The Resurgence of the “pocket neighborhood” in the Midwest 

Do you remember a time when communities were built to last? Where houses and cottages were developed around common areas in such a way that people actually got to know each other, and families became lifelong friends simply because they shared a block or a garden or a driveway? Do you know that neighborhoods used to be walkable, secure and clean? If you do, and all of the above are favorable in your eyes, then you’ll be happy to hear that “pocket communities” are coming back into vogue. 

No, we’re not talking about the tiny house trend 

Okay, let’s face it – tiny houses are…tiny! And while the tiny house trend is serving those among us who prioritize travel and other lifestyle experiences over property investment, tiny houses aren’t really, well, big enough, to satisfy everyone. 

And no, you don’t live “in your neighbor’s pockets” in a pocket neighborhood, either 

We’re talking, here, about “a type of planned community” (thanks Wikipedia) that is made up of homes that are built around a common area. This is done with one primary goal: to promote the growth and development of close-knit communities, where residents actually connect on an authentic, meaningful level. Because, if we’re honest, we’ve lost the strength that comes with a healthy community – and instead we’re breathing auto fumes and living isolated lives in towns and cities that were built more for cars than for people. 

Walkable towns and pleasant memories 

Tom Heimsoth, Developer of Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, Illinois (a tastefully designed marina development made up of waterfront pocket neighborhoods) remarks that “…memories made in one’s earlier years in the context of close-knit communities, especially in nature, and on or near open water, are doubtless the most cherished memories in life. People are showing that fast-paced, isolated, overly consumeristic lives make for a depressed, anxious and lonely society. Walkable, secure and people-centric neighborhoods are a vital key for us to regain the lifestyle our souls were designed to live and enjoy”. 

Spring Builds at Heritage Harbor in 2018 

Situated along the Illinois Waterway in Ottawa IL, Heritage Harbor is breaking new ground (if you will) in rebuilding that close-knit, beautiful community that was commonplace in time past. 

It’s most recent feature, and the big attraction for Spring 2018, is the introduction of Port Place, the Harbor’s newest pocket neighborhood. Port Place is located in the West Peninsula neighborhood of the development. Heritage Harbor’s architectural designer (and the developer of the project), Kevin Donovan, says that the pocket neighborhood will include fourteen residential lots spread along Port Place drive. These lots will be made up of 10 single-family homes and four duplex townhome units. 

The pocket neighborhood is built around a purely delightful common area, and is situated just a few steps from the riverfront park, neighborhood pool, and harbor boat slips. The center of this charming area will take the form of an intimate park space, complete with a fire pit and dining platform. 

Cottage-style designs for pocket-style neighborhoods 

Pocket neighborhoods, while not being anywhere near as small as the tiny house configuration, are typically made up of compact housing that resembles more of a cottage theme. At Port Place, residents have the option of either ranch-style or two-story cottage units. Both plans offer optional basements and first floor master bedrooms, and all fourteen homes will boast two-car garages.  

What to expect from your pocket neighborhood cottage this Spring 

These high-quality homes, which have been designed for maximum spatial and energy efficiency, are graced with many unique features. The two-story model unit, which will showcase many of the options available to buyers of new homes in Port Place, will be completed by Mid Summer 2018. The home will have 1,700 SF between the first and second levels, with an additional 1,000 SF in a 9’ finished basement. It will also have three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, with an additional double bunk bed nook on the second level. The property will also come with a central private courtyard, and will possess the upgraded finishes, fireplace, built-in bar, Sonos sound system, and upgraded Miele appliances that will be on offer to home owners in the pocket neighborhood. 

To get in on the pocket-place magic, we suggest that you hop on over to Heritage Harbor and book your discovery tour!