Olde Ivy prepares to begin second phase

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The infrastructure is completed for the first phase of Olde Ivy, a southeast Springfield development, and plans are approved for streets and utilities for the remainder of the development, according to developer Michael Pulscher.|ret||ret||tab|

Bordered by Old Southern Hills and Living Memorial Park, the 101-lot subdivision offers wooded lots and rolling hills.|ret||ret||tab|

Consideration was given to installing gravity sewer lines, which the city prefers, that would have to come through the Nature Center. It was decided instead to use lift stations, according to Mark Thornsberry, director of public works for the city.|ret||ret||tab|

"About 75 percent of the development will be served by lift stations," Thornsberry said.|ret||ret||tab|

Ten lots have been sold and several more are under contract, Pulscher said. In the 60-lot first phase, some homes are already under construction.|ret||ret||tab|

Lots run from one-quarter to three-quarters of an acre and range from $39,000 to more than $80,000. Homes will cost from $220,000 to $600,000, Pulscher said.|ret||ret||tab|

"It started out to be a nice, tasteful neighborhood and is quickly becoming an upscale subdivision," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Pulscher and his business partner, Dave Poppenga, both came to this area from South Dakota.|ret||ret||tab|

Pulscher has worked as a builder, but found he liked the development side of the construction business better than building. Poppenga is a commercial and residential concrete contractor. Pulscher has lived in Springfield for about 20 years, his partner a few years less.|ret||ret||tab|

"We each bring different things to the table in the partnership," Pulscher said.|ret||ret||tab|

The development has a variety of lots to choose from. A number of flat lots and several good sloping lots for walkout basement models are available in the subdivision, Pulscher said.|ret||ret||tab|

About two dozen deer and a variety of other wildlife roam the property.|ret||ret||tab|

Next to Living Memorial Park, a three-quarter acre section has been set aside for the common area that will include a pool, clubhouse and poolhouse with a pavilion.|ret||ret||tab|

The homeowners association has been set up and monthly dues will run $125, with a $500 initial buy in, Pulscher said.|ret||ret||tab|

Local attorney Kendall McPhail with Lathrop & Gage LC, wrote the restrictions and covenants, which went through the city without amendment, he added.|ret||ret||tab|

The property will be enclosed by a shadowbox cedar fence, with sloping brick walls at either entrance. The west entry, off Reed Road, has been completed and the east entry off Lakehill is under construction.|ret||ret||tab|

To tie in with the design at the entries, each lot will have a brick column.|ret||ret||tab|

Pulscher has reserved a three-quarter acre lot for himself on which he plans to build a 6,000 to 7,500 square foot home. Poppenga has plans to build a home of similar size in the development, he said.|ret||ret||tab|

The partners are moving ahead with another project that will be incorporated into the development. They have an option on the 17-acre tract now occupied by Timbercrest trailer park.|ret||ret||tab|

Engineering plans are in the works to develop 10 acres of this land into 65 residential townhouses. The other seven acres will be reserved for construction of a multistory commercial condominium project.|ret||ret||tab|

Pulscher envisions his offices moved into the A suite at the condominiums. Great River Engineering is engineer for both projects.|ret||ret||tab|

The partners do not plan to stop with the Olde Ivy development. The experience of working on the subdivision has encouraged them to seek other parcels to develop. They already have a few sites picked out for future development.|ret||ret||tab|

"The way Springfield is growing there is a great demand for new housing," he said. "People come in here from everywhere because of the mild weather and the beautiful area."|ret||ret||tab|

HomeTeam Realty LLC will act as listing agent for the properties. |ret||ret||tab|

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