Rodrock Development

Grayson Place single-family homes start in the upper $200,000s and include all-on-one-floor ranch, California split-level and two-story homes featuring open first-floor layouts, luxurious finishes, sophisticated layouts and energy efficiencies.

Square footages range from sixteen hundred to twenty-five hundred square feet and include three and four bedrooms, 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 baths and three-car garages. Available home sites include walkout, daylight and cul-de-sac site options, some backing to mature trees or a future City of Olathe park.

The Ranch Villas of Grayson Place and The Villas of Grayson Place offer maintenance provided living, with attached two-car garages. Home site prices range from the mid- to upper-$40,000s.

For Grayson Place homeowners Jennifer and Greg Padakis, moving to their new home also meant moving to a new city. The couple took nearly a year to make a purchase decision, reluctantly living apart during that time.

“I toured every new-home community near work, and over time I started seeing a big difference between communities,” says Jennifer. “In many that I went back to later, I started noticing that there were no [real estate] agents, offices weren’t open and there was no new construction going on, while of the Rodrock Development communities I visited were still doing good. That really impacted our decision about what development we wanted to be in.”  

She adds that the family loves their new home, and builder. “After looking at almost every new home development, we decided this one offered the most for the money.” She adds that her family “transitioned way better than I ever imagined. The neighborhood is just great.”

For Abby and Keith Ceule, the goal was to find a larger home without leaving familiar Olathe surroundings. “We looked at a lot of houses, but when we saw this one it blew us away,” says Keith. “We like the open first floor layout, which also gives us a dedicated room for the computer.” The Ceule’s also appreciate their new neighborhood. “We have good highway access and good schools,” says Keith. “The elementary, middle and high schools are all new.”

For Yvonne and Steve Bennett, the move to Grayson Place took them off plan. “We had been thinking about purchasing and renovating an older home, and after about six months of looking, happened onto a listing for a brand new home in Olathe,” says Yvonne. “The location was perfect, placing us equidistance from both sets of grandchildren, so we decided to look. The minute we walked in the front door we both said: ‘this is the one.’ It had everything we had hoped for, and within our price range. It is a dream come true for us.”

The move to Grayson Place was also a bit of a homecoming for the couple; they had lived in a Rodrock Development community years ago. “Seeing that our dream house was also in a Rodrock Development community made our new home even greater,” says Yvonne.

More changes are on the not-too-distant horizon for Grayson Place. Initially, Rodrock purchased fifty-seven home sites in the community, formerly known as Prairie Haven. “I liked the gently rolling prairie terrain, and the fact that the community backed to a future City of Olathe park,” says Rodrock. “There are no through streets or busy intersections to mar the tranquil setting.”

Early home sales and early buyer enthusiasm spurred Rodrock to purchase all of the remaining single family and maintenance provided homesites, and to assume all management responsibilities for the newly named Grayson Place community effective March 1.

“We have retained Curry Management Company to manage the property, including all common area grounds, the two pools, lake, clubhouse and playground amenities, and to oversee community activities, including soon-to-be-introduced Moms Council events,” says Tom Langhofer, general manager of Rodrock Development. “They do a very good job for us, and they have for more than twenty years.”

The Rodrock Development Moms Council is a unique concept Rodrock created decades ago to help new neighbors get to know each other, and have fun. According to Langhofer, it’s an idea that has worked everywhere the company has introduced it. Depending on the community, activities may include Spring Egg Hunts, Holiday Horse-Drawn Hayrides with Caroling, Pool Opening Day parties and more.

Planned community improvements include a new entrance monument and extensive landscaping upgrades. A walking trail is also being added around the community lake and along a portion of 119th Street.

Olathe School District’s Forest View Elementary School, Mission Trail Middle School and Olathe Northwest High School are all nearby. Convenient highway access (only minutes to K-7 via 119th Street) allows for efficient commutes.

Well-known in Johnson County real estate circles, Rodrock built his new-home community development company “based on the idea of creating neighborhoods of lasting value,” he says. According to Rodrock, for more 35 years, the locally owned development company has delivered on its “building better communities” promise, the company’s motto, and now has more than 60 new-home communities in its portfolio.

“More than 25,000 people come home to a Rodrock Development community in Johnson County everyday,” says Langhofer. “It’s a commendable track record.”

Grayson Place is exclusively marketed by Prudential Kansas City Realty. For more information, visit the developer’s web site at www.rodrock.com or contact community managers Mike Slaven or Anita Hadel at 913.254.7144. To get to Grayson Place take K-7 south to 119th Street, 119th Street east to Valley Road, south to 121st Terrace, west on 121st Terrace.

(photoThe Lancaster)

Grayson Place single-family floor plans include ranch, California split and two-story plans from the upper $200,000s. The Lancaster features a soaring two-story entry, four upstairs bedrooms, second floor laundry, large kitchen with walk-through storage pantry leading to a  “flex” room.

(photo/Padakis family)

Locally owned Rodrock Development recently purchased all remaining homesites in Grayson Place. The Olathe community features single-family and maintenance provided ranch villas and villa homes. The Padakis family, Greg, Jennifer, Becca and Alec, chose a four-bedroom, two-story single-family home in Grayson Place when they recently relocated to the metro area. “We love our house and the neighborhood is just great,” says Jennifer.

(photo-Hawthorn III Expanded)

Tour This Home Today. New Model Home Also Opening Soon

Forest View’s Hawthorn II Expanded is the first of two new model homes. It features two pantries, four upstairs bedrooms and a second floor laundry. A new five-bedroom version, the Hawthorn III is under construction now. The Rodrock Development woodland-view community in Olathe features homes from the $200,000s to the $500,000s, and is also open to outside builders.

Homebuyers’ options in Forest View include:

• move-in-ready homes;

• homes nearing completion, yet awaiting paint, stain and other finish decisions.

• build your dream home: select a home site, and one of Forest View’s builders and floor plans

• bring your own plan and/or builder. Forest View is also now open to outside builders, with developer approval.  

Ideal Homesites for Today’s Homes

Forest View is comprised of mature woodlands situated atop natural rock bluffs, the ideal setting for modern new-home building, and custom build jobs. Interspersed throughout the community, 160 acres of woodland green space has been aside as a natural home for area birds and wildlife. These natural resources enable Forest View to offer desirable daylight, walkout and cul-de-sac home sites backing to mature trees, or overlooking valley vistas—sites that are ideal for a wide range of architectural applications.

Homes in Forest View include ranch, two-story, and reverse story-and-a-half plans featuring four to five bedrooms, gourmet kitchens, large master suites with spa-like extras, extensive finish details, 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 baths and three-car garages. A number of plans include two first-floor bedrooms, a large master suite as well as a guest bedroom suite.

Moms Council Goal: Strengthen Neighborhood Connections

Community amenities include the Rodrock Development Moms Council, a concept created by Rodrock decades ago to help new neighborhoods get off to a great start. Community volunteers help plan year round events, from holiday hayrides and Easter Egg Hunts to Memorial weekend pool opening parties or July 4th Bike-a-Thons. “Whatever the activity, the goal is always the same,” says Rodrock, “to give new homeowners opportunities to get to know each other, and have fun.”

According to Tom Langhofer, general manager of Rodrock Development, it’s an idea that works everywhere it’s introduced. “Moms Council activities help neighbors get acquainted, and build a sense of belonging and connectedness,” says Langhofer. “This can be particularly important to corporate relocation clients new to the area.”

Proven Developer, Fiscally Sound

Well-known in Johnson County real estate circles, Rodrock Development now numbers more than sixty new home communities in its extensive development portfolio. According to Langhofer, the company’s slogan, “Building Better Communities,” is a long-standing guiding philosophy.

“More than twenty thousand people in Johnson County come home to a Rodrock Development community every day,” says Langhofer. “It’s a commendable track record, due in large part to Rodrock’s steadfast in his commitment to building communities of lasting value,” says Langhofer. “He rewards homebuyers who invest in his communities early on by committing to the installation of recreational and aesthetic amenities during a community’s earliest development stages, a major departure from industry norms.”

Forest View is a case in point.

Woodland Views, Recreational Park, and More.

Waterfall entrance to Rodrock Development’s Forest View community in Olathe, The three-tiered, 50-foot waterfall cascades over natural rock bluffs. Home sites, ideal for custom-built homes, make the most of the mature woodland vistas.

Distinctive Waterfall Entrance, and 5+ Acres Dedicated to Fun!

Just past the community’s commanding entrance—a three-tiered, 50-foot waterfall cascading over natural rock bluffs—there is a five-plus acre outdoor lovers’ haven.

Amenities include:

• pool and changing cabana

• water play area with fountains

• pergola-covered gas grill and picnic areas

• sand volleyball courts

• well-equipped playground

• walking paths with benches

Surrounded by Future Parkland

Forest View is also surrounded by Johnson County parkland slated for a future large-scale park similar to Lenexa’s Shawnee Mission Park. (Visit www.jcprd.com to view a conceptual rendering of the proposed Cedar-Niles Park.) Forest View is also adjacent to the Ernie Miller Nature Center, the first nature center in Johnson County.

Award-Winning Olathe USD 333 Schools

Forest View is served by award winning Olathe USD 333 School District. The new Forest View Elementary School, located right in the community, earned the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Schools silver certification in Kansas for energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and resources stewardship.

According to the certifying body’s web site, LEED for Schools certification indicates a high-performance school that is healthy for students, comfortable for teachers, and cost-effective. Acoustical walls and openings are designed to reduce sounds disruptive to student learning environments, and prevent mold. Strategic positioning within the neighborhood and proximity to mature trees helps control obtrusive outside noises. 

New state of the art Olathe USD 333 District middle and high schools are also nearby.

Open 7 Days a Week

For more information, visit the Forest View home page on our web site, or contact community managers Paul Knickrehm or Barbara Teaney at (913) 254-1000. Welcome Center hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m. Forest View is exclusively marketed by Prudential Kansas City Real Estate.

Directions:

To get to Forest View take K-7 south to 119th Street exist, west on 119th Street to Clare Road entrance.

Merging Modern Conveniences with Wide Open Spaces

“The Lake at Southwick uniquely merges modern conveniences with time-gone-by lifestyle and recreational amenities,” says Darol Rodrock, founder and owner of Rodrock Development. “Homebuyers seeking wide open spaces, refined amenities and small-town friendliness, will find it here.” The planned, new-home residential community in Stilwell, Kansas, is comprised of 34 rural living home sites, each ranging from approximately two to six acres, and zoned to accommodate one or two horses. Homes in The Lake of Southwick, which also features a natural 14 acre fishing lake, is located just north of 199^th Street and east of Mission Road. Homes prices range from the upper $400,000s to $1,000,000.

According to Rodrock, the new custom-build community at 199^th and Mission Road, just within Johnson County’s southernmost border, is the culmination of a decades-long dream.

“For more than forty years I’ve enjoyed living in rural southern Johnson County, raising horses and fishing my own lake,” says Rodrock. “As a new-home community developer, I long hoped that, one-day, I would have the opportunity to offer home buyers a similarly unique, yet affordable, rural lifestyle community option,” says Rodrock. “I am truly excited to finally be able to say, ‘this is it!’”

2- to 6-acre home sites, including lake frontage sites

Available home sites include two-plus acre lake frontage sites, and larger sites of up to six acres. The community is open to outside builders, with plan approval, or homebuyers can choose from Rodrock Development’s extensive portfolio of proven floor plans and builders. Five home sites are already sold, and are owner occupied.

Desirable amenities

Community amenities include paved roadways throughout, nearby highway proximity offering easy access to all points in the Kansas City metro, including nearby shopping and dining, and award-winning Blue Valley School District elementary, middle and high schools.

Plans for significant common area landscaping upgrades are already underway, including the planting of two hundred four-inch caliper trees throughout the community. A new fountain will soon be added to the 14-acre fishing lake, as well as walking trails and benches.

Successful Developer Track Record

According to Tom Langhofer, general manager of Rodrock Development, the company’s purchase of the once financially distressed property is a reminder of the importance of checking out a community developer’s financial strength before investing in a property.

“For most of us, purchasing a home is the most significant financial decision we’ll ever make. Darol Rodrock brings a successful thirty-five year track record of value-added residential community development to the table, and an absolute commitment to building communities of lasting value,” says Langhofer. “Rodrock Development’s financial strength and stability is a comfort to homebuyers who are concerned about the long-term viability of their investment.”

A well-known name in Johnson County real estate circles, Rodrock Development has created more than sixty successful new-home neighborhoods throughout the county. “More than twenty five thousand people in Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee and Olathe come home to a Rodrock Development community every day,” says Langhofer. “It’s a commendable achievement.

“Throughout the years Darol has built a stellar reputation as a Johnson County new-home community developer by consistently delivering on his promises,” says Langhofer. “The Lake at Southwick is no exception. He has the drive and the fiscal strength to see it through,” says Langhofer.

Award-Winning Blue Valley Schools

The Lake at Southwick community is served by the Blue Valley School District, which consistently ranks as one of the highest performing in the nation. Elementary, middle and high schools are all nearby. Stilwell Elementary School, ranked consistently in the top five percent of elementary schools in the State of Kansas, is minutes away. The brand new Aubry Bend Middle School opened in August 2011. Blue Valley Southwest Senior High School opened just two years ago.

“For homebuyers who have always wanted a little elbow room and their own ‘place in the country,’ The Lake at Southwick offers a unique opportunity,” says Rodrock. “In our view, The Lake at Southwick is a modern-day country living gem.”

The Lake at Southwick community is exclusively marketed by Prudential Kansas City Real Estate. For more information about the community’s rural lifestyle amenities and available home sites, builders and floor plans, contact community managers Lynne Matile or Sherri Hines at 913-378-2500, or visit the developer’s website at www.rodrock.com.

Both Matile and Hines are experienced full-time real estate professionals especially well versed in the new-home buying and building process. Matile is also a life-long horse lover, 4H’er and former county extension agent, and has lived in rural southern Johnson County for fifteen years.

Paved Access

To get to The Lake at Southwick take Highway 69 to 199^th Street, go east on 199^th Street to Canterbury Street, (just east of Mission Road), north on Canterbury Street into the community.

The entrance to The Lake at Southwick, Rodrock Development’s new rural living community at 199^th and Canterbury Street in southernmost Johnson County. The community’s 34 home sites range from two to six acres each, and are zoned to accommodate one to two horses. Home prices range from the upper $400,000s to $1,000,000.

Events Help Strengthen Neighborhoods

Every December, homeowners in Rodrock Development communities throughout Johnson County gather for some old-fashioned holiday fun. It’s a throwback to a gentler time, hayrides powered by huge Belgian draft horses traversing through luminary-lit streets, sleigh bells ringing, as residents of all ages gather to sing carols and savor hot cocoa. It’s a Rodrock Development tradition, a part of the year-round Moms Council events that for decades have set the company’s communities apart.

During warmer months, Moms Council events may include Easter Egg Hunts, Memorial weekend pool opening parties or July 4th Bike-a-Thons. Activities vary by community, and community volunteer preferences, but the goal is always the same: give new homeowners opportunities to get to know each other, and have fun.

“For most of us, buying a house is more than an investment, it’s creating a home,” says Darol Rodrock, company founder, “a gathering place for family, friends and associates. According to Rodrock that focus has been the driving force behind all Rodrock Development-created communities for more than thirty-five years.

Rodrock admits that his motivation is part professional, a lot personal. As a child he spent a number of years living in a Winfield, Kansas orphanage with no home to call his own. “When I look back on my life, I want to know that I did more than just buy and sell land. I’ve seen for myself that, in addition to providing a great new-home value for homeowners, we’re also helping new neighbors come together in positive ways. To me, it’s one of the most gratifying aspects of what we do.”

According to Tom Langhofer, Rodrock Development general manager, it’s an idea that’s worked everywhere the company has introduced it. “Moms Council activities help neighbors get acquainted, and build a sense of neighborhood belonging and connectedness. This can be particularly important to corporate relocation clients new to the area,” says Langhofer.

Proven Developer, 60+ new-home communities

Well-known in Johnson County real estate circles, Rodrock Development now numbers more than sixty new home communities in its extensive development portfolio. According to Langhofer, the company motto “Building Better Communities” has served as the impetus behind the development of new-home communities in Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe and Shawnee.

“Darol holds steadfast in his commitment to building communities of lasting value,” says Langhofer. “In addition to the Moms Council events, he rewards homebuyers who invest in his new communities early on by committing to the installation of recreational and aesthetic amenities during a community’s earliest development stages, a major departure from industry norms.”

According to Langhofer it’s standard Rodrock Development business practice to commit to extensive common-area landscaping, stone entrance monuments, wrought-iron perimeter fencing, swimming pools and playgrounds and more in an effort to make each Rodrock Development community “the best they can be from day one, rather than waiting until final development stages.”

New Floor Plans Going Up in Every Community

Today, Rodrock Development offers new-home communities with homes from the low $200,000s to the $500,000s plus. “We’re proud of the fact that in today’s market, especially, every one of our communities has builders adding exciting new two-story, ranch, reverse story and a half and atrium split level plans that homebuyers are really resonating with,” says Langhofer.

Communities That Invite Comparison

Another standard company business practice is to encourage homebuyers to compare all options before making what may be the biggest investment decision they’ll every make. “In addition to evaluating a community’s amenities or a home’s unique features, we also recommend that homebuyers also assess the developer’s financial soundness before making any home-buying leap,” says Langhofer.

“Now, more than ever, it makes sense to take a good, long look at the developer behind the community,” says Langhofer. “Homebuyers deserve to know that the community they’re considering has the financial strength and stability behind it to ensure its long-term success. That ‘great deal’ on the home of your dreams could turn into a major heartache if the community developer isn’t fiscally sound.

“We can point to Rodrock Development communities that are aging gracefully throughout Johnson County as great examples,” says Langhofer. “In every price range, Rodrock Development communities offer a well-rounded amenities package, proximity to highways, schools, shopping and office parks, and developer longevity and stability,” says Langhofer.

For more information on Rodrock Development communities, including directions, school districts, builder profiles, floor plans, available homes, community and area amenities, community manager phone numbers and more, visit the developer’s web site at www.rodrock.com.

Open 7 Days a Week

Exclusively marketed by Prudential Kansas City Realty, all Rodrock Development community Welcome Centers are staffed by full time Prudential Kansas City real estate professionals. Tour hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Moms Council Events Help New Neighborhoods Thrive

Rodrock Development Moms Council events, such has the annual December holiday hayride complete with Belgian Draft horses, caroling and cocoa, is one of several that occur year-round. Homes in Rodrock Development communities range from the $200,000s to the $500,000s and up. For more information visit the developer’s web site at www.rodrock.com.

Unique New-Home Value

For more than thirty-five years, locally owned Rodrock Development has remained committed to creating Johnson County neighborhoods of lasting value. Features such as unique Rodrock Development Moms Council events, distinctive entrance monuments and extensive recreational amenities are Rodrock Development hallmarks. 

Unique New-Home Value

For more than thirty-five years, locally owned Rodrock Development has remained committed to creating Johnson County neighborhoods of lasting value. Features such as unique Rodrock Development Moms Council events, distinctive entrance monuments and extensive recreational amenities are Rodrock Development hallmarks.

New Builders, Floor Plans Announced

Brand new floor plans unveiled in Cedar Ridge Park are appealing to homebuyers. The Rodrock Development community at 165th and Ridgeview Road in southern Olathe features two-story and reverse-story-and-a-half floor plans with three to five bedroom, 2-1/2 to four baths and two- or three-car garages.

Home prices range from the mid $200,000s to low $300,000s plus. In addition to offering new floor plans by area builders Hilmann Homes and Chris George Homes, Cedar Ridge Park also recently opened to outside builders, promising a streamlined developer approval process.

Of the four new homes recently built by Hilmann Homes, two are already sold. Replacement homes are already under construction. In addition, a custom build job, based on one of Cedar Ridge Park’s new Hilmann Homes plans, is also underway.

“Hilmann Home Building is a name long recognized in the metro area for delivering upper-tier detailing, unique standout touches and a penchant for maximizing every square inch of interior space,” says Rodrock. By every standard of measurement, homes of this caliber are uncommon in this price range.”

Rodrock also reports that popular area builder Chris George Homes is adding two new two-story plans to Cedar Ridge Park’s floor plan portfolio. “We’re happy to welcome Chris George Homes to Cedar Ridge Park,” says Rodrock. “Chris George Homes is a family owned and operated building company, and has been continuously managed since 1976 by three generations. Their homes are part of successful Rodrock Development communities throughout Johnson County, and the new plans they’re bringing are an exciting addition to Cedar Ridge Park,” says Rodrock.

The two new Chris George Homes two-story great room plans coming to Cedar Ridge Park feature four bedrooms, 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 baths and three-car garages. Kitchens feature center islands, lots of cabinets and walk-in pantries. First floor layouts are open and expansive. Prices start in the mid $200,000s.

Home Trade Options Available

Home trade options, available only on select inventory, are being considered as a possible way to support buyers who need to sell a home before moving. Contact community managers for details.

Close to Shopping, Golfing, Schools and More

“Buyers are choosing Cedar Ridge Park because this fast-growing Johnson County neighborhood is close to shopping, services, highway access and golf courses. Buyers also appreciate the advantages that the Spring Hill School District offers,” says Rodrock.

Community amenities include:

• infinity pool with a water park

• changing cabana

• wrought-iron perimeter fencing

• extensive common area landscaping

• pergola-covered gas grills and picnic tables

• well-equipped playground

• year-round Rodrock Development Moms Council events

• proximity top top-rated Spring Hill School District elementary, middle & high schools

Compare These Home Features!

Standard energy-saving features:

• low-E dual pane windows

• whole-house weather-barrier wrap

• R-38 attic insulation

• 9-foot foundation walls

• generous 2- and 3-car garage dimensions

• nine- and ten-foot interior ceiling heights

• vaulted bedroom ceilings wherever possible in two-story plans

• random plank wood flooring on the first floor

• upgraded window, ceiling, base and stairwell trims throughout

Kitchens features:

• stainless steel appliances

• walk-in pantries

• builders’ signature oversized granite-topped kitchen islands that include stainless steel sink plus extra seating

• custom-built birch or rustic hickory cabinets in a variety of styles

• some upper cabinets feature glass inserts

• kitchen backsplashes feature distinctive ceramic tile treatments

Bathroom features:

• Tall sink vanities

• Euro-style master showers

• Floor-to-ceiling ceramic shower tile with glass-tile detail

• Master suite bedroom ceilings coffered with cove lighting

• Master baths include abundance of custom wood cabinetry

• Master bath corner soaking tub

• Master bath tile flooring

• Master bath walk-in closets with built-ins

• Laundry rooms include an extra deep utility sink

• Dryer vent niche recessed into the wall for a smoother appliance profile

Spring Hill School District Advantages

Proximity to area schools includes Prairie Creek Elementary School, only blocks away. A District middle school and a new high school are minutes away.

On October 11, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced the results of it 2011 statewide assessments; Spring Hill District schools earned 26 Standards of Excellence awards. The District’s Board of Education passed the district’s 2010-11 budget last fall featuring a 1.129 mill levy decrease—the lowest level since the 2003–2004 program—while also ensuring that students and staff have the resources needed for success. In addition, The Spring Hill School District announced its 2010 ACT results hit a seven-year high, which is above state and national averages.

A 20-acre site adjacent to south of the Cedar Ridge Park community is potentially slated for a future parochial church and school.

Proven Developer

Community amenities also include the Rodrock Development Moms Council, a unique concept created by company founder Darol Rodrock decades ago to help new neighborhoods get off to a great start. Community volunteers plan annual year-round events—from Easter Egg Hunts to Holiday Horse-Drawn Hayrides—that provide ways for newcomers get to know each other, and have fun.

“Home buyers have the security of knowing that our developer brings a successful thirty-five year track record of value-added residential community development to the table,” says Langhofer. “More than twenty thousand people come home to a Rodrock Development community every day. “It’s a commendable track record,” says Langhofer.

Open to Outside Builders

Langhofer also encourages homebuyers looking to build to consider Cedar Ridge Park before making a final decision. “Bring your plan, bring your builder, and let’s talk,” says Langhofer. He adds that home site availability is excellent, giving buyers daylight, walkout and cul-de-sac site options.

Open 7 Days a Week

Cedar Ridge Park is marketed exclusively by Prudential Kansas City Real Estate. For more information, full-time community managers and real estate professionals Ann Carty or Brandilyn Thompson at 913.829.5813, or visit the developer web site at www.rodrock.com. The Cedar Ridge Park Welcome Center is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Directions:

To get there: Take I-35 to the 151st Street exit, east on 151st Street to Ridgeview Road, south on Ridgeview Road to the second community entrance at 165th Street.

(photo caption/The Fenwick II exterior)

New Builders, Floor Plans Worth the Trip!

Cedar Ridge Park, the Rodrock Development community at 165th and Ridgeview Road in southern Olathe, recently introduced brand new floor plans. The community is also open to homebuyers looking to bring their own builder or floor plan. Home prices range from the mid $200,000s to low $300,000s.

(photo caption/The Middleton II/interior kitchen)

Community Amenities and Unique Homes = Complete New-Home Package

Rodrock Development’s Cedar Ridge Park recreational amenities include infinity pool with water play area, changing cabana, pergola-covered gas grills, picnic tables and a playground. Homes in Cedar Ridge Park are priced from the mid $200,000s to low $300,000s. Shown: The Middleton II features random plank hickory hardwood floors.

New Builders, Floor Plans Proving Popular

Grey Oaks, the Rodrock Development community in west Shawnee at Monticello Road and Clear Creek Parkway, has welcomed three new builders and their homebuyers since opening to outside builders last spring. In addition, more new homes are under construction, replacing those unveiled for the Spring Parade of Homes Tour that already sold.

Homes in Grey Oaks range from the low $300,000s, to the $500,000s and up. Depending on the floor plan, features may include four to five bedrooms, three to 5-1/2 baths, outdoor living areas and three- and four-car garages.

“Area custom home builders with excellent credentials are continuing to bring new floor plans to Grey Oaks,” says Darol Rodrock, company founder. “I’ve worked with many of them over the thirty five years our company has been in business and each bring integrity and design excellence to everything they do,” says Rodrock.

Three builders currently have projects underway in Grey Oaks: James III Homes, Hilmann Home Building and Prieb Homes, Inc. Ongoing custom build projects include homes by James Engle Custom Homes, Mark Lovsky Homes and J. S. Robinson Fine Homes. Grey Oaks also encourages homebuyers who already have a floor plan or a builder in mind to consider all that Grey Oaks offers. “Outside builders are welcome, with developer approval,” says Rodrock.

James III Homes’ new Aspen I-Five is a two-story, five-bedroom, 4-1/2 bath, 3-car garage plan on a walkout home site. It features an outdoor “lanai” or living area, a stone great room fireplace, granite kitchen counters, a second floor laundry and a soaring two-story entry. A fifth bedroom with full bath and walk-in closet is situated just off the kitchen.

Builder James III Homes was recognized for design excellence during the Kansas City Home Builders Association Spring 2011 Pick of the Parade Homes Tour. The company’s Aspen III Five floor plan was named an American Dream Grand Award winner.

Last year, the same builders’ plan, The Hawthorne, was also named a Pick of the Parade Grand Award winner. The story-and-a-half home features a first-floor master suite with laundry, three upstairs bedrooms, a total of 4-1/2 baths plus an upper-level loft that can serve as a home office, study or playroom.

The Hawthorne’s open first floor layout features a great room with a fireplace with an old-world-style mantle flanked on both sides by custom cabinetry, a formal dining room and a breakfast room with access to the covered outdoor patio. The large kitchen includes an oversized center island offering extra seating and storage, extensive custom cabinetry, granite counters and a large walk-in pantry with built-in shelving.

Prieb Homes currently has two new homes under construction in Grey Oaks. The Davidson, a two-story four-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home features a welcoming front porch stretching across the Craftsman lodge-style front elevation. The master suite features two separate master closets, a custom walk-in shower and a second floor laundry. Also included are granite counters in the kitchen, a covered patio, upgraded carpet, iron spindles and more.

New Home Sites

A new phase of home sites recently opened in Grey Oaks, many backing to treed city park vistas. Other new sites are adjacent to the newer Prairie Ridge Elementary School, which is located right in the Grey Oaks community. The new home sites are also near the Grey Oaks community pool, park and play area, a first of its kind in the metro area. Included are a zero-entry infinity pool with fountains, a changing cabana, pergola-covered gas grill and picnic areas, sand volleyball court, age-appropriate playgrounds and walking trails linking to the city park.

DeSoto School District schools, in or adjacent to Grey Oaks

Totaling more than 400 homes, Grey Oaks is virtually surrounded by DeSoto School District schools accommodating students in grades K through 12. Prairie Ridge Elementary School is situated within Grey Oaks. Mill Valley High School and Monticello Trails Middle schools are situated on land adjacent to the community. A parochial school is also nearby.

Easy Highway Access

With the completion of recent road construction projects, Grey Oaks homeowners now have direct access to Highway 7 and related shopping located just west of the community. The newly completed Silverheel Road provides a connecting link between Grey Oaks south to Shawnee Mission Parkway.

Unique Amenities

Community amenities include the Rodrock Development Moms Council, a concept created by company founder Darol Rodrock to help new neighborhoods get off to a great start. “It’s an idea that still works,” says Rodrock. “Community volunteers plan annual events—like the Easter Egg Hunt and Holiday Horse-Drawn Hayride events, for example—to help newcomers get to know each other and have fun.”

Proven Developer

Locally owned Rodrock Development has a thirty-five year track record for successful Johnson County residential community development. “For many, purchasing a home is the biggest financial decision they’ll ever make,” says Rodrock. “Our company’s financial strength is a comfort to homebuyers concerned about the long-term viability of their investment.

“Buyers who have their hearts set on extra touches to make their new home especially nice owe it to themselves to visit Grey Oaks before deciding on an area, community, floor plan and builder,” says Rodrock. To check out available homes and home sites before touring, visit the developer’s website at rodrock.com. Or, contact Grey Oaks community managers Bob Sloan or Sherri Hines at 913.441.4111. 

Open 7 Days a Week

Grey Oaks is marketed exclusively by Prudential Kansas City Real Estate. For more information contact community managers Bob Sloan or Sherri Hines at 913-441-4111. The Grey Oaks Community Welcome Center is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5.

Directions

To get there, take I-435 west to Shawnee Mission Parkway, west on Shawnee Mission Parkway to Monticello Road, north on Monticello Road to the main entrance at Clear Creek Parkway.

(front elevation/The Davidson

New Floor Plans, Builders

Grey Oaks, the Rodrock Development community in west Shawnee, features homes from the low $300,000s to the $500,000s and up, and is now open to outside builders. Depending on the plan, features include four to five bedrooms, 3 to 5-1/2 baths, 3- to 4-car garages.

(interior/The Davidson)

Homesites Backing to City Park Views

Interior view, The Davidson. Grey Oaks in west Shawnee. The Rodrock Development community opened to outside builders, and opened a new selection of home sites, many backing to city park views. Expect fine finish details, custom cabinetry, extensive moldings and other upgrades already included

(Swimming pool photo)

Schools and Recreational Amenities

Grey Oaks community amenities include infinity swimming pool with water play area, changing cabana, pergola-covered gas grills and picnic tables, sand volleyball court, age appropriate playgrounds, elementary school right in the community, middle and high schools adjacent.

Choosing your next neighborhood is more than an investment…it’s choosing where to create your home and your memories.

Since 1977, Kansas City home building legend Darol Rodrock has created more than 60 new home communities in Johnson County that welcome home more than 25,000 people every day.

For over four decades, Darol Rodrock, the owner of Rodrock Development, has been a man on a mission. He firly believes his job is to build more than new subdivisions. In each new home community, he strives to build real communities, ones where families & neighbors can enjoy time together & create lasting memories.

As a child, Rodrock spent time living in orphanages & numerous foster homes, experiences which had a profound & lasting impact on him.

What I try to give people is a sense of permanence,” said Rodrock. “I want to create a small-town-like neighborhood atmosphere that gives newcomers opportunities to get to know each other right away.”

In mid-August, Darol Rodrock announced an exclusive partnership with Prudential Kansas City Realty.

Rodrock Development has more than lived up to its motto of Building Better Communities. Rodrock Development has found ways to add value from its signature community look: stone monuments, fountains & wrought iron fences to its well-rounded amenities packages to its Mom’s Council which plans neighborhood events.

Today, Rodrock advises buyers to choose wisely when selecting a new neighborhood. That “great deal” on the home of your dreams may turn out to be a “great heartache” if you don’t do your research about the community, the developer & the builders.

“Look for a builder that’s as passionate about building your home as you are about living in it,” shares Rodrock. “We’ve worked with many of our builders for decades & know them. They’ve proven their ability to innovate new home design & construction & to conduct business with integrity.”

Currently, Rodrock Development has four new home communities in Johnson County, including: Cedar Ridge Park, Forest View, The Estates of Prairie Haven, Grey Oaks.

Welcome Centers as well as furnished model homes are open 7 days a week, from 10 am – 5 pm Monday-Saturday & Sunday 12 – 5 pm.

There are full-time, on site real estate professionals available to help ease the new home buying & selling process. For more information about these fine Rodrock Development communities, please logon to Rodrock.com or PruKC.com.

“We’re excited to announce that area custom home builders with excellent credentials are bringing new floor plans to Grey Oaks,” says Darol Rodrock, company founder. “I’ve worked with many of these guys over the thirty five years we’ve been in business and each of them bring integrity and design excellence to everything they do.” Five builders have projects underway in Grey Oaks, including James III Homes, James Engle Custom Homes, Mark Lovsky Homes, J. S. Robinson Fine Homes and Prieb Homes.

Rodrock also encourages homebuyers who already have a floor plan or a builder in mind to check out the home sites and amenities that Grey Oaks offers today’s homebuyer. “We also welcome outside builders, with developer approval,” says Rodrock.

A new phase of home sites recently opened in Madison Pointe of Grey Oaks. Many back to treed Shawnee City Park vistas, or are adjacent to the newer Prairie Ridge Elementary School, located right in the community. The new home sites are also close to the Grey Oaks community pool, park and play area, which was a first of its kind recreational amenity for the Kansas City metro area. Features include a zero-entry infinity pool with fountains, changing cabana, pergola-covered gas grill and picnic areas, sand volleyball court, age-appropriate playgrounds and walking trails linking to the city park.

Another reason to visit: James III Homes, model builder for Madison Ridge of Grey Oaks, was recently recognized for design excellence during last month’s Kansas City Home Builders Association Spring Pick of the Parade Homes Tour. The builder’s Aspen III Five was named an American Dream Grand Award winner.

The two-story, five-bedroom plan features an open first-floor great room with fireplace. Four bedrooms, including a large master suite, are upstairs. A fifth bedroom with a full bath is situated on the first floor just off the kitchen, and can double as a den or home office. A roof-covered outdoor lanai, which according to the builder “extends outdoor activity possibilities to three seasons, maybe even four,” features a floor to ceiling stone fireplace and ceiling fan.

This isn’t the first award for James III Homes. Last year, the builders’ plan, The Hawthorne, was also named a Pick of the Parade Grand Award winner. The story-and-a-half home features a first-floor master suite with laundry, three upstairs bedrooms, a total of 4-1/2 baths plus an upper-level loft that can serve as a home office, study or playroom.

The Hawthorne’s open first floor layout features a great room with a fireplace with an old-world-style mantle flanked on both sides by custom cabinetry, a formal dining room and a breakfast room with access to the covered outdoor patio. The large kitchen includes an oversized center island offering extra seating and storage, extensive custom cabinetry, granite counters and a large walk-in pantry with built-in shelving.

Prieb Homes currently has two new homes under construction in Grey Oaks. The Davidson, a two-story four-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home features a welcoming front porch stretching across the the Craftsman lodge-style front elevation. The master suite features two separate master closets, a custom walk-in shower and a second floor laundry.

In total, the three Grey Oaks communities are comprised of more than 400 homes. Grey Oaks is virtually surrounded by schools accommodating students in grades K through 12. Prairie Ridge Elementary School is situated within Grey Oaks. Mill Valley High School and Monticello Trails Middle schools are situated on land adjacent to the community. A parochial school is also nearby.

With the completion of recent road construction projects, Grey Oaks homeowners now have direct access to Highway 7 and related shopping located just west of the community. The newly completed Silverheel Road provides a connecting link between Grey Oaks south to Shawnee Mission Parkway.

Community amenities include the Rodrock Development Moms Council, a concept created by company founder Darol Rodrock to help new neighborhoods get off to a great start. “It’s an idea that still works,” says Rodrock. “Community volunteers plan annual events—like the Easter Egg Hunt and Holiday Horse-Drawn Hayride events, for example—to help newcomers get to know each other and have fun.”

Locally owned Rodrock Development has a thirty-five year track record for successful Johnson County residential community development. “For many, purchasing a home is the biggest financial decision they’ll ever make,” says Rodrock. “Our company’s financial strength is a comfort to homebuyers concerned about the long-term viability of their investment.

“Buyers who have their hearts set on extra touches to make their new home especially nice owe it to themselves to visit Grey Oaks before deciding on an area, community, floor plan and builder,” says Rodrock. To check out available homes and home sites before touring, visit the developer’s website at rodrock.com. Or, contact Grey Oaks community managers Bob Sloan or Sherri Hines at 913.441.4111. 

The Grey Oaks Community Welcome Center is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;Sundays noon to 5. To get there, take I-435 west to Shawnee Mission Parkway, west on Shawnee Mission Parkway to Monticello Road, north on Monticello Road to the main entrance at Clear Creek Parkway.

Forest View, the woodland-view community situated high atop natural rock bluffs in Olathe, is giving homebuyers more to see this spring including new two-story and reverse-story-and-a-half floor plans. Located just west of K-7 and south of 119th Street on Clare Road, the Rodrock Development community is comprised of three communities, all now open to outside builders.

Homes in Forest View feature four to five bedrooms, large master suites, custom finishes throughout, and three-car garages. Home prices range from the $280,000s to the $400,000s and up. “With so much to offer, homebuyers owe it to themselves to compare Forest View before making a final new-home buying decision,” says Langhofer.

Many of the community’s daylight, walkout and cul-de-sac home sites back to mature trees, “making Forest View the ideal setting for custom build jobs,” says Langhofer. Homebuyers who are looking to build are encouraged to bring their own floor plan and builder, with developer approval, or choose from several plans already available. New homes ready for touring or currently going up in Forest View are by area builders James Engle Builders, Hilmann Homes, Rodrock Homes and Tabernacle Homes.

Forest View is served by Olathe USD 333 School District. The new Forest View Elementary School is located right in the community. New middle and high schools are nearby.

Forest View is aptly named. The focus here is on nature. One hundred and sixty acres of wooded green space have been set-aside as a nature preserve. The community is also surrounded by Johnson County parkland, which is slated for a future large-scale park similar to that of Lenexa’s Shawnee Mission Park. (Visit the Johnson County Park and Recreation District web site at www.jcprd.com to see a conceptual rendering of the proposed Cedar-Niles park.) Forest View is also adjacent to the Ernie Miller Nature Center, the first nature center in Johnson County. Forest View’s community entrance, a three-tiered, 50-foot waterfall cascading over natural rock bluffs, is quickly becoming an area landmark.

The Meadows of Forest View’s four fully appointed four-bedroom former model homes, by Rodrock Homes, are now for sale. Three back to treed vistas. “These former models feature virtually every upgrade, including extensive landscaping, a lawn sprinkling system, deck, designer décor and other extras,” says Langhofer. Available homes include open, expansive two-story and reverse story-and-a-half layouts, some featuring a master suite plus a second bedroom on the first floor.

In The Hills of Forest View, homes feature four to five bedrooms, formal dining rooms, large master suites and custom finish details. Jim Engle Builders’ new model home, The Hawthorne II, is underway. The open four-bedroom two-story plan features a laundry room adjacent to the master suite closet. The master suite also features vaulted-ceilings.

A second Engle home is also under construction in The Hills of Forest View. The Hawthorne III features five bedrooms, with one situated on the first floor suitable for use as an office or guest suite. Another custom build job, by Tabernacle Homes, is also underway. Floor plans for all three new homes are available for viewing in The Hills of Forest View Welcome Center.

In The Estates of Forest View, Hilmann Homes has introduced four new homes this spring, including two-story and reverse-story-and-a-half plans featuring custom fine-furniture-style cabinetry, extensive ceiling and base molding detail and other extras. More of the popular plans are under construction now.

Also going up in The Estates of Forest View are two custom build jobs by Jim Engle Builders. “Activity is brisk in Forest View, and we’re excited to see 2011 getting off to such a great start,” says Langhofer.

Forest View’s five-plus acre outdoor recreational amenity includes a pool and cabana, water play area with fountains, pergola-covered gas grill and picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds and walking paths. The acres of set aside green space, comprised of mature woods, are now a permanent home to area birds and wildlife.

The Rodrock Development Moms Council, a concept created by company founder, Darol Rodrock, to help new neighborhoods get off to a great start, is “a unique idea that works everywhere we’ve introduced it,” says Langhofer. He cites year-round events at Forest View, such as the upcoming Memorial Day weekend pool opening party, this month’s Easter Egg Hunt, and the community’s annual holiday horse-drawn hayride events, as examples of outings designed to encourage newcomers to get to know each other, and have fun,” says Langhofer.

Langhofer also cites developer longevity and fiscal stability as another Forest View advantage. “Home buyers have the security of knowing that our developer brings a successful thirty-five year track record of value-added residential community development to the table,” says Langhofer. The locally owned developer has more than sixty new-home communities located throughout Johnson County in its portfolio. “Today, more than twenty five thousand people come home to a Rodrock Development community every day,” says Langhofer. “It’s a commendable track record.”

For more information about Forest View, visit the developer’s web site at www.rodrock.com or stop by each community’s Welcome Center, open every day from noon to six. For The Meadows of Forest View, contact Barbara Teaney or Anita Hadel at (913) 254-1002; The Hills of Forest View, contact Glenda Hauck or Darlene Parks at (913) 254-1188; for The Estates of Forest View, contact Paul Knickrehm at (913) 254-1000. The full time, on-site real estate professionals are available to help ease the new-home buying and building process.

“Forest View is a great destination for a nature outing, and we welcome visitors,” says Langhofer. “Spring is an especially good time to visit, and particularly so this year.”

The casual no-obligation sessions cover current interest rates, income and down payment requirements, available loan programs, the how-to of writing contracts and working with a realtor, the mortgage loan application process and the new-home building and buying process.

“Now is a great time to open a dialogue with those who may be thinking about buying,” says Darol Rodrock, founder of Rodrock Development. Under his watchful eye his locally owned company Rodrock Development has created more than sixty successful new-home communities throughout Johnson County. “It’s a record that we believe reflects our company’s unwavering Building Better Communities promise. It’s our company motto.”

Rodrock cites current rising rental rates combined with record-low mortgage loan rates as key incentives for becoming a homeowner now. “Responsible home ownership is still within reach for many renters, and at the same time we also readily acknowledge that home ownership is not for everyone,” says Rodrock. “But, for those who are feeling confident about their future, timing a buy now might make more sense than ever.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring a list of questions, and to also consider taking advantage of the opportunity to meet with credit union mortgage loan personnel who’ll be on hand for no-obligation one-on-one consultations. “In fifteen minutes or less you can eliminates any guesswork about how much house you can comfortably afford,” says Rodrock.

The free introductory events are open to the public (whether serious about buying or not), and are being held at The Estates of Prairie Haven in Olathe, where Rodrock and builder James III Homes are introducing six brand new “next generation” floor plans. The Estates of Prairie Haven is a small fifty-seven home site community that makes the most of the area’s natural rolling prairie and wooded views. Walk-out, daylight and cul-de-sac home sites are available, many overlooking mature trees.

Six new plans are being built for the first time ever, and include all-on-one-floor ranch, California split-level and two-story homes priced in the mid-$200,000s. “What’s remarkable about them? A number of things,” says Rodrock. Rodrock cites the incorporation of energy efficient materials, precision-engineered floor joist systems, a long list of interior finish upgrades, and layouts that reflect today’s buyers’ preferences.

“These homes reflect the coming trend toward smaller footprint, yet sophisticated, homes ranging from 1600 to 2500 square feet that feature three to four bedrooms, three car garages, granite counters, pantries and stainless steel appliances in kitchens, upgraded tile and faucets in baths, high ceilings in great rooms and master suites, master suites with laundry, and detailed ceiling and base moldings throughout,” says Rodrock.

“Being ahead of the trend, these plans bode well for both livability now, and resale later,” says Rodrock. He adds that checking out the houses is not required to attend the sessions. “The focus of the Q&A sessions is to provide free, helpful information, and answer questions,” says Rodrock. “Informed home shoppers are tomorrow’s satisfied homeowners,” he says. In addition to offering home buying information, the sessions will also address the economic outlook for Johnson County, “which is stable, and bright,” says Rodrock.

Need more reasons to consider making the move to home ownership? In addition to locking in monthly housing expense, Rodrock says that, in particular, purchasing a new home can make even more fiscal sense. “The next-generation homes in The Estates of Prairie Haven are designed to be virtually maintenance free for years to come,” says Rodrock. “With price tags coming in at under $250,000, which translates to roughly $1,500 a month or less a month in payments, (based on typical conventional loan rates), home ownership today is certainly something to think about. And, it doesn’t cost a thing to look, or ask questions.”

Three sessions are being held next weekend, and reservations are requested. To sign up go to www.rodrock.com: Two sessions are being held Saturday, April 16, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.; there’s one sessions on Sunday, April 17, at 2:00 p.m. For more information, contact Mike Slaven or Kathleen Ellis, community managers for The Estates of Prairie Haven at (913) 254.7144.

To get there: Take K-7 Highway to 119th Street, go east on 119th Street to Valley Road. Head south on Valley Road to 121st Terrace. Turn right on 121st Terrace about ½ block to The Estates of Prairie Haven Welcome Center, the event location. Plan on about an hour, more if you’d like to tour the ten new homes under construction now.