst.
“Living here, I-355, I-290 and Route 83 are all just minutes away, making travel around the suburbs—and even into the city—easy,” said Renzo.

With such a convenient location, he was not surprised to find residents in the neighborhood had moved there from towns as far away as South Barrington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and even Chicago.

“Coming from McHenry County, we were quickly impressed with all that DuPage County has to offer,” he said. Nearby are numerous restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment opportunities along with forest preserves. DuPage County has very good special needs programs, as well.

The Fontanas’ son, Michael, is in a wheelchair so finding single-level living was also at the top of their new-home wish list.

“We were at a stage in life where it was becoming more difficult to get him up and down the stairs,” he explained. “So a ranch was appealing.”

At The Enclave at Mill Creek, four ranch designs are available offering 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 $413,400 to $457,400. 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.

In addition to saying good-bye to stairs, The Fontanas were ready to leave behind the yard work, pool and deck upkeep of their old house in favor of a more carefree lifestyle. At The Enclave at Mill Creek, all lawn care for the homesites as well as common area landscaping is maintained by the homeowners’ association, leaving the Fontanas more free time to explore.

“We’ve mapped out a 3-1/2-mile path through the neighborhood where Franca and I walk and Michael rides his recumbent bike on a regular basis,” said Renzo. Plus, the family’s home is adjacent to a pond and backs up to the creek, giving them a sense of seclusion and relaxation.

The Fontanas chose the Waterleaf floor plan because it had most of the features they wanted and they were thrilled with the wide hallways that make it easy for Michael to maneuver his wheelchair. In this 2,154-square-foot ranch, the secondary bedrooms and full bath are separated from the owner’s suite, allowing privacy for everyone. The family is using the third bedroom as a study where Michael can go to watch television or get on his iPad. The Waterleaf’s open-concept layout also is perfect for entertaining.

“We had a big family gathering and the open floor plan made everyone feel comfortable,” said Franca. She added that the high ceilings in the family room make the space live larger and expansive windows along with white cabinets make the kitchen feel light and bright. The basement is huge, too, and offers plenty of storage and play space for the grandchildren.

Meritus Homes also was willing to make semicustom changes to accommodate Michael’s wheelchair. For example, they built a ramp in the garage, enlarged the doors to Michael’s bedroom and bath, and expanded and added a seat to his shower.

“Everyone at Meritus Homes was extremely helpful and responsive,” said Renzo. “The entire homebuilding process went incredibly smoothly.”

The Waterleaf is a prime example of the exacting standards that signify a Meritus home. All are built with Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, a damp-proofed foundation, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heater, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction.

Interiors have nine-foot first-floor ceilings, Colonist doors, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning, and full basements all as standard features.

Exteriors have classic elements such as brick and stone accents, and some have covered entries or front porches to 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 and complement the established character of DuPage County.

Now after living at The Enclave at Mill Creek for just under a year, Franca and Renzo continue to be impressed with their new neighborhood.

“The people here are really friendly,” said Renzo. “Everyone who sees us out and about waves and says hi. It’s a warm sense of community here.”

The Enclave at Mill Creek is located on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive in Addison. The sales office is 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, call (331) 225-3646 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

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