The development of a unique residential community incorporating traditional neighborhood design was the goal of the City of Menasha when it searched for a development partner for a 133-acre parcel owned by the City along USH 10 and Lake Park Road on the City's east side.

The City wanted to promote the State of Wisconsin's "Smart Growth" initiative, and required the developer to offer a range of housing options, a neighborhood commercial center and a health center that would be an amenity for the residents of the development, while also being available to the public.

In the fall of 2000, Johnson Properties called on Martenson & Eisele to be a part of their design team. The first step was to design a creative, competitive concept plan, which became the critical element of the proposal submitted by Johnson Properties to the City. After a review of several proposals, the City of Menasha selected the Johnson Properties/Martenson & Eisele team.

The concept plan utilizes existing topography to make an aesthetically pleasing series of ponds and cascading waters.  These water features separate the commercial/office park development along Lake Park Road on the east side of the site from the residential area on the remainder of the site.  The residential design utilizes a "cluster-type" housing concept that produces extensive open space, and includes ornamental lighting and pedestrian trails throughout the development.

Other creative elements that make this development unique to the Fox Valley include "round-about" street intersections and an area of "Georgetown" style houses. Homebuyers will have a choice of several standardized building plans from which to choose, and while they will own their lot and house, lawn mowing and snow removal services will be provided through a homeowners association. 

The final master development plan was refined through a team approach, with numerous meetings that involved Johnson Properties, Martenson & Eisele, the City of Menasha's Public Works and Planning departments, Menasha Utilities, Coldwell Banker – The Real Estate Group, and Jeff Hibbard Design Services. The first phase of the housing element is in the process of being platted and constructed.

To learn more about this community and it's carefree lifestyle, please visit http://www.lakeparkvillas.com.

To read more about this community, please visit Wisconsin Builder.