OCTOBER, 2002
ZIONSVILLE TIMES SENTINEL

An old-time feel
By Todd Harper

"Bring the past and the present together"

That is what the developers of Stonegate are trying to emulate in construction their multi-phase housing development west of Zionsville.

The project, which will include a community center, public parks and a public elementary schools, is still in the beginning stages, but according to the developers, it is important that the project has its own character. It will include a number of different styles of houses including cottages, "grande traditional" and manor-style houses.

Owned or Zionsville's Dr. Lawrence and Carol Reitz and their family, the development will encompass more than 200 acres of land north of State Road 334, just east of Interstate 65.

"We wanted to make sure it was done in the right way with our neighbors and community in mind," said Carol Reitz.

Stonegate elementary School, to be built in 2005, on land donated to Zionsville Community Schools, will be a two-level, 88,257-square-foot structure.

According to Larry Reitz, who is overseeing the project, a unique aspect of Stonegate is the themed traditional community to resemble old towns, which he said lead to strong neighborhood ties.

When the project is complete, it will include 289 single family houses, nine multifamily "TownHomes" and 21 commercial lots.

In an effort to bring some character to the project, the Reitz's have been traveling the country in search of old antiques.

"We have pretty much looked all over," said Jasna Reitz.

The Reitzs have purchased antiques and other old items at shops in Louisville and Chicago, as well as at Colonial Antiques in Zionsville.

"We have begun purchasing many architectural elements, such as old wrought iron gates and fences, wooden doors and stained-glass window," she said.
Reitz said she loves to look at antiques and had enjoyed the experience, but because of the multi-phases, it is not possible to purchase all the items at once. She said she recently has been looking for stained-glass windows for the chapel, which will be part of the complex.

She said incorporating older items into the design will hearken to an earlier time. "I think people feel comfortable with it," she said.
The antiques will be placed in the public buildings in the development.

The multi-phase development will take several years to finish. Currently the first phase of the project already has been constructed (Stonegate Proper). The second phase, which is just starting to be built, will include 59 residential lots. According to Jasna Reitz, 35 lots already have been reserved. Roads and infrastructure development are expected to start later this fall. The third phase will include a village center, small business building and residential units. The fourth phase will include the planned school.

"It will be done in controlled phases, so people aren't having to deal with the construction," said Jasna Reitz.

The Boone County Area Plan Commission approved the fifth and sixth phases of the development at its meeting Oct. 2nd. The fifth phase includes 20 acres, with 25 residential and 8 commercial lots planned. Phases six is located on 5.97 acres and will include 10 residential lots as well as park and common areas.

Boone County Commissioner Wendy Bryant, who was on the board when the commissioners originally examined the project and the zoning requirements, said she likes the idea, but is afraid the homes will be too expensive.

"What we (as a county) have to figure out is not to exclude our ability to produce and attract a diverse population to the area," Bryant said. "The development itself is going to be a beautiful community."

Stonegate has architectural discretion over all building structures on the property and has selected 11 charter builders for residential owners to contract to build their homes.