Crown Community Development has begun construction on The Grove, a 760-acre master-planned community located at the interchange of Interstate 88 and Route 47 in Sugar Grove, just 45 miles west of Chicago.
The Grove will consist of approximately 1,400 new residences, including single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes and multifamily homes.
Jennifer Cowan, managing director of Crown Community Development, said, “Our decision to incorporate a diverse mix of housing types at The Grove was driven by market awareness and the desire to position the community for long-term success. We recognized the importance of offering housing opportunities that cater to a range of life stages – from first-time buyers and growing families to empty nesters and those looking for rental homes. The vision is to create a well-balanced, inclusive community. Securing flexible PDD zoning was key, as it allows us to respond and adapt to changes in the market to ensure The Grove continues to meet evolving housing needs.”
At the heart of the development will be a town center anchored by a village green, featuring retail, dining, entertainment and a food truck court, plus an outdoor stage for events and fitness classes. Residents will also enjoy a three-acre village park with a beer garden, farmers market space, pickleball courts, playscapes, a splash pad and a fishing dock.
More than 200 acres of open space — including parks, preserved tree groves and trails — support outdoor living, while a 323-acre business park known as Grove Park will include healthcare, retail, multifamily housing and a major data center already under contract. The community features Planned Development District zoning across five areas for flexibility and long-term growth, as well as land donated for a new village hall and over five miles of trails that connect to regional systems.
The Grove will also bring community benefits, such as the creation of permanent jobs and additional employment opportunities during construction, according to backers. A tax increment financing (TIF) district is helping fund critical infrastructure for The Grove, making the development possible while generating long-term property tax revenue — projected to bring over $31 million to the Kaneland School District in the next 23 years and $135 million over 30 years. The community will also feature Dark Skies preservation and extensive landscaping to help it blend with its natural surroundings.
Construction is underway on Area 1 of The Grove, the first residential phase of the community. Located along Merrill Road, Area 1 will feature 214 single-family homes on 60- and 70-foot lots, each offering two- or three-car garages. Homes are expected to be completed in 2026. Crown Community Development reports strong interest from builders, with negotiations ongoing. The builder and sales launch are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Cowan said that the next phase of construction will be the townhomes, broadening the range of home styles available.
“We’ll continue this approach in future phases to ensure diversification of housing options,” Cowan said. “Future phases will also showcase the remarkable Town Center amenities and walking paths throughout the community.”
The Grove’s thoughtfully designed amenities and location make it an appealing option for today’s homebuyers, Cowan noted.
“Conveniently situated just 40 miles from Chicago with easy access to I-88, The Grove offers the perfect blend of suburban living and urban accessibility,” she said.