Three new subdivisions going up on Springfield's south side

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The list of south Springfield subdivisions will soon grow by three. |ret||ret||tab|

The development companies of Gerry Doran Homes Inc., Keltner Enterprises and MGM Properties Inc. have began clearing trees on east Sunset for their respective subdivisions.|ret||ret||tab|

The plats lie in the wooded area directly south of the emerging Emerald Park subdivision built by Doran Homes Inc. on South Forest Heights Drive. |ret||ret||tab|

"Right now we have a huge demand for this area," said John Doran, president of Doran Homes Inc. and partner with his father Gerry. "There still is some development in the city, but the majority is outside the city ... strictly because there is more land available."|ret||ret||tab|

According to Kim Keltner of Keltner Enterprises, the success of Emerald Park did play a role in their decision to build nearby. |ret||ret||tab|

"It is a hot area," he said. "We're really excited about it."|ret||ret||tab|

However, Emerald Park is just one of several south-side subdivision successes as Springfield's zoning administrator Andy Furedy is quick to point out.|ret||ret||tab|

"The stuff going to the south has been occurring for many years," said Furedy. "It's really nothing new."|ret||ret||tab|

Doran has taken notice of this trend as well.|ret||ret||tab|

"The majority of development is in the southeast and southwest," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Building again in this area was an easy matter for Doran Homes. Emerald Park has quickly become the third-largest subdivision in Springfield with 357 lots and 23 lots were once sold in one day. |ret||ret||tab|

Doran said this new subdivision is yet to be named, but should be completed by March of next year. Its 50 lots will go on sale in a couple of weeks, but he said they already have a waiting list in excess of 50 people.|ret||ret||tab|

"We've had that many people express the desire to buy," Doran said. "It's interesting for the most part people know the region where they want to be."|ret||ret||tab|

Doran thinks that schools, churches and work play a big part in that, but considers another aspect a great incentive as well.|ret||ret||tab|

"We've had several people that moved out here (Emerald Park) strictly because of their neighbors," he said. "People will say: Well, we've got so many friends that live out there, that's just where we want to be.' It becomes a major factor."|ret||ret||tab|

Ask Keltner why the south is so popular and he'll offer two main reasons: its proximity and easy access to Battlefield Mall and the city's hospitals. He also has a waiting list for his subdivision, called Sunset Estates.|ret||ret||tab|

Keltner, who partners with his father Ken, said the 25 acre Sunset Estates has been in the plans for a while. It is divided into 49 lots that are expected to go on sale this fall. The houses will be very comparable in price to Emerald Park, added Keltner.|ret||ret||tab|

The third subdivision, called Kings Mill by MGM Properties Inc. has already put buyers names on four of its 57 lots. MGM co-owner Terry McKee said the lots are listed vary in price. The streets and curbs are expected to be laid in about two months. MGM is headed by brothers Terry and Keith McKee and partner Rex Maples.|ret||ret||tab|

All three developers will sell the lots as is. [[In-content Ad]]