Developers Create a Secluded Community, Prairie Crossing in Grayslake, Illinois

The community of Prairie Crossing in Grayslake, Illinois, began when land slated for a typical modern suburban development was purchased by a group of neighbors who shared a vision to create a community that was focused on preserving land and building a community of healthy living choices. They created the Prairie Holdings Corporation to oversee the development of the 677 acre area and turned to the idea of New Urbanism by which to create this community. George and Victoria Ranney have guided this development since its inception (Prairie Crossing, 2009). They brought together a team of experts to plan, design and to build. The central focus of the community is the now self-sustaining, working organic farm, and the principle of walkability; where streets are narrow and sidewalks are wide, encouraging people to walk to visit neighbors and businesses/services located close by (Jackson & Sinclair, 2011).
The vision of the developers was not to have a community secluded by a gate, but one that was a part of the larger community. It’s not about being elite, but about being real people doing real work. “A Sense of Place” is one of the ten guiding principles directing the development since its inception, allowing people to make connections with neighbors. The preservation of the Byron Colby Barn, now the community center, provides one such location within the community (Prairie Center, 2009). The farm fosters interaction and opportunity for the community to work together to plant and harvest. Children are encouraged to walk or to ride bikes to school and the classroom moves outdoor frequently to engage with the surroundings and learn in the natural environment.
Preservation of the land has provided clean water to drink as well as for recreation activities. The compact pattern of the houses and businesses makes the community feel neighborly. People talk from porches to those waling by and children are able to play where it feels safe, due in part to narrow streets that prevent cars from blocking views and encourage motorists to drive slowly. Access to public transportation is a key factor for residents that work in the city, allowing for a less stressful commute each day. People have chosen to pay more to pay for a home in Prairie Crossing, and during negative economical turns, the community uses the farm to support one another through difficult times.
Every home uses less than half of the amount of power, energy and oil that a typical home elsewhere would use (Jackson & Sinclair, 2011).