DeKALB – Housing development in DeKalb may be stagnant, but one national homebuilder is ready to include the city in its plans for the Chicago market.
D.R. Horton, a national homebuilder based in Fort Worth, Texas, broke ground Wednesday on the first of several new homes planned for lots the company has acquired in the Devonaire Farms subdivision, according to a press release from the city.
Devonaire Farms, located off Malta Road, was approved in 2003, and more than half the lots had homes built on them prior to the onset of the Great Recession. However, many of the approved lots on the western half of the subdivision remain vacant, according to the news release.
D.R. Horton representatives met with both city staff to secure the necessary building permits on lots approved for construction and members of the homeowner’s association to integrate themselves with the community.
D.R. Horton expects to build 850 new homes in various Chicago-area communities this year. The homebuilder currently offers products in Elgin, Geneva, New Lenox, North Aurora, Oswego, Pingree Grove, St. Charles and Yorkville.
DeKalb has made numerous efforts to spur housing development over the years. Last year, the city council approved an ordinance that would waive water impact, transportation and roadway contributions fess for the first 100 construction permits in certain DeKalb subdivisions, including Devonaire. These incentives for the 250 eligible lots would range from about $2,600 to $3,800 for a single-family property.
A similar measure was approved by the DeKalb District 428 school board in November.