Serving the Residents of The Hawthorn Woods Country Club Community

The Hawthorn Woods Country Club HOA

The HWCC HOA is the member-run homeowner’s organization that determines rules, regulations and guidelines for HWCC. There are five directors who serve 2-year terms. They are responsible for establishing, monitoring, and balancing the budgets. This includes determining the monthly assessments for the Golf Villas and Townhouses and the semi-annual master assessment. They secure and approve bids to hire contractors for various projects and they hire and evaluate the Community Association Manager. The HOA Board sends out periodic newsletters and maintains the HOA Website content as a means to keep homeowners informed.

Committees

The Townhouse Committee and Golf Villa Committee provide input on priorities and offer suggestions for various projects and review their respective budgets. They are an extremely valuable resource for the HOA.

Property Development: Past and Current

Initial Development

Toll Brothers is the real estate Developer that initially purchased land in Hawthorn Woods in 2004 and built homes in a community they named The Hawthorn Woods Country Club (HWCC). They controlled the finances, wrote the Declarations (the governing document for HWCC), and controlled all aspects of this community until the turnover in December of 2019.  Larry Hill and Brian Heraty were non-voting members during this time. The first HOA Board was elected in December of 2019. The Declarations are still in effect and would require legal action to amend.

The Story of HWCCFrom Horse Country to Elegant Community

In 2003, after two years of discussions with residents, the Village of Hawthorn Woods approved the development of nearly 600 luxury homes, a country club, and an Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course. This development, known as the Hawthorn Woods Country Club, was an exciting addition to our community and promised a new lifestyle. The Village cited the potential for increased revenue for local businesses and additional tax revenue as reasons for the approval. Toll Brothers, the developer, was also required to donate $12 million to the Village to support local schools, parks, libraries, and the fire department, further enhancing the quality of life in our much-admired community.

Many residents in Hawthorn Woods initially opposed HWCC because this was horse country. The “STOP HWCC” group argued that Toll’s plan was too dense and would generate too much traffic, mar the area’s rural character, cause numerous old oak trees to be felled, and compromise the area’s peace, quiet, and safety.

However, in 2003 the development was approved, and Toll began mass grading and installing utilities. In 2004, prospective buyers had five different housing options to consider. The Signature series was the largest, with four bedrooms, 3 1/2 to 5 and 1/2 baths, and 3,600 to 5,000 square feet. The Signature series began at just below $700,000. The Masters series had ¾ bedrooms with 3 and ½ to 4 baths, and ranged from 3,200 to 4.000 sq ft. The starting price was $620,00. The Executive series was slightly smaller with 3/4 bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 to 3/12 baths, and 2,800 to 3.600 sq feet. The beginning price for them was about $560,000. Golf Villas and Townhomes were an option for homeowners who wanted a more carefree lifestyle. The Golf Villas were three/four bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 to 3 and 1/2 baths, and 2,500 to 3,500 sq ft. All yard work is included in the Golf Villa assessment. The beginning price was just below $550,000. With no exterior maintenance or yard work, the Townhome offered the most relaxed lifestyle at $380,000. They had three bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 baths, and 1,900 to 2,200 sq ft. Amenities included hardwood floors in some rooms, crown molding, chair rails, granite countertops, fireplaces, and basements.

The first residents moved into HWCC in late 2004. The open vistas and beautiful floor plans attracted buyers. The front nine of the golf course opened in the spring of 2005, the back nine opened in 2006, and the country club opened for various activities in 2005. Both sides of the development were constructed at the same time. Due to the depressed economy, Toll halted construction at the end of 2009.

The governing body for HWCC was Toll Brothers, with two residents, Larry Hill and Brian Heraty, serving as nonvoting members. Their role was strictly advisory. This group met every other month and was closed to the public. Toll controlled the Homeowners Association until December 2019, when the first elected HOA officers took office. For 15 years, Toll controlled all aspects of HWCC. During this time, Toll figured resident assessments based on a fully developed community of 592 homes rather than the number of homes occupied -402. 

In October 2019, just before turning the community over to an elected HOA, Toll Brothers executed an Amended and Restated Declaration, a legal document laying out the planned community guidelines. These Declarations are still in effect, and they would take legal action to amend.

Once the elected HOA took office in December 2019, they had to develop a budget and establish assessments based on actual numbers rather than speculative development and homes that did not exist. This new method of determining the budget would result in increased assessments and shortfalls in the reserves. 

For 15 years, no developer expressed interest in the empty lots of HWCC. Finally, in 2022, MI Homes purchased the empty lots on developed streets with utilities. Construction began after the Village granted MI Homes approval for the designs and elevations. At present, 50 homes have been sold, several Quick Move-ins are being built, and other lots are available for buyers. Signs that say Available can be built on now, and signs that say Coming Soon will be available in the future.

When Toll left the Country Club, Phases 5 and 6 of the subdivision were  undeveloped. The original approval in 2003 was for 592 dwellings situated on 674 acres. However, these two phases have been reconfigured with a higher density. The original plan for townhomes was 114; however, this has been revised from 114 to 107. The new townhomes will consist of three two-story and nine ranches. Construction for the townhomes could begin in late 2024. With these changes, the total buildout will be approximately 610 homes.

HWCC continues to offer an exclusive environment where homeowners of all ages can relax and enjoy an active or a more subdued lifestyle. It is a beautiful community that has maintained the rural character, peace, quiet, and safety that existed before any construction began.

 

Current Developer M/I Homes

M/I Homes

Construction is everywhere in HWCC. Toll Bros built 403 homes from 2004 to 2009. When Toll stopped building in 2009, there were 189 undeveloped homesites. For thirteen years, there was no construction in HWCC.  In 2022, M/I Homes purchased 100 lots from Toll. After buying the lots, M/I Homes presented their design plans to the Planning, Building, and Zoning Commission of Hawthorn Woods. The Commission required changes to the designs and elevations based on input from HWCC residents. The final step in the process was approval by the Village Trustees.

The Grand Opening for the M/I model was on March 9th of 2023. Those who attended were impressed with the openness, the kitchen’s gorgeous cabinets and countertops, butler pantry, lighting, technology, and many other amenities. Words used as people walked through the model were stunning, breathtaking, and beautiful.

At present, MI Homes has closed on 34 homes and has another 34 homes under contract. Two spec homes are being constructed. They will range in price from $ 500,000 to the upper $700,000.

MI Homes purchased the Toll lots in Phases 5 and 6 this year. The Plan Commission and the Village Trustees have approved the plans for these homes.

Phase 6 will have 58 homes. These homes will be between golf holes 5, 6, and 7; grading and utilities will begin in late fall 2024; construction in 2025 and 2026.

Phase 5 will have 29 homes. These homes will be between golf holes 17 and 18. Grading and utilities will begin in the late fall of 2024, and construction will begin in 2025 and 2026.There will be some ranches in Phase 5.

M/I Townhomes Two townhomes will be built on the corner of Tournament Drive South and Red Tail and thirteen townhomes will be built on Harborside Way.

Construction will be ongoing for several years, requiring all gates to be kept open during the day except Briar Creek.

It is important to note that the Village inspected the roads before the beginning of construction to determine their condition, and M/I will be responsible for any deterioration due to construction traffic.

The new homes have dramatically enhanced the appearance of our subdivision. HWCC is fortunate to have one of the nation’s leading homebuilders in our community, who are constructing beautiful homes that add to the ambiance of our community. You will be impressed to see the new homes, walk or drive down Crystal Downs. Seeing the new homes going up is exciting.

 

 

View M/I’s New Home Details

Community Management

FirstService Residential is the association’s management company for the HOA. FirstService is employed by the HOA to manage the interests of the community, enforce regulations, and manage financial operations. Helen Fischer is the Community Association Manager for our community. The FirstService website is www.fsresidential.com and their phone number is 877-999-6491.

Hawthorn Woods Country Club

Hawthorn Woods Country Club is set in the rolling hills and rich woodlands of Lake County. Hawthorn Woods Country Club is Chicagoland’s premier private country club offering an exclusive place for couples, families, and young professionals to relax and enjoy an active lifestyle. Developed in 2006 as part of a Toll Brothers community and now owned and professionally managed by Kemper Sports, it offers the area’s only Arnold Palmer Signature Designed golf course.

Owning real estate within the Hawthorn Woods Country Club development is not a requirement for membership however all residents of the development are required to be at minimum, Social Members of the club.

Complementing the championship golf course, we offer year-round activities such as bocce ball, swimming, tennis, paddle tennis, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, social events, fine dining, and more within a community atmosphere that is fun and energetic. Hawthorn Woods Country Club has been meticulously crafted to meet the leisure needs of today’s contemporary lifestyle. As you learn more about our club, you will begin to appreciate how we are redefining leisure time for families both large and small.

pool
HWCC Clubhouse

Club Management

KemperSports, Inc. owns and operates the country club, known as the Hawthorn Woods Country Club, and the Arnold  Palmer designed golf course, located within the HWCC subdivision. All property owners in  the subdivision are required to join the country club as social members and may elect to purchase a golf membership.  Social and golf memberships are also available to those who live outside of HWCC. In addition, Kemper is responsible for the irrigation service to Townhomes and for the wetlands that are adjacent to the golf course.  Kemper operates completely independently of the HOA.  The HOA receives no funds from Kemper.

Homeowner Assessments

Master HOA Assessments

All homeowners in the HWCC pay a Master Assessment. This assessment pays for landscaping which includes maintenance of the common area lawns and flower beds, maintenance and care of parkway trees, and switching the irrigation system in the common areas on and off each spring and fall. Another major expense is snow removal and ice control of the communities’ streets. It is especially costly if the snow falls on a weekend or holiday or is extremely heavy. In addition, the Declarations require us to carry liability insurance in case someone is injured on the common areas. Maintenance of all gates, the salary of the property manager, administrative tasks, and the maintenance of sewers and our private roads demand much of the master assessment budget. The master assessment also covers maintenance of the wetland areas and other costs such as community light fixtures, light bulbs, and road and street signs within the community.

Golf Villa Assessments

Golf Villa assessments, paid by residents of the Golf Villa homes, are mainly for landscaping and snow removal. Golf Villa landscaping services include maintenance of trees, shrubs, grass, and infestations such as cinch bugs, edging and mulching. Snow removal and ice control on driveways, front walkways, and front porches are major expenses.  A portion of the property management contract is also covered by this assessment.

Townhome Assessments

Townhouse assessments are paid by residents of the townhomes and cover insurance, landscaping, snow removal, fire prevention, and maintenance. The landscaping includes weekly mowing, fertilizing, weed control, mulching and spraying for different pests. In addition, it includes the replacement of plants that have died. Major expenses include snow removal and ice control for driveways, sidewalks, and porches. The assessments will also provide for the maintenance, repair, and eventual replacement of decks, this will be very expensive over the next three years. Roofs, gutters, cement driveways, sidewalks, and tuckpointing of chimneys and retaining walls will continue to be addressed in the next few years. Painting of the townhomes is done every five years and is a big-ticket item. The Townhouse Committee has developed a long-range plan to address these needs in a thoughtful and coherent manner.

Community Schools

  • Two school systems comprised of three school districts serve the Hawthorn Woods Country Club Community.

Fremont School District 79

  • Lincoln Early Learning Center
  • Fremont Elementary School
  • Fremont Intermediate School
  • Fremont Middle School

Mundelein High School District 120 

  • Mundelein High School

Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95

  • Spencer Loomis Elementary
  • Lake Zurich Middle School North
  • Lake Zurich High School

Hawthorn Woods Country Club Community Map

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