Ryland Homes Pares Down Next Phase of Talamore Building

A professional consulting group that analyzes the real estate market recently named Ryland Homes as one of the top developers in the region for its Talamore subdivision in Huntley.

Ryland Homes, however, is taking a pared-down approach toward its next phase of development by building 86 villas marketed to active adults, company officials said in unveiling ’ plans recently during a committee-of-the-whole meeting.

“Our goal there is to create detached housing, smaller cluster lots and some of the things that Del Webb (Sun City Huntley) has, maybe less restrictive,” said John Carroll, president of ’ Illinois division.

The developer received approval in 2005 for 126 townhomes in what is described as Pod 2 of the subdivision. But the new home market has changed a lot since then, and is making adjustments to “keep it going. If you drive through there, you see construction activity. It’s not abandoned by any stretch,” Carroll said. However, “Talamore has been a challenge.”

is trying to “figure out how to keep thinking outside the box and energize this place further,” Carroll said. So, looked at adding an active-adult component.

Now, it is seeking to build 86 villas. The idea is to market to active adults, some of the same buyers interested in Sun City Huntley, as the lots in that community sell out. is working with Wentworth Management, which managed Sun City Huntley, on its Talamore plan.

Village staff said that because there are significant changes, must have the new plans reviewed and approved by the Plan Commission.

Carroll, however, said the street layout is already proposed for a pod-type product, just with fewer homes. “It’s 40 less from the townhomes (the 2005 plan). We would’ve wrestled you to the floor for (the additional units) in the past, but that’s not what the housing world is now.”

The active-adult neighborhood would not have any age restrictions, he said. Residents would have access to Talamore’s clubhouse, pool and other amenities.

“It’s nice to see you have faith in Huntley,” Trustee Pam Fender said at last week’s meeting.

Trustee John Piwko liked the concept but wanted to see more brick on the front of the homes since the subdivision is on Route 47 and can be seen as people head into town.

“I have no problem doing this, (but) they are kind of drab for me,” Piwko said.

There was a brief discussion about driveways, but the planning commission would hammer out those details.

“I guess you have our blessings,” Mayor Charles Sass said.

The Village Board is expected to vote Thursday to forward the new proposal to the Plan Commission for further review.