Lure Of New Construction Draws Couple To The Enclave At Mill Creek
The fact that The Enclave at Mill Creek offered brand-new homes was appealing to Ken and Sandy Siok, especially since not much new construction exists in this established area of central DuPage County. The couple purchased the 1,754-square-foot Marigold ranch at the Meritus Homes community located at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street.
The Sioks had been looking for about six months when they finally took the plunge at The Enclave at Mill Creek. Sandy and her daughter, however, had identified the development nearly two years earlier.
“Initially, we visited the sales center before any foundations were even in the ground, looking only at floor plans,” said Sandy. “Once we made the decision to move, we came back out and toured the models, which had opened by then. Even though new construction was not originally the plan—we were sold.”
Having purchased existing homes before, the couple wasn’t sure they wanted to go down that road again.
“This is our first newly built home and the people at Meritus Homes were great to work with,” said Ken. “They made the process stress-free. They were patient when guiding us with selections so we never felt overwhelmed. Everyone has been professional, cooperative and engaging. It’s been a very positive experience.”
He was reassured of making the right decision after spending time talking to homeowners who lived in Phase I at The Enclave at Mill Creek, noting he received nothing but 100 percent positive responses.
“It’s been really fun to see the neighborhood start to take shape,” he added. 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, where Meritus Homes is offering four designs. 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 $394,90 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.
Sandy was excited to pick out the finishes and add her personality to her new Marigold ranch—something that is not an option with resale. Plus, the home has everything the couple wanted, most importantly an open concept layout, single-level living, and it’s detached. Sandy loves the kitchen with its abundant cabinets, big center island, full suite of stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and elegant touches. She also likes how it flows into the dining room and family room. This modern design allows for flexibility for everyday living and entertaining.
Empty nesters, the Sioks like the luxury master suite with his and her closets plus a private bath—a feature their old house did not provide. And for when family comes to visit, the second bedroom and adjacent full bath are on the other side of the home. The space can be used as a library, office or den, as well.
Standard features include nine-foot ceilings, Colonist doors, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning, and a full basement.
Like all Meritus homes, the Siok’s showcases energy-efficient construction for greater comfort and energy savings than older houses. This includes 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.
Since the Marigold was exactly what Ken and Sandy desired they didn’t have to make many upgrades—opting to spend their money on options that were not cosmetic but structural, like a front porch elevation and deep pour basement.
“It’s a blank slate to work with,” said Ken of the basement, which he plans to finish at a later date so the grandchildren have their own play space. “And thanks to the taller ceiling, it won’t feel like a basement when done.”
Ken and Sandy’s home sits on a cul-de-sac in Phase II of The Enclave at Mill Creek. Overall, the property boasts abundant green space…including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting area…with more than two thirds of the ranch-style homes backing to natural areas and open space. Phase II is tucked back over the bridge and their site abuts open space so it has the privacy they were accustomed to coming from a large yard of nearly an acre. Unlike at their old house, The Enclave at Mill Creek’s homeowners’ association will perform all lawn care for their homesite as well as maintain common area landscaping and even handle snow removal on driveways.
“With fewer outdoor chores, we’ll have more time to spend with the grandchildren,” said Ken. After all, the move to The Enclave at Mill Creek was to be near family, specifically the couple’s three children—a daughter in Glen Ellyn and two sons in Elmhurst.
“It’s a smart idea to get closer to our nine grandchildren because Sandy helps out on a regular basis,” said Ken, noting that the couple is relocating from Arlington Heights where they had lived for more than 30 years.
“It was a big decision because we’ve been in the northwest suburbs and Cook County for the entire 44 years we’ve been married,” he continued. “Now, at The Enclave, we’re less than 10 minutes from our daughter and 15 minutes from our boys.”
Plus, being within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway makes it an easy drive to work for Ken who is an insurance agent.
Still learning about the area and DuPage County, Ken and Sandy have been impressed with all the local amenities they have found—like restaurants, forest preserves, recreational opportunities, entertainment, and everyday conveniences. Plus, shopping at Oak Brook Center, Yorktown Center and Woodfield Mall are all about the same distance away.
The Enclave at Mill Creek’s sales office is located at 758 Fairway Drive, 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. (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. t 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call (331) 255-3464 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.
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