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 HWCC – From 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.