New Neighborhoods 2019

EAU CLAIRE NEIGHBORHOODS

WHERE DID WE COME FROM AND WHERE ARE WE GOING?

THE OLD NEIGHBORHOODS

Shortly after World War II, Brian Blakeley’s grandfather constructed a grid of simple dirt roads across some of his farmland on the southeast side of Eau Claire – an area that decades later would hold London Square Mall. He plotted lots and sold the land to young families looking for an inexpensive place to build a home. At the time this property was outside city limits, free of most regulations and zoning laws. But all the same, it was a new neighborhood.

Blakeley – who recently published the first book in a series called A History of Eau Claire, Wisconsin – says that, like most cities, Eau Claire’s original 19th century neighborhoods formed over decades, driven by magnetizing factors such as ethnicity, religion, class, and political philosophy. They were anchored by places like lumber mills, factories, churches, and even cemeteries. Over 150 years, those original neighborhoods expanded and new ones were plotted and built. Through time, the social and economic forces driving neighborhood development have evolved.

The original sub-communities from the 1800s have all but lost their original names and identities. The younger historic neighborhoods near the heart of the city, the ones we can now easily identify, such as the Third Ward, Randall Park, Eastside Hill and Putnam Heights neighborhoods, didn’t form as organically as one might assume. According to Pat Ivory, Senior Planner for Eau Claire’s Community Development Department, these were largely subdivisions built by contractors, just like the new neighborhood projects of today. (In fact, many of the older houses we see now were literally bought from a Sears catalog.) Designed for the most part along a classic grid system and populated by citizens riding waves of economic upturn, the identities of these neighborhoods – their vibes – formed over time. It took sixty or seventy years (the decades of growth following WW II) before they were fully realized.

In terms of personality, it’s hard to compare a new neighborhood to ones that are over 150 years old. But they all start from scratch.

BY THE NUMBERS

The “Eau Claire Metropolitan Area” (Eau Claire and Chippewa counties combined) is one of the fastest growing metro areas in Wisconsin. Eau Claire was the sixth-fastest growing of Wisconsin’s 72 counties between 2010 and 2017. Much of Senior Planner Pat Ivory’s work is based on Eau Claire’s solid population growth over the past 20 years. Analyzing these trends, Ivory says we can expect Eau Claire to grow by 400–500 people a year for the foreseeable future.

Those people need places to live, and many of them want a house nestled within a good neighborhood.

New neighborhood developments near the outskirts of a city are often associated with (and sometimes blamed for) an exodus of people away from crumbling downtowns and old working class neighborhoods. With good reason – that’s certainly what’s happened across America over the past fifty or sixty years. But is it still the case?

According to Mike Schatz, previously the City of Eau Claire’s Economic Development Director and Downtown Eau Claire Inc.’s Executive Director, downtown residential vacancy is basically zero. There are waiting lists for apartments. Existing homes in Eau Claire’s older, established neighborhoods are in very high demand. It’s a competitive market, says Schatz, with houses fetching high prices after only days (or even hours) on the market.

People aren’t draining from the city. The city limits are overflowing.

Pat Ivory says Eau Claire does see some infill – small developments built on open land within the city limits – but of course, the majority of new development is along the borders. A conservative count shows at least 10 all-new neighborhood projects are currently in progress.

EAU CLAIRE WAS THE 6TH FASTEST GROWING OF WISCONSIN’S 72 COUNTIES BETWEEN 2010-2017

INCREASE IN NEW EAU CLAIRE HOMES FROM 2010-2017

BUILDING FORWARD

The Chippewa Valley was not immune to the devastating housing market crash seen a decade ago, but things have steadily bounced back. According to Ivory, the construction of new single-family homes in Eau Claire almost doubled from 2010 to 2017, growing by 93% (almost all of them in new residential developments). The market has especially taken off since 2015.

“When the bottom fell out of the housing industry,” says Christina Thrun, Executive Officer for the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, “we saw a decline and stagnation in new developments. Less spec homes were built, and many of the area builders left the industry. However, during the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of developments and a willingness by area builders to take on the risk of a new development.”

These new developments abandon the old grid layout in favor of more interesting curvilinear patterns. When considering new projects, Ivory and his department stresses the connectivity of streets allowing for maximum accessibility and walkability. New developments must jive with the city, with considerations for our emergency services and existing systems.

Besides serving as an indication of economic growth, new neighborhood developments are good for the city as a whole. They spur improvements in infrastructure as connecting roads are rebuilt and repaired, and nearby parks are enhanced.

But the ultimate difference between a few rows of new houses and a real community of neighbors rests in the people who live there. Do they support each other? Do they take pride in the place they live? Are they willing to put in the work to cultivate the necessary relationships to make it happen?

Neighborhoods don’t simply sprout from dirt roads. They take time – and people – to grow.

The new neighborhoods featured on the following pages are some of those currently in development throughout our area. They offer varying sizes and styles of lots and homes, interesting features, and proximity to established amenities in our community. If you’ve considered building a home, explore these pages to learn more about some of the best options out there today.

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD MAP

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

WINTERHAVEN

• find serenity and comfort amid the tree-covered hills of this neighborhood south of Eau Claire •

Just a few miles south of Eau Claire in the rolling landscape of the aptly named town of Pleasant Valley, you’ll find Winterhaven – a peaceful, wooded neighborhood offering privacy and serenity. Winterhaven features 67 lots ranging from one to four acres, providing plenty of room for your dream home, says Cody Filipczak, co-owner of Eau Claire’s C&M Home Builders. Lots in this desirable neighborhood range in price from $40,000 to $70,000, with home costs starting at about $300,000.

Winterhaven will appeal to families looking for plenty of space or empty nesters who desire top-of-the-line homes that are secluded yet close to the city, Filipczak said. Shopping and dining options are just three miles down Highway 93 on Eau Claire’s south side, and Winterhaven is located just a few swings of the club away from Hickory Hills Golf Course.

If you want a sneak peak at what Winterhaven will look like in the future, visit the nearby Trillium neighborhood, also developed by C&M. While the last lot was recently sold in Trillium, the neighborhood has the look and feel of what Winterhaven will eventually embody.

Because of its rolling topography, Winterhaven promises to be a scenic neighborhood with plenty of building options, including walkout lots.

While C&M is selling the lots at Winterhaven, it isn’t the development’s exclusive builder, meaning future homeowners can work with any builder they wish. However, choosing C&M can add efficiencies to a project, Filipczak noted. The C&M website offers a wide menu of floor plans to choose from, but if you have other ideas the company’s in-house drafting and design team will help you customize to your heart’s content. As one of the biggest and busiest home builders in the Chippewa Valley, C&M has the experience to create the home you want. C&Mbuilt homes are energy efficient, and the builder specializes in custom cabinets, hardwood and tile floors, stamped and colored concrete, and an array of customizable selections and finishes.

C&M HOME BUILDERS

(715) 874-4225

CODY@CANDMHOMEBUILDERS.COM

CANDMHOMEBUILDERS.COM

Filipczak said his family-run firm prides itself on attentive service, and both customers and other businesses have noticed. C&M’s recent accolades include being named Small Business of the Year for 2017 by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and placing No. 1 in the Best Home Construction category of Volume One’s 2018 Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll.

For Filipczak, however, the biggest reward of building homes is “moving people into a new home and seeing the finished product – how good they look in the end.”

“C&M PRIDES ITSELF ON ATTENTIVE SERVICE, AND BOTH CUSTOMERS AND OTHER BUSINESSES HAVE NOTICED.”

HICKORY ROAD (NEAR HIGHWAY 93), SOUTH OF EAU CLAIRE

HAVEN PINES

• Find the simple life at an affordable price in this picturesque Altoona development •

If you’ve been considering homeownership but haven’t found the idyllic neighborhood of your dreams, it might be time to check out Haven Pines, C&E Wurzer’s laidback development in Altoona. The even terrain is easy to navigate and landscape, and the proximity to the new Altoona Elementary School is unbeatable. It’s less than a mile from Lake Altoona County Park, where residents of all ages can enjoy summer days in a boat or on a sandy beach.

This neighborhood is a straight shot to Altoona’s bustling River Prairie Development, where homeowners can take in weekly live music concerts, check out the brand new farmers market, grab a bite to eat at a food truck, or enjoy a day on the riverbank – all without sacrificing the tranquility of a cul-de-sac community.

“The meaning of ‘Haven’ is referred to as ‘safe haven’ or ‘a safe place’ – that’s where the name came from,” Craig Wurzer, owner of C&E Wurzer Builders, said.

With only 5 lots out of 15 still available, including a completed modelhome that’s move-in ready. Three more model homes are on their way up, promicing an easy transition into a new residence.

“It’s a great spot to either be a firsttime homebuyer or downsizing emptynester,” Craig Wurzer, Wurzer said. The best part is, buying a lot in Haven Pines gives residents the chance to customize their home to their heart’s content. It will be the perfect fit because it was made just for you.

Haven Pines is open to any builder, however C&E Wurzer is happy to offer design and construction services to anyone moving into the community. Thanks to a close relationship between the businesses, building clients of C&E Wurzer are able to tour Lake Hallie Cabinets and Design’s interior design showroom, where they can see and select home finishings that work with their style and budget.

C&E Wurzer is a family-owned and operated company. They pride themselves on honesty, and quality, making sure to be up-front and communicative. It’s their goal to provide

C&E WURZER BUILDERS

KAYSON PLACE, ALTOONA

(715) 8398806

CRAIG@CEWURZERBUILDERS.COM

CEWURZERBUILDERS.COM

strong, lasting homes where families can grow and thrive.

Lots in Haven Pines average about a half an acre each, starting in the mid-$30,000s. The total expected investment for a home in this neighborhood ranges from $250,000 to $300,000. Lots are on city water and sewer in the Altoona school district. Public school students from this neighborhood would attend Altoona Elementary, Altoona Intermediate and Middle School, and Altoona High School.

“IT’S A GREAT SPOT TO EITHER BE A FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER OR DOWNSIZING EMPTY NESTER.”

– CRAIG WURZER, C&E WURZER BUILDERS

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

THE ESTATES AT HIGHVIEW

• spacious walk-out lots, custom built homes, and views for miles await •

Perched on a wooded hilltop, The Estates at Highview overlooks the city of Eau Claire and the bends of the Chippewa River. It’s close to hiking, biking, and the calm and shady Domer Park.

“It’s kind of a little hidden gem up there,” Craig Wurzer, owner of C&E Wurzer Builders, said. “The views are incredible.” The Estates at Highview are a short drive away from downtown Eau Claire, where homeowners can enjoy a day at the Farmer’s Market – and when the Blue Angels come to town, views from this neighborhood will give you a front seat to the action.

The Estates at Highview is a blooming community overlooking the Chippewa River. “It’s not a cookie-cutter neighborhood; they’re all custom homes,” Wurzer said. Only two of the original 19 lots are left, with 9 homes completed so far. The homes are spacious, upward of 1,700 square feet, and custom-built to realize the residents’ vision.

It isn’t necessary to search for a builder when purchasing a lot in The Estates at Highview. As the exclusive builder for the neighborhood, C&E

Wurzer is ready to help new residents choose from their existing plans or put together an entirely custom-designed home. After a discussion about the appearance and floorplan of the house, residents tour the showroom at Lake Hallie Cabinets and Design so they can view, touch, and select the finishing touches for their home. C&E Wurzer homes are energy-efficient, beautiful, and constructed with you in mind. Model homes are also available for $399,900.

Once the buyer has accepted the bid for construction, they can track the building process using an online service that allows them to keep up-to-date with progress and submit change requests without having to leave the computer.

Craig Wurzer understands that building a house is an investment, and the foundation for some of life’s most important moments, from celebrating birthdays in a kitchen to easy weekends spent in the family room. Every agent and archetect involved in the relization of your dream home will listen to your needs and work tirelessly to design a home that perfectly compliments your lifestyle.

“IT’S KIND OF A LITTLE HIDDEN GEM UP THERE. THE VIEWS ARE INCREDIBLE.”

– CRAIG WURZER, C&E WURZER BUILDERS

CAMDEN PLACE

• C&M Home Builders’ north-side neighborhood offers affordability, access to parks •

Empty-nesters hoping to simplify and first-time homebuyers seeking a place of their own will both find what they’re looking for in Camden Place, a single-family and twin home development on Eau Claire’s north side.

Located just off Jeffers Road, Camden Place is ideal for those seeking an active lifestyle: The neighborhood will feature bike trails and sidewalks, and it’s directly adjacent to sizable, treecovered Northwest Park.

Because Camden Place is inside Eau Claire’s city limits, lots have city water and sewer service. Home costs range from $170,000 to $265,000, said Cody Filipczak, co-owner of C&M Home Builders, the Eau Claire-based developer that created Camden Place.

“A lot of people are wanting to downsize,” Filipczak said of those interested in building in Camden Place. “Or it’s a young professional couple. They don’t want a big house yet, but they don’t want to rent.”

C&M is the exclusive builder for the development, which means it will handle all aspects of custom design and construction. Two on-staff designers –including Molly Filipczak, Cody’s wife and business partner – will help every step of the way.

C&M offers a profusion of readymade home plans to choose from, ranging in size from about 1,200 to 2,900 square feet, as well as in-house drafting services that allow customers to create their dream homes. Filipczak said homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, and C&M offers options such as custom cabinets, hardwood and tile floors, upgraded trim and three-panel doors, stamped and colored concrete, and more.

Camden Place is just half a mile from the North Crossing, allowing residents quick access to U.S. 53, Clairemont Avenue, and Interstate 94. It’s also just a short jaunt from the Chippewa River and the ballfields at Jeffers Park.

Sixty-four lots are available, 37 of which are slated for twin homes. While similar to duplexes in that they are two residences with a shared wall, twin homes are owner-occupied. Each owner

not only owns a residence with a shared wall, but also half of the lot the structure sits on. The smaller lots and twin home construction make living in Camden Place an affordable option, Filipczak

said. In fact, he notes, considering how hot Eau Claire’s real estate market is today, it may be more cost-effective to build at Camden Place than to buy an existing home elsewhere.

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“A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WANTING TO DOWNSIZE. OR IT’S A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL COUPLE. THEY DON’T WANT A BIG HOUSE YET, BUT THEY DON’T WANT TO RENT.”

– CODY FILIPCZAK, C&M HOME BUILDERS, ON THE PEOPLE BUYING HOMES AT CAMDEN PLACE

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HALLIE RIDGE ESTATES

• neighborhood boasts best of Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Lake Hallie •

It’s in Chippewa County, in the town of Lake Hallie, and snugly inside the Eau Claire school district. For someone aiming to enjoy a taste of all three communities, Hallie Ridge Estates is a good place to look.

This new neighborhood, on the market courtesy of Donnellan Real Estate, features more than 50 lots averaging about half an acre each –although some are bigger. With the option to contract with any builder, Hallie Ridge residents are able to create the home of their dreams.

Hallie Ridge Estates features a number of recreational facilities, including a community center, in-ground pool, and exercise gym. Residents may also enjoy tennis courts, basketball courts, and sports fields only a short walk, drive, or bike ride from their home. To the east of the neighborhood is a 55-acre park with a gazebo and sugar-sand beach.

This neighborhood was developed on land formerly owned by American Materials, who used the eastern portion as a quarry. To adapt the land into an asset to the community, the dig sites have since been turned into beautiful water features, and the wooded areas were left with as many trees as possible to maintain privacy for residents. As a tribute to the neighborhood’s history and effort to give the community a unified appearance, homes built in Hallie Ridge Estates will include a stonework element.

“I think it’s the best kept secret in the Eau Claire School District,” Ned Donnellan, who owns Donnellan Real Estate, said. It’s about 13 minutes to Mayo Clinic Health System, but doesn’t feel like it’s in the city. “With the oversize lots, there’s just a sense of beauty and privacy,” he said.

With an active neighborhood association, historic site, and focus on community, this neighborhood is bound to bloom into a character all its own, ready to welcome new residents into the fold.

Donnellan Real Estate has been locally owned in the Chippewa Valley for generations. A team of experienced agents is ready to help with the search for a home. Lots at Lake Hallie Ridge are $43,900, offering the perfect opportunity to build a great home in a neighborhood that will feel like a vacation.

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THINK IT’S THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE EAU CLAIRE SCHOOL DISTRICT.”