Grand opening at Heritage Harbor Ottawa

Heritage Harbor Ottawa, the vacation home and marina community rising on the banks of the Illinois Waterway, hosted the Grand Opening of their first decorator model home on Saturday, May 31, 2008, an event that, by some estimates, attracted as many as 2,500 guests. While anticipating a good showing, even the developer seemed surprised, though certainly pleased, by the turnout.

"Being a vacation community, we wanted to create a festive atmosphere," said Tom Heimsoth, developer of Heritage Harbor. "That's why we had so many special attractions. But the results were amazing. Not only did we draw a huge crowd, but they really seemed to enjoy themselves."

Those "special attractions" included boat rides, trolley tours of downtown Ottawa, and an appearance by sports talk-show celebrity Mike North. There was also a boat show displaying a selection of new powerboats, including a yacht valued at $1.3 million. Each of these attractions drew substantial interest, but when it came to actual "oohs" and "aahs," two things stood out: the skydiving exhibitions and the fireworks finale.

According to Heimsoth, however, the model home also garnered its fair share of oohs and aahs. "It was intended to be the star of the show," he said, "and it definitely was."

The 2,022-square-foot Lincoln model is a single-family cottage home incorporating both a large wraparound front porch and a rear deck, two elements designed to bring the outside in. The first floor features a 16-by-27-foot gathering room with wood-burning fireplace and vaulted ceiling; kitchen with professional-grade appliances, granite countertops and semi-custom cabinetry; and a 16-by-12-foot master suite with walk-in closet and private bath. Upstairs, a second bedroom and bath, as well as a loft and private porch, will serve guests or additional family members. Perched above it all is the third-level Crow's Nest, an elevated sitting room offering 360-degree views of the community, including the marina and the Illinois Waterway.

Priced from the mid $300s, the traditional, two-to-five-bedroom cottage plans include nine-foot first-floor ceilings, fireplace, air conditioning, washer and dryer, custom oak stairs, private parking and natural landscaping. Some custom alterations are available, as are a number of options. The model, for example, showcases the optional Carriage House. Located above the two-car garage, the Carriage House can function as a separate party area, or as private accommodations for friends and family. It includes a 20-by-12-foot great room, kitchen with pantry, full bath and a 6' x 20' deck.

Homebuyers aren't limited to the cottage plans. They can also choose from one- to four-bedroom condominiums on Pilot's Point, overlooking the water, and priced from the mid $200's, or single-family row homes from the mid $200's. All homes are low maintenance, leaving residents more time to enjoy themselves.

In addition to the homes, boat slips - known as dockominiums - are now available for purchase in the 32-acre marina. This recently completed facility includes a seven-foot concrete harbor wall, dual boat ramps and a fifty-ton travel lift, and will contain 461 slips ranging from 35 to 60 feet in size. There will also be dry stacking, a ship's store, a professional maintenance staff and concierge services.

"It's a state-of-the-art facility designed to be the best in the Midwest," said Heimsoth. "Our extraordinary location on the Illinois gives you river access to everything from local fishing holes and hidden coves to the Mississippi River, the Gulf coast and beyond. And yet, we're within an hour-and-a-half of downtown Chicago."

When complete, the community will host a total of 750 to 900 homes, and offer a variety of resort-style attractions, including a yacht club, a separate swim club, and a wildlife sanctuary. The community will even have its own central HarborTown, with specialty shops, eateries, and a hotel complex boasting a spa, an indoor/outdoor pool, and a meeting center.

While Heritage Harbor may seem dedicated to life on the water, the Ottawa location gives even non-boaters a wide range of recreational options, including hiking, biking and picnicking on the historic I&M Canal Trail. Access to its 61 scenic miles begins right across the road from the community. Four state parks, including the legendary Starved Rock, are just minutes away, as are four golf courses and Skydive Chicago.

Ottawa, where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas had their first debate, is even closer. Known for its historic sites, Old Town District, and yearly fairs and festivals, the city provides convenient shopping, restaurants, movies, music and live theater. And, as 2008 is the sesquicentennial of the Lincoln/Douglas showdown, there are also a variety of Lincoln-themed events.

Take I-80 to Exit 93 (Route 71). Exit south on Route 71 for 2½ miles; turn left at 2871st Road (Old Chicago Road). Pass over the railroad tracks and turn left at the stop sign on Canal Road. Continue 1.2 miles to the Heritage Harbor entrance. Call (815) 433-5000, or visit HeritageHarborOttawa.com.