McHenry Public Library District Digital Archives

McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry, IL), 18 May 1967, p. 52

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Planned Unit Community for Adults Whispering Oaks Population experts estimate that about 9 per cent of the 1970 population in the U. S. will be 65 years and older, as compared with only 4.5 per cent in 1960. Studies in the Chicago area by Ladd Enterprises showed that a substantial number of persons at or reaching retirement age are interested in individual homes, the general preference being for smaller and more easily maintained homes than those in which they raised their families. The great majority of pfersons reaching retirement age plan to stay in the area, maintaining ties with families and oldtime friends, rather than move to the South or Southwest, the study showed. In the past, Chicagoland builders of single family homes have paid scant attention to the adult market. Ladd Enterprises, however was aware of the popularity of an all-adult community because of the success of its Whispering Hills, a 370-home development near Fox Lake. Whispering Oaks, which eventually will have about 1,450 units, will be by far the largest adult community in the Chicago area. Ladd Enterprises' general policy will be to restrict sales to couples whose children are grown or are in their teens. As a planned unit development, Whispering Oaks will have many unique features. To accent the natural beauty of the site, clusters of homes will border on greenways and wooded areas. The rolling terrain will be emphasized and natural streams and drainage swales will be left untouched. Although little known in the Chicago area, the principle of clustering has captured the enthusiasm of land planners elsewhere, ft is the way to avoid the rows of paper boxes which blight many suburbs, and it entails much more than curvilinear streets which some builders characterize as "planned unit development" The Whispering Oaks system of loop streets, cul-de-sacs and curved lanes reduces to a minimum the acreage given over to vehicular traffic. Thus, more area can be reserved for the greenways and common areas which break the overall tract into small sectors. Two ends are achieved: walkways independent of the street layout and retention of the naturally rustic environment. These greenways and commons will be given to the city of McHenry as public parks. However, they will be nature areas rather than playgrounds because there will not be small children in Whispering Oaks. Provision also has been made for a convenience shopping center, two church sites, and a 38%-acre site for a high school. Both the shopping center and the school will be on the periphery, fronting on Crystal Lake-Mc Henry Road and isolated from the residential districts. Ten Ways the Realtor Takes the Worry Out of Buying Buying a home can be a barrel of fun. Or a peck of pitfalls. And that's where a Realtor comes in. Even though you may know the difference between a dormer window and a bay, his expert help can open your eyes to other features you might never notice. And steer you clear of drawbacks you might easily overlook. Below you wiH find ten of the best reasons we know for starting jvour search for. a. home in the Realtor's office. 1--The realtor saves you time, effort and headaches. He discovers your architectural interests, learns something of your personal tastes -- and tries to show you only the types of homes you want to see, within your price range. 2~The realtor advises you about neighborhoods. His professional experience is invaluable to you in analyzing future trends and the potential value of your home as a long-range investment. 3--The realtor helps you see through inflated prices. Owners who try to sell personally, often tend to overprice a home. But homes listed with a Realtor benefit from his knowledge of current market values. 4--The realtor, arranges for definite inspections. He makes appointments for your convenience. He will also see that you have plenty of time for a thorough, unhurried inspection. 5---The realtor helps you sharpen your vision. He inspects homes with you, calls your attention to improvements and advantages you could overlook. And points out any disadvantages his trained eye may spot. 6---The realtor provides you with full information. He will give you esstential facts about taxes, maintenance costs, quality of construction, adequacy of public services, schools, churches -- even introduce you to the neighbors. 7--The realtor acts as a negotiator. Settling of the finer points of price and other differences can get pretty hectic. Your Realtor smoothes over the details and helps buyer and seller arrive at a mutually advantageous agreement. , . . 8--The realtor helps you stay within your budget. He will help you analyze yaur financial situation, give you sound mortgage advice. Then, if you desire, he can recommend sources of mortgage funds so you can arrange financing. 9---The realtor helps you know final facts and figures. At the closing of the transaction, you will need a complete financial statement, giving you an exact record for insurance, tax and other purposes. 10--The realtor is pledged to serve you well. Display of the NAREB seal is evidence of a pledge to uphold the ideals of the Association. The term Realtor is your assurance of competence, fair treatment and integrity. Ladd Enterprises, one of the largest home builders in the Chicago area, sold 303, houses in 1965, the majority in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Mc Henry, Whispering Hills near Pox Lake and the Sheffield Green development opened in October near the new Chrysler plant in Belvidere. The firm has projected 1966 sales at 358 houses, an 18 per cent increase from last year. Its production will be up some 38 per cent to catch up with the backlog of sales made late in 1965. Ladd's business methods were recently characterized by a management publication for the home building industry (House and Home)as "by-the-bookbusiness management which insures stability in a crisis-prone industry." The magazine emphasized the firm's conservative fiscal policies and reported that Northern Trust Co., Chicago, has extended an open credit line at standard business rates, without extra fee. The bank said that Ladd is. the only builder with which it has such an arrangement. FARM -mm LOANS Short anl inter mediate Loans for Livestock Operating Expenses Loan Terms to 7 Years Interest only on Unpaid Balance On-the-Farm Service Lin Ter To Buy Land To Build or Remodel 35 Years - Low Interest Cost Complete Pre- Payment Privileges No Closing Costs or Fees Cinduction rediL/ssociation 333 E. Jackson St. Woodstock, Illinois Phone 338-0334 LAND'BANK 333 E. Jackson St. Woodstock, Illinois Phone 338-0187 ONE-STOP - SERVICE FARM IALISTS

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