Metro Detroit

HAWTHORNE OAKS

October 26, 2018

Last week, the Westland City Council unanimously approved a zoning change and preliminary site plan for Hawthorne Oaks, a new residential development slated for a portion of the former Hawthorne Valley golf course.  Located on the east side of Merriman (just north of Hines Drive), the 27-lot development would feature a mix of 25 ranch & colonial single family homes, as well as 2 buildings on the remaining lots with a total of 8 units (4 each), customized for intellectually and developmentally disabled (I/DD) homebuyers.  There is also a plan for some cottage-style homes, though we aren’t entirely sure if those are for the single family lots, or for a separate section of the development.

The single family homes will range in size from 1,300 sqft to just over 1,700 sqft, and will be priced from the mid-to-high $200s; they will feature 3 bedrooms and 2-2.5 bathrooms.  The homes for disabled adults will range from around 580 sqft to 870 sqft, and will be priced from the low-to-mid $100s; they will feature 1-2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

The builder, Ann Arbor-based Three Oaks Communities, advertises themselves as “the first private developer in the United States to build entire neighborhoods for sale to the general public that are anchored by a variety of customized homes for sale to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.”  You can read more about the development here, via Hometown Life.

OUR THOUGHTS:

To the best of our knowledge we’ve never built with Three Oaks Communities (or even seen their work in person), but the bottom line is there is virtually no new construction in Metro Detroit offering homes in a new neighborhood (versus individual on-your-lot builds in existing neighborhoods), starting under $300k.  Now that Shamrock Village in Redford is nearly sold out, Hawthorne Oaks is becomes your best bet for a new home in a new neighborhood that isn’t 1,000 miles outside of the city, but IS starting under $300k.  For that reason alone, this neighborhood is worth a look for sure.

If you’re working with a Realtor, have them reach out to Three Oaks Communities for the details.  If you aren’t working with a Realtor, you should be – let’s chat!

Lou Bitove & Jeff Bortnick, owners of The New Home Experts®, have more than 30 years combined experience in real estate, much of that with builders like Pulte & Toll Brothers.  They also provide market research for area builders, developers and national firms.  If you’re considering a new home, remember: the builders rep represents the builder, not you.  Work with the only local agents in Metro Detroit to specialize in new homes, and save money in the process – ask us how!