The Ridge History
Originating in 1995, The Ridge is a zero-lot-line community of detached custom designed homes in the northeast corner of Champaign’s Robeson Meadows West Subdivision. The Ridge is adjacent to the Village at the Crossing retail center, at the southwest corner of the intersection of Windsor and Duncan Roads. Co-developers Bruce Hutchings, Kyle Robeson, and Ralph Sackett had previously developed Robeson Meadows and Robeson Meadows West in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. They sought to offer something new with the few acres of home sites that remained to be developed. Originally duplexes were planned for this section of the subdivision. However, when study groups of prospective buyers were formed, a preference for custom designed homes on smaller lots was expressed. Likewise having a separate homeowners association that would provide joint services for lawn mowing, snow removal, and garbage collection was also appealing. As a result of this input, the area was re-platted into smaller lots to accommodate the zero-lot-line concept, and The Ridge became a reality.
One of the developers’ objectives from the beginning was to avoid repetitive cookie cutter designs often common in zero-lot-line communities. As a result, The Ridge Covenants were written to allow each homeowner to build their own custom plan design, while requiring the use of earth tone colors, minimum roof pitches, and prescribed exterior materials. These guidelines also apply to additions and remodeling. All residences are also required to have the same custom mailbox posts and the same custom post lights at the front and back of each property. With no two plans the same, these complimentary elements give the complex a sense of unity overall.
A park like setting is provided by the presence of Lotus and Iris Ponds and the tree-lined walking paths that crisscross the development. The developers planted all the original trees, installed 6’ wide sidewalks, and gifted the completed trail property to the Champaign Park District. This forms a unique green belt around The Ridge and as a result the park district is responsible for maintaining this section of the development.
Today, Prairie Ridge Place is a two-block long parkway that is home for the 38 families residing on The Ridge. These single-family homes are also part of the larger Robeson Meadows West Homeowners Association. Residents pay annual dues to RMW HOA as well as The Ridge HOA. Quarterly Ridge dues cover the combined services noted above. Annual meetings for all members are held each fall and special meetings are called as needed. The Ridge Board of Directors holds regular monthly meetings to conduct the business of the association.