On the Edges--Ozark

by Diane Rarick

Three builders will soon begin phase I of a 700-home subdivision in the Ozark School District.

The 220-acre subdivision, Waterford Cottages by the Lakes, will be Ozark's largest subdivision, located two miles east of U.S. Highway 65 and county roads CC and NN.

The builders are Ron Middleton of Middleton Homes, Brian Hayes of Buster-Hayes Properties and Kevin Carleton of Carleton Homes. Carleton said the property was selected because of its close proximity to Springfield, Nixa and Ozark, and its easy access to state highways 60 and 65.

"It will be less than 10 minutes from Springfield and even closer to south-side shopping and retail areas," Carleton said. "We chose the price range from low $100s to $150s because of the need for move-up type of houses in the southeast quadrant of the Springfield-Ozark area," he said.

There will be five lakes in the neighborhood, as well as jogging trails, common areas, and eventually a swimming pool and clubhouse. The largest lake, at seven acres, is located in phase I, according to Carleton.

"Construction is starting within the next month on the homes, and the first phase of streets and infrastructure is six to eight weeks away from being completed," Carleton said.

The homes will range from 1,400 square feet to 2,200 square feet, and the density will be about three homes per acre, according to Ron Middleton. An English cottage style of architecture will be used. Potential property owners may choose from any of the three builders.

"Each builder will have its own floor plans and a unique style of finishes on the interior and exterior," Carleton said. Plans call for the construction to take place over the next four to five years.

"Back three to four years ago, I had committed on the land, and it's just such a wonderful location and I knew it would be a hot spot," Middleton said.

A homeowners association will charge a minimal fee for upkeep on the lakes and green spaces and later for the pool and clubhouse, Middleton said. "These things take money, but due to the size of the subdivision, it will be pretty nominal."

Middleton Homes will offer six different plans that, depending on the lot, will have up to 18 different looks from the outside.

Brian Hayes, of Buster-Hayes Properties, said he bought property several years ago and developed it, putting in the seven-acre lake.

"Our company will build one-third of the buildings on the property. We are going to build seven different styles of homes. It's going to be a neat development, and we're getting a tremendous response. People drive out there just to see the lake, because it's not common to see a lake that big in a subdivision, and certainly not in the price range we're doing," Hayes said.

The real estate broker for Carleton Homes is Donna Cleous, of Cobblestone Realty.

Middleton Homes' broker is Michelene Middleton, of Murney Associates Realtors. Buster-Hayes Properties is working with real estate broker Roger Richardson, also of Murney Associates.

[[In-content Ad]]