Huntley project aimed at middle-income seniors
Sun City, move over.
Area seniors soon will have a lower-cost alternative to the country-club atmosphere of Del Webb's Sun City.
Two local developers have proposed a residential project that would provide housing for middle-income seniors.
Woodview Estates would have 61 townhouses and 150 apartments on 15 acres south of Powder Park Road and east of the railroad tracks.
Woodview Estates would be only the second senior housing project in Huntley and the first to offer independent and assisted living.
And with apartments ranging from about $675 for a one-bedroom to about $775 for a two-bedroom, Woodview would be a cheaper option for seniors who can't afford the relative luxury of Sun City.
"We're excited, and the village seems to be excited," said Frank Damato, who's developing the project with Artie Shabez. "It's the first of its kind (in Huntley) for assisted living ... we see a need for it."
All of the 211 units proposed for the project would be marketed to seniors. The independent and assisted living would be restricted to people 62 and older.
The plan is to build the 75-unit independent housing building first. This would provide transportation, common areas for socializing and one meal a day.
A 75-unit assisted living facility would be built in a second phase, followed by the townhouses. Damato said he hopes to start building the apartments by late 2008.
The developers also plan to improve surrounding roads. They plan to extend Martin Drive to Powder Park Road so seniors can avoid residential traffic on Grove Street.
The Huntley village board last week had its first look at the proposed development. The board gave the project the go-ahead to begin the approval process.
Trustee Pam Fender said she would like to see more assisted and independent living and fewer townhouses.
Damato and Shabez, the West Chicago-based developers of the project, have built other developments in the suburbs, including apartments in Schaumburg.
Huntley's planning commission is set to review the concept plan for Woodview Estates later this summer.