Hunting Ridge History

As of 1988 - Courtesy of Corky Scott, long-time Hunting Ridge homeowner and retired real estate broker who specialized in Hunting Ridge properties.

 

STAMP OUT SMALL ROOMS! This was the motto for the new HUNTING RIDGE subdivision of 439 homes started in the southwest corner of Palatine in 1968.
The homes built by Winston-Muss Corporation sold for an average of $35,000 to $45,000. All but 47 houses were constructed in three phases over a four-year period. HUNTING RIDGE appealed to upwardly mobile executives and transferees looking for larger homes. Winston-Muss built three to six bedroom houses with roominess, individuality and numerous custom features.
 

The Avondale raised-ranch, Belmont colonial, Carnegie ranch, Darlington split-level and Eldridge colonial models with their wide variety of exterior elevations catered to many individual tastes and larger families. During Phase III, the Greenbrier ranch, Fremont Colonial and Hampshire cape cod styles were introduced. Ranches included 1,948 s.f. with three or four bedrooms. Split levels and raised-ranches offered up to 2,802 s.f. Colonials provided families 2.370 to 2,739 s.f. in 4-5 bedroom models and up to 3,282 s.f. in the 6 bedroom Eldridge.

 

During the next few years profit margins for Winston-Muss began to disappear due to too many customizing features and some poor workmanship in Phases I and II. However, warranties were met and deficiencies corrected. Three homes in HUNTING RIDGE were completed by custom builders. Winston eventually sold the final 54 lots to Art Greene Construction for development. Winston-Muss model homes were located on Exner Court. Building of homes began along Gilbert Avenue, Lanark Lane, Sparrow Court and on to Middleton. The first residents moved in during October 1968.
HUNTING RIDGE was designed with seven parks and recreation areas where children play soccer and baseball. Winding streets and cul-de-sacs keep thru traffic to a minimum. Here, the overall density works out to just a little over two homes per acre including the open area for parks and schools. Lots are a minimum of 12,000 s.f.

 

HUNTING RIDGE was developed in the wide open spaces. In 1968 the neighborhood was reachable only by Quentin Road accessible by either Palatine or Algonquin Roads. Euclid was extended to Quentin Road in 1975 and later on to Roselle. Tom Howard, a former Principal of Fremd High School recalled pheasant hunting in areas surrounding Fremd High School before home construction.
Fremd High School was built during 1961 providing education to freshman and sophomores. In 1966-67 juniors attended Fremd and become the first graduation class of 1968. The industrial education addition to the south of the main building took place in 1968. The Library, English and Business Education wing was extended to the north in 1970. Students saw a new state-of-the-art pool and auditorium in 1978. In 1984 a gym addition was completed.

 

Plum Grove opened as Plum Grove Elementary School K-6 in September 1962. In 1968 it expanded to include K-8. Later, in September 1971 Plum Grove held classes for just 6th -8th grade students. In 1972 Plum Grove officially became a Junior High of 7th and 8th grades. Since 1973 the school has been known as Plum Grove Junior High.

 

Hunting Ridge Elementary opened in the fall of 1969 with grades K-6. In 1971-76 the increased enrollment caused 6th grades to be bused to nearby Pleasant Hill School. In 1977 6th grade moved back into Hunting Ridge.

 

HUNTING RIDGE residents met for the first time on October 7, 1969 to form the Hunting Ridge Homeowners Association. A Certificate of Incorporation was issued April 2, 1971. The board members have represented a very strong homeowner’s association, one of the most active associations in the Northwest Suburbs. They keep residents informed, speak out on zoning decisions and represent the homeowners. The Association promotes a varied social program. At this writing, 88% of HUNTING RIDGE homeowners belong to the association.

 

WINSTON-MUSS 382 HOMES
41   Avondale Raised Ranches – 5 bedrooms - 2,482 s.f.
100 Belmont Colonials – 4/5 bedrooms – 2,739 s.f.
41   Carnegie Ranches – 4 bedrooms – 2,412 s.f.
68   Darlington Split Levels – 4 bedrooms – 2,802 s.f.
48   Eldridge Colonials – 6 bedrooms – 3.282 s.f.
46   Fremont Colonials – 4 bedrooms – 2,370 s.f.
17   Greenbrier Ranches – 3 bedrooms – 1,948 s.f.
21   Hampshire Cape Cods – 3-4 bedrooms – 2,088 or 2,286 s.f.

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GREENE 54 HOMES
2 Chablis Ranches – 4 bedrooms – 2,475 s.f.
14 Colony Point Colonials – 4 bedrooms – 2,700-2,900 s.f
18 Seville Ranches – 3-4 bedrooms – 2,100 s.f.
5 Valley Forge Colonials – 4 bedrooms – 2,354 s.f.
11 Williamsburg Split Levels – 5 bedrooms – 2.560 s.f.
1 Highland Bi-level – 3 bedrooms – 2,000 s.f.
1 Regal Split Level – 3 bedrooms – 2,350 s.f.
1 Ranch – 3 bedrooms
1 Arlington Split – 3 bedrooms – 2,000 s.f.

 

CUSTOM 3 HOMES
1 Custom Colonial 4 bedrooms by Sheehan Builder
1 Williamsburg Colonial 5 bedrooms by Faganel Builder
1 Timbercrest Ranch 3 bedrooms by Mason Contractors

 

439 Total Homes in HUNTING RIDGE