CHICAGO—Next Generation Signature Homes hasjust acquired 99 home sites at Springbank, a 600-acremaster-planned community in suburban Plainfield. The Wheaton,IL-based company will begin developing new residential propertiesat Springbank immediately and expects to begin sales in October.Although the single-family market remains relatively slow, theventure is perhaps a sign that private homebuilders are gettingmore comfortable launching new projects, at least ones that willoffer top product in great locations.

“This community already has a lifestyle component,” GailPayonk, Next Generation's director of sales andmarketing,” tells GlobeSt.com, referring to its state-of- the-artwater park and other amenities , “so I don't have to go in andbuild a clubhouse.” Furthermore, the company deliberately choselots that will allow children to walk to the Aquatic Center withoutcrossing streets, a powerful lure to young families.

Located about ten minutes from I-55 and also offering quickaccess to the many high-paying jobs found along the I-80 corridor,“we feel the community has a compelling story to tell,” Payonkadds, and will probably attract homeowners looking to move up fromnearby Bolingbrook or Joliet.