Second phase under construction in Riverview

Because of the popularity of Riverview, a serene community in the rolling hills of western Shawnee, the second phase is now under construction. Those who visit this peaceful retreat during the Fall Parade of Homes can tour the two Parade entries and see the construction progress of new home sites that are expected to be ready for building by late fall or early spring.

Kathie Pierce, who markets Riverview for the Rob Ellerman Team of ReeceNichols along with Chuck Levey, said she is now entering names on the waiting list for those wishing to reserve a home site in this new phase of 50 lots as soon as reservations open.

This master-planned development is another excellent community from Don Julian, an award-winning builder and developer, and Mike Gipple, a Shawnee resident and business owner active in the community for more than 30 years.

The exceptional topography allows for daylight and walkout home sites with views of green space, treed lots and ample space between houses. Homes are featured on oversized, beautifully maintained lawns with scattered areas of bermed landscaping and planting variety for added curb appeal.

Students attend award-winning DeSoto District schools: Riverview Elementary, Mill Creek Middle and Mill Valley High schools. In fact, when Riverview is completed it will border the elementary school on three sides, making it an easy walk for neighborhood children.

Only two home sites remain available in the first phase of 35 lots, both of which are large premium sites backing to wooded areas.

One of the two homes featured on the Fall Parade of Homes, which runs through Oct. 12, is the two-story Stratten plan by Comerio Corporation, which won a Pick of the Parade Grand Award. It offers four bedrooms, 31/2 bathrooms and a three-car garage. The open design of the main level includes a dining room, great room and breakfast room that opens to a covered porch overlooking the treed, private back yard. A butler’s pantry and wine cabinet between the island kitchen and dining room make entertaining easy. Details have been given special attention with reclaimed wood accents and LED lighting throughout the house.

The other Parade entry is the Windsor plan, a two-story home by Don Julian Builders featuring four bedrooms, 31/2 bathrooms and three-car garage. The open first-floor design features dark wood floors, distressed wood accents and rustic copper chandeliers. An office nook is conveniently located off the kitchen and the large dining area opens to a covered porch. The extraordinary granite island is the perfect gathering place for friends and family.

In addition to the Parade entries, three homes under construction are also available. Two of them are two-story plans by Summit Custom Homes and one is a reverse 11/2-story by Harding Homes.

Other members of the builder team are L/M Homes and New Mark Homes, each with houses coming soon in Riverivew. Builders in Riverview offer a variety of home plans priced from the $300,000s on up and situated on large lots. Each builder offers a special level of expertise, Pierce said.

The builders at Riverview have amassed hundreds of local and national awards by building innovative homes throughout the Kansas City area. In fact, Don Julian Builders Inc. has more awards than any other builder in the history of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City. Summit Custom Homes and Don Julian Builders were recently recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal as two of the top five builders in Kansas City.

The homes at Riverview feature open first-floor designs, gleaming hardwood floors, handcrafted solid wood, patterned stair carpet, wrought-iron spindles, tile or stone fireplaces and tiled master bathrooms with oversized showers and spacious master closets. The gourmet kitchens have designer cabinets, large islands, granite counter tops and walk-in pantries. Covered porches and an abundance of large windows showcase hilltop and wildlife views.

Although the rolling topography buffers Riverview from the hustle and bustle of city life, it is conveniently located. Excellent highway access to Kansas 7 and Interstates 435 and 70 allows residents to easily drive to Kansas City International Airport, Village West shopping and entertainment district, NASCAR, Sporting KC and downtown Kansas City. Riverview is an ideal location for those who commute to Lawrence, Leavenworth or Topeka.

The community is within walking distance of Garrett Park, Stump Park, JoCo Streamway Park Trails and nearby you’ll find Okun Fieldhouse, Mid America Sports Complex and KC Ice Center.

Shawnee has made Money Magazine’s list of Best Places to live in America and is praised for its affordable housing, air quality index and median commute time. Riverview, located in Johnson County with its new construction and beautiful homes, is the ideal place to call home.

This story was originally published October 4, 2014 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Second phase under construction in Riverview."