SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufactured Housing Association awarded Saddlebrook Farms – of Hometown America Management Corporation – its 2018 Land Lease Community of the Year.
This recognition exemplifies the best of Illinois Manufactured Housing and land-leased communities for their site plans, community amenities, continuous improvement, and relations within and outside the property. The vote was determined by more than 1,000 members of IMHA.
“Saddlebrook Farms stands out in our Association as a vibrant community with active residents and responsive management. In addition, the community is beautifully planned out on 100-plus acres of lakefront property,” said Frank Bowman, executive director of IMHA.
This 55-plus community in Grayslake was built in 1989. Larry Waco, director of operations and community manager, has been involved with the property from nearly the beginning.
“This community has always been a tremendous value for homeowners,” Waco said in a news release. “Many of our residents came here to downsize from their former living space while maintaining many aspects of their lifestyle. … They’re achieving this here.”
With more than 1,700 ranch-style sites, Saddlebrook Farm residents enjoy an on-site library, lakeside recreation center, community gardens, wooded walking paths, and countless affinity clubs.
A new 4,400-square-foot fitness center was added in 2015, along with a lakeside picnic pavilion.
“We have a very active and relational community and many residents have extended family nearby. We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance everyone’s experience in the community,” Waco said.