Rodrock Development

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.

“Home buyers in the market for something new this spring are finding it in The Estates of Prairie Haven now,” says Darol Rodrock. The founder of locally owned Rodrock Development recently purchased fifty-seven home sites in the Olathe community, located just east of 7 Highway at 121st Terrace and Valley Road. Rodrock is also teaming with award-winning builder Skeet Jameson of James III Homes to “bring a unique luxury-infused offering to the mid-$200,000s new-home market,” says Rodrock.

“Prairie Haven’s land plan makes the most of the natural rolling prairie terrain. There are no through streets or busy intersections to mar the tranquil setting,” says Rodrock. Home sites include walkout, daylight and cul-de-sac site options, some backing to mature trees or a future City of Olathe park.

“In addition to making the most of the natural setting, homes in The Estates of Prairie Haven incorporate a measure of style, flexibility, privacy and convenience,” says Jameson. “These plans are designed to appeal to buyers seeking luxurious finishes, sophisticated layouts, even a three car garage, yet also wanting a smaller footprint,” says Jameson. The new floor plans 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.

The six new plans—an all-on-one-floor ranch, a California split-level with two master suite placement choices, and three two-story homes featuring open first-floor layouts—are being built for the first time anywhere. Ten homes under construction now are in varying stages of completion. Some are ready for touring.

Jameson, a Johnson County-area homebuilder for more than twenty-four years (his company has built more than 800 homes), readily acknowledges that his new plans borrow from upper bracket elements typically reserved for the larger homes his company has long been known for. He cites 9′ and 10′ ceiling heights in entries, great rooms, and master suites; custom ceiling and base molding detail throughout; custom cabinetry; granite counters in kitchens; dual-head showers with Euro-styled glass door and jetted tubs in master suite baths; and built-in master closets connecting to the laundry room, as examples.

“We position laundry rooms adjacent to master suite closets, for instance, and make it accessible from either the master suite or the hallway. This is an uncommon detail in this price range,” says Jameson, “one that scores very high on our homeowners’ convenience scale.” Also included are upgraded kitchen and bathroom tile, large walk-in kitchen pantries, large kitchen islands, iron spindles in staircase railings and upgraded tub, shower and sink faucets.

Energy efficiencies are also standard, including low-E dual pane windows, Energy Star rated stainless steel kitchen appliances, direct vent sealed unit fireplaces and Tyvek wind-barrier wrapping around the entire outer perimeter and 13 SEER rated HVAC system. Also standard: 30-year roofing, steel insulated garage doors and an engineered truss floor system designed to minimize wood shrinkage and shifting during and after construction. “These new technologies allow us to do the best job of framing and insulating homes in order to eliminate drafts, gaps and cold spots,” says Jameson.

The Sheridan, an all-suite, three-bedroom ranch with three baths, features an open great room with a corner fireplace. Windows along the back overlook a patio partially covered by a thoughtfully designed roof overhang. Two bedrooms, including the master suite, comprise one wing. The second bedroom suite near the front entrance is ideal for guest suite or home office.

The third bedroom suite is on the opposite side of the home, just off the kitchen, for use as guest quarters, a sewing or computer suite. A mudroom with a built-in boot box connects the three-car garage and the kitchen. A full basement houses HVAC and other mechanicals.

The Addison, a four-bedroom California split-level, gives buyers two choices for master suite placement: on the main level, with two bedrooms up and the fourth bedroom down on the lower level. Or, opt for ultimate privacy by placing the two bedrooms on the main level and reserving the upper level as a private master suite,” says Jameson.

Three two-story plans are also new, each offering four upstairs bedrooms and their own special touches. Plan details vary, and may include soaring entry ceilings, great room with fireplace, sitting room off the master suite, office or flex room off the kitchen, a built-in butler’s pantry plus walk-in kitchen storage pantry, a kitchen island with sink.

Community amenities in The Estates of Prairie Haven include a pool and a changing cabana, and close proximity to Olathe School District schools: 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,” evidenced by his company’s thirty-five-year track record. “When the opportunity came along to become part of Prairie Haven’s future it was one I couldn’t pass up,” says Rodrock.

“The Estates of Prairie Haven has a lot to offer: a premier location, a best-in-class builder I regard as second-to-none, and a development team committed to helping homeowners preserve long-term values,” says Rodrock.

 ”We’re inviting homebuyers to compare before they decide,” says Rodrock. “Spring is almost here, and now is an especially great time to visit.”

For more information about The Estates of Prairie Haven, visit the developer’s web site at www.rodrock.com or contact Mike Slaven or Kathleen Ellis of Windham Realty, a Rodrock Development company, at 913.254.7144. To get to the Estates of Prairie Haven take K-7 south to 119th Street, 119th Street east to Valley Road, south to 121st Terrace, west on 121st Terrace.

Madison Pointe of Grey Oaks, the new Rodrock Development community in west Shawnee, has opened forty-nine new home sites, including daylight and walkout sites. Homes in Madison Pointe of Grey Oaks start in the upper $200,000s and include award-winning story-and-a-half and two-story floor plans by James III Homes. Square footages vary and, depending on the floor plan, may feature four to five bedrooms, 2-1/2 to 5-1/2 baths and three- and four-car garages. For a limited time, Grey Oaks is also open to outside builders. The community is located on Monticello Road north of Shawnee Mission Parkway and west of I-435.

“The opening of Madison Pointe of Grey Oaks gives homebuyers exciting new home and home site options heading into spring,” says Bob Sloan. Sloan and Sherri Hines are community managers of Grey Oaks, which is now comprised of four communities including: Country Crossing of Grey Oaks (with homes from the $280,000s), Madison Ridge of Grey Oaks and Madison Pointe of Grey Oaks (with homes from the upper $200,000s) and Eagle View of Grey Oaks (with homes from the $400,000s).

New Sites Close to Schools, Pool, Parks

The new Madison Pointe of Grey Oaks home sites and homes are just south of Clear Creek Parkway at 60th Street. Many sites back to treed Shawnee City Park vistas, or are adjacent to the newer Prairie Ridge Elementary School located right in the Grey Oaks master community. The new home sites are also close to the Grey Oaks community pool, park and play area, the first of its kind for the Kansas City metro area. Recreational facilities 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.

Distinguished Builder

James III Homes, a successful area homebuilder for more than twenty years, is the model homebuilder for Madison Pointe of Grey Oaks. The builder’s story-and-a-half and two-story all-suite bedroom plans feature custom cabinetry, extensive ceiling and baseboard moldings and more. A number of upgrades are also already included in each homes’ price. These include stainless steel gas cook top, upgraded carpet, upgraded master bath plumbing fixtures and a roof-covered outdoor lanai featuring a floor to ceiling stone fireplace and ceiling fan. “The lanai extends outdoor entertaining and relaxation possibilities to three seasons, maybe even four,” says Hines.

The Hawthorne, a 2010 Kansas City Home Builder’s Association Pick of the Parade Grand Award winner, is a story-and-a-half home with two distinctive floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces (one inside, one outside), 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 old-world mantle flanked on both sides by custom cabinetry, 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.

Two-Story Plans

The Aspen III “Five” is a two-story, five-bedroom plan featuring an open first-floor great room with fireplace. Four bedrooms, including a large master suite, are upstairs. A fifth bedroom with a ¾ bath is situated on the first floor just off the kitchen, and can double as a den or home office.

Great Schools

The master Grey Oaks community is comprised of more than 400 homes, and virtually surrounded by schools accommodating students in grades K through 12. A number of the new home sites in Madison Pointe of Grey Oaks back to the newer Prairie Ridge Elementary School, which is right in Grey Oaks. Mill Valley High School is situated on adjacent land just south of Grey Oaks. Monticello Trails Middle School is south of the high school. A parochial school is also nearby.

Convenient Highway & Shopping Access

With the completion of recent road construction projects, Grey Oaks homeowners now have direct access to Highway 7 and related shopping via Silverheel Road, a new connecting link between Grey Oaks south to Shawnee Mission Parkway.

Life-Enhancing Amenities

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

Long-Standing, Successful Developer

Locally and family owned Rodrock Development brings a proven thirty-five year track record for successful Johnson County residential development to the table. “For many, purchasing a home is the biggest financial decision they’ll ever make,” says Sloan. “Rodrock Development’s financial strength is a comfort to homebuyers in today’s market who are 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 Sherri Hines. The Grey Oaks Community Welcome Center is open from noon to 5:00 p.m. everyday. Take I-435 west to Shawnee Mission Parkway, go west on Shawnee Mission Parkway to Monticello Road, and north on Monticello Road to the main entrance at Clear Creek Parkway. Or, call 913.441.4111.

The Estates of Forest View is a custom build community, with homes ranging from the $425,000s to the $600,000s. The four new Hilmann Home Building plans in The Estates of Forest View feature 3,000-plus square feet and are priced from the $440,000s to the $490,000s. “Custom homebuyers in the upper four hundreds price range will appreciate the attention to fine detail that these homes offer,” says Tom Langhofer, Rodrock Development general manager.

All are situated on woodland-view home sites and feature custom cabinetry, granite counters in kitchen and guest and master baths, see-through or freestanding fireplace overlooking a covered deck. Depending on the plan, expect to also find upgraded hardwoods featuring variable-sized planks.

“The Estates of Forest View provides the picture-perfect setting for custom built homes,” says Langhofer. “Buyers have a number of daylight and walkout home sites to choose from, all designed to make the most of the natural woodland views.”

The River Oak, a four-bedroom, 5-bath reverse story-and-a-half features all-on-one-floor living with a large master suite plus a bedroom that can also double as an office or study on the first floor. Lots of kitchen extras include an oversized raised granite-topped island with sink overlooking the hearth room, great room and breakfast room, a generous walk-in pantry with built-in desk, a built-in butler’s pantry and formal dining room. The open great room features a see-through fireplace overlooking a covered porch, which is also accessible from the master suite. This home features two separate staircases, one permitting interior access to the lower level living quarters, the second providing lower level access from the garage.

The two-story Northbrook plan situates the stairwell adjacent to an outside wall, allowing for even greater interior room expanses. This five-bedroom, five-bath home includes a first floor guest bedroom or office suite with full bath, and a covered porch with fireplace. Upstairs, the ample master suite features a corner fireplace in the bedroom. Master bath amenities include a large walk-in shower and whirlpool tub. All bedrooms in the Northbrook feature private full baths.

The Park Ridge reverse story-and-a-half features four bedrooms and four baths. A large office or craft room is situated near the kitchen, and the large master suite is also on the first floor. The lower-level recreation room features a fireplace, a wet bar and opens to a covered patio. The walkout lower level also includes two bedroom suites with full baths.

The two-story, five-bedroom, four-bath Highland features four upstairs bedrooms, including a large master suite with a large sitting area, corner tub, Euro-style walk-in shower and a bedroom-sized walk-in closet. A fifth bedroom suite is located on the first floor. The Highland kitchen features custom cabinetry, and a custom center island.

“Home buyers in The Estates of Forest View have the added 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.

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“Our company founder, Darol Rodrock, has always strived to reward buyers in his communities by establishing recreational and aesthetic amenities early-on.” Forest View’s five-plus acre recreational amenity opened last summer, and features a zero-entry infinity pool and a cabana, water play area, playgrounds, sand volleyball court, and picnic and grill areas. The innovative Rodrock Development Moms Council, a concept created by Rodrock to help new neighbors get to know each other and have fun. Event such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Holiday Horse-Drawn Caroling event, are organized by community volunteers.

Forest View’s award winning entrance delivers visitors along a winding road past a three-tiered, 50-foot waterfall cascading over natural rock bluff formations.

In Forest View 160-acres of natural woodland greenbelt has been permanently preserved as a home for area birds and other wildlife.

Forest View is in Olathe Unified School District 233. Forest View Elementary School opened in Forest View fall 2009. Middle and high schools are nearby; the new Mission Trial Middle School opened this fall, and is only blocks away.

“Every season in Forest View offers its own unique beauty, and fall especially so,” says Lund. “This is a great destination for a nature outing, and we welcome visitors.”

To preview floor plans and home sites, visit the developer’s web site at www.rodrock.com or contact community managers. For the Estates of Forest View contact Paul Knickrehm and Joyce Lund at 913.254.1000. For The Hills of Forest View contact Glenda Hauck or Darlene Parks at 913.254.1188. For The Meadows of Forest View, contact Barbara Teaney or Anita Hadel at 913.254.1002. Community Welcome Centers are open every day from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Directions: Take I-435 west to K-10; K-10 west to K-7; south on K-7 to 119th Street; west on 119th Street to Clare Road, south on Clare Road to three-tiered, 50-foot waterfall entrance.

Looking to take advantage of record low interest rates? You have more new options than ever in Cedar Ridge Park, the Rodrock Development community just east of Ridgeview Road at 165th. We’re introducing a new two-story floor plan and pleased to announce we’re also opening to outside builders! (With developer approved plans.) The three- and four-bedroom homes in Cedar Ridge Park are priced from the $220,000s to the low $300,000s.

Choose from Two-Story, Atrium Split-level, Reverse-story-and-a-half plans

All feature in Cedar Ridge Park feature:

•           open first floor layouts

•           3 to 4 bedrooms

•           2-1/2 to 3-1/2 baths

•           two- and three-car garages

•           custom wood cabinetry

•           oak end caps on stairways

•           iron stairway spindles

•           knocked down ceilings

•           upgraded kitchen backsplash and floor tile

•           upgraded tile tub and shower surrounds in the master bath

•           and more

Move-in availability: immediate to 90 days

Finish options:  Depending on home, there is still time for new owners to make final paint, wood finish, appliance, lighting and tile selections.

There’s Never Been a Better Time

“This is an exceptional time to be making a move to Cedar Ridge Park,” says Ann Carty. Carty and Michelle Capek are Cedar Ridge Park community managers. “Homebuyers now have the option to choose from homes that are nearing completion and still make final finish decisions, select one of Cedar Ridge Park’s many floor plans and build on the home site of their choice, or bring their own builder and plan,” says Carty. Furnished models are open for touring seven days a week.

Recreational Amenities Already In Place

“Cedar Ridge Park homeowners are already enjoying the advantages Rodrock Development communities offer,” says Capek. “All of our community amenities are in place, which is a real advantage to residents,” says Capek. “Committing to these life-style enhancing features is a Rodrock Development tradition.”

Community amenities include:

*          zero-entry pool with fountain, changing cabana

•           grill and pergola-covered picnic area

•           well-equipped playgrounds

•           stone entrance monuments

•           wrought-iron perimeter fencing

•           extensive landscaping.

Introducing The Madison

Brand new to Cedar Ridge Park, The Madison, features an open great room with a raised hearth fireplace on the rear wall. The fireplace is flanked on both sides by large windows. The home’s generous kitchen includes a breakfast bar island capable of providing extra workspace as well as seating space for small gatherings. An abundance of kitchen cabinetry plus a walk-in pantry provide ample storage.

Upstairs, The Madison’s bedroom level features a conveniently placed laundry. The master suite bath includes a garden tub and walk-in Euro-style dual-head shower. The Madison’s formal dining and large breakfast rooms also set this plan apart.

Bring Your Builder and Your Plan!

For those longing to build, this fall opens even more opportunities for homebuyers, including the option to bring your own builder and floor plan. See community managers for details. Home site selection includes daylight and walkout sites, and most are situated on quiet cul-de-sac streets.

Award-Winning School District

Cedar Ridge Park offers proximity to new schools, shopping and business corridors and convenient highway access.

The new neighborhood is served by the award-winning Spring Hill School District. “The District has announced that the 2010-11 school year is off to a smooth start due to months of planning and preparations by staff and area families,” says Carty.

ACT Score Results Above State/National Averages

Many District successes are already being tallied, including the announcement of its 2010 ACT score results, which are above state and national averages. District enrollment continues to increase, and on August 9th the Spring Hill Board of Education passed the 2010-11 budget, which featured a 1.129 mill levy decrease—the lowest level since 2003-2004—while also ensuring that students and staff have the resources needed for success.

The District’s new Prairie Creek Elementary School is blocks away. The District middle school and new high school are also nearby. For a preview of the District’s schools visit rodrock.com.

In addition, a 20-acre site adjacent to Cedar Ridge Park is potentially slated for a future Catholic Church and school.

The Rodrock Development Moms Council, a unique community-enhancing feature

Community amenities also include the Rodrock Development Moms Council, a concept created by company founder Darol Rodrock decades ago to help ensure that new neighborhoods get off to a great start. Community volunteers plan annual year-round events that provide ways for newcomers get to know each other, and have fun. “Events like the Moms Council’s Easter Egg Hunts and Holiday Horse-Drawn Hayride and Caroling outing, provide a unique sense of community,” says

Capek.

Building on a Legacy

Community developer, Rodrock Development, a respected name in Johnson County residential real estate circles for more than thirty-five years has developed more than sixty new-home neighborhoods in Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park, Shawnee and west Shawnee. “We sincerely believe that, in every price range we offer, Rodrock Development communities deliver exceptional new-home value,” says company founder, Darol Rodrock.

Creating Neighborhoods of Lasting Value

“All of us at Rodrock Development are committed to creating neighborhoods of lasting value, to designing our communities to stand the test of time,” says Rodrock. “If you drive through Rodrock Development communities that we built twenty, thirty years ago you’ll see how beautifully and gracefully they are aging,” says Rodrock. “Rodrock Development communities are built to stand the test of time.

Compare Before You Decide

“A new home can be the single-largest investment consumers make, which is why we’ve always urged homebuyers to compare before they decide. We even hand out comparison checklists in our community Welcome Centers to help consumers do just that,” says Rodrock.

Contact information:

Community managers Michelle Capek and Ann Carty, 913.829.5813

Cedar Ridge Park Welcome Center and furnished models hours:

Sunday through Saturday, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Directions: I-35 south to 151st Street exit, east on 151st Street to Ridgeview Road, south on Ridgeview Road to 165th Street to community entrance.

Johnson County new-home community developer Darol Rodrock has weathered many economic ups and downs since entering real estate more than three decades ago. His company has successfully created more than sixty new-home communities and counting throughout Johnson County, and Rodrock cites that “more than 20,000 people come home to a Rodrock Development community every day.” During a recent interview Rodrock offered pointers for today’s homebuyer.

Question: What do new-home buyers need to know about timing today’s real estate market?

Rodrock: A critical housing shortage is looming. The new-home inventory that was in the pipeline two years ago is dwindling, and the clamp down on builder financing is still causing new-home starts to plummet. I predict that the market is coming back, but there will be fewer new homes available. And, as supplies dwindle, home prices will trend upward.

Question: Do you expect mortgage rates to go even lower?

Rodrock: That’s hard to imagine. Right now we’re seeing 30-year fixed rates as low as 3.75, significantly lower than the 5.25% rates we saw thirty-eight years ago. I’m thinking that current interest rates may be the lowest we’ll ever see in our history.

Question: Given the changes your industry has recently undergone, what should buyers do on their own behalf?

Rodrock: A home is a decision buyers live with for a long time, which is why we’ve always believed in making every effort to ensure that they’ll want to. First, find a trusted professional realtor. Look into available mortgage programs, and figure out what monthly payments would be. Pre-qualify for a mortgage loan.

Investigate both the developer’s and the builder’s fiscal strength. Assess their level of commitment to the future of Johnson County, and to seeing the community through to completion.

Call or visit the full-time on-site real estate professionals who staff our community Welcome Centers for information about our communities, price points, builders and the floor plans they offer. Many of our real estate pros have been with our company for years, and all are well-versed experts in the ins and outs of new-home buying and building.

Question: With sixty new-home communities, Rodrock Development must be doing something right. What is it?

Rodrock: I suppose you could say “it” is our intention to make good on our promise to Building Better Communities, our company motto. We understand that it’s not just a house that people are buying. It is their home, a way of life. A key part of our company’s mission is to offer communities where people enjoy life, and each other, more. For us it’s not just about buying land, and building houses, it’s about building strong relationships with our homebuyers, and helping our homebuyers build relationships with new neighbors.

I suppose that because I spent much of my youth in orphanages and numerous foster homes, it’s gratifying to see families enjoying time together. Whenever I consider including a swimming pool or a park, or installing walking trails in one of our communities, what I’m really envisioning are the sunset walks residents will be taking, the picnics and pool parties that will enliven their summers. It’s all about helping people create more happiness.

Question: Is that why you created the Moms Council?

Rodrock: It is. In 1989 we realized that we had hundreds of people moving into our communities from out of town or out of state. Our idea was to help organize community volunteers to plan year-round events that would encourage people to get to know their neighbors—like Easter egg hunts and holiday horse-drawn hayrides. We believe it works because it’s a from-the-heart idea.

Question: Any words of wisdom about selecting the right builder?

Rodrock: Yes. Look for the builder that’s as passionate about building your home as you are about living in it. We’ve worked with many of our builders for decades, so we KNOW them. Over time, they’ve proven their ability to innovate new-home design and construction, and conduct business with integrity.

Question: Anything you’d like prospective new-home buyers to know about you?

Rodrock: I’ve always been committed to helping people improve the quality of their lives. I taught school for ten years at Shawnee Mission West High School before I started in real estate. My business has always been in Johnson County.

I currently live on a farm in Johnson County. I’ve always enjoyed agri-business as well as being around horses and cattle. My other passion besides new-home community development is riding in cutting and pleasure horse competitions. I enjoy associating with other people throughout the U. S. who also love animals.

Question: Any other advice?

Rodrock: Only a prospective homebuyer knows if making a new-home buy now is right for them, but interest rates are at all-time historic lows, and the market supply is dwindling. I cannot urge those strongly enough who feel secure about their job, and secure about the direction the economy is headed, to get serious about making a move now.

We invite homebuyers to begin their search with us, and compare all that the Rodrock Development communities offer. We guarantee, today’s buyer won’t find a more welcoming community than a Rodrock Development community, nor a better value, no matter where they look.

Rodrock Development communities are staffed with onsite real estate professionals who are happy to answer questions about home prices, availability, interest rates, mortgage payments and more. Visit the developer website for community locations, furnished model home hours and more information.

Contact: Rodrock Development, 913.681.1212

Web: www.rodrock.com

Follow Darol Rodrock on Facebook.

The communities of Cedar Ridge Park and Forest View, the newest Rodrock Development communities in southern and southwestern Olathe, are all about fun in the sun as summer gets underway. Pool and cabana facilities opened Memorial Day weekend, and community managers are inviting visitors to come see all of the many recreational amenities, flexible floor plans and and more that both communities offer. For a quick-view locator map of these and other Rodrock Development communities, visit our home page. Homes are priced from the $280,000s to the $450,000s +. Now, the home of your dreams is within in your price range!

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