Stonebridge Meadows offers quiet streets, warm neighbors

Jennifer and Luke Cole hadn’t really anticipated moving. After all, they’d settled in Olathe only four years ago, and moving — with young children, no less — isn’t something most people are anxious to tackle again.

But there was something about Stonebridge Meadows, Rodrock Development’s family-driven neighborhood at 16680 S. Lind Road, which continued to beckon to the couple.

“We actually lived nearby,” Jennifer recalled, “and often times, my husband and I would take walks over into Stonebridge Meadows during the summer evenings. We saw all the development and our interest was piqued.”

The family had moved into their previous three-bedroom home knowing they’d soon need more space. They looked into remodeling, but the effort was cost-prohibitive given the neighborhood’s resale market. So one evening, the Coles saw Stonebridge Meadows’ welcome center and stopped in.

“We looked throughout the nearby communities, but Stonebridge Meadows was cozy and full of cul-de-sacs, which felt more family-friendly,” Jennifer said. “That’s the kind of neighborhood we came from, and that’s what we wanted to find for our kids. We were delighted to discover a large, five-bedroom home at the end of a cul-de-sac in Stonebridge Meadows. And the first day we moved in, we had two little girls come over, just bubbling with excitement to say hello and wanting to see if we had any kids. Their mom yelled out from across the street, ‘I couldn’t hold them back any longer.’ It was adorable, and what a welcome for our family. We’re very happy here.”

The neighborhood is part of the larger Stonebridge development — the biggest Rodrock community to date — which also includes Stonebridge Trails, Stonebridge Village and Stonebridge Park. And while this larger community is laden with amazing amenities, the smaller neighborhood feels anything but crowded or conventional.

“Stonebridge Meadows is on the west side of Stonebridge and still has that ‘in the country feel’ with fantastic park space and future plats to the south, north and east,” said Ann Knickrehm, a longtime Rodrock Development marketing agent. “We’re close to shopping, highway access and outstanding Spring Hill schools (including Prairie Creek, which has received the Governor’s Award for Excellence three times). Still, you don’t feel crowded.”

This sense of space — perfect for growing families — is what helped draw Emily and Mark Tritz to the community. The family has called Stonebridge Meadows home for half a year now.

“We absolutely love it,” said Emily. “When we were looking for houses, the neighborhood popped up on our search. We’d heard about Rodrock Development and liked how they try to establish a sense of community.”

What Emily and Mark discovered was an ideal space made up of family-friendly cul-de-sacs filled with outgoing neighbors and school-aged children.

“We really love our new home,” Emily said. “We live on a great cul-de-sac with lots of kids. The children love to ride their bikes and scooters on these quiet streets. And the neighbors are very friendly.”

The sense of community for which Rodrock Developments are renowned is due, in great part, thanks to Darol Rodrock’s brilliant Mom’s Council. Rodrock created the concept decades ago to help new neighborhoods get off to a great start. Its annual year-round events — including seasonal celebrations, barbeques, movie-viewing events, pool parties and more — provide new homeowners the opportunity to jump into a healthy, vibrant social life.

Another boon for families is all the amenities available throughout the extended Stonebridge community, all connected with a helpful trail system that gives the neighborhood an accessible, small-town feel. The trails provide a delightful way to make use of the extended community’s impressive four pools and two richly appointed clubhouses complete with workout facilities.

Stonebridge also offers pergola-covered grills; picnic areas; hard-surface sport court for basketball, tennis and volleyball; and several well-equipped children’s playgrounds. The finishing touches are also being put on the Stonebridge Meadows park space, just to the south of 167th Street.

This distinctive way of life extends to the distinguished and unique homes available in the community. A welcome relief from cookie-cutter communities, Stonebridge Meadows features two-story, reverse 11/2-story and 11/2-story plans, ranging from $322,950 to $374,950. There are eight different builders in the community with 15 different plans, offering spacious four and five bedrooms, three to four bathrooms, and three-car garages. And approved outside builders are always welcome.

“We have all the plans anyone could want,” Knickrehm said. “There are grand two-story plans with upgrades galore, new reverse plans with walkout and daylight availability, and 11/2-story plans with loft space that could convert to a fourth bath for this four-bedroom gem.”

There is truly so much for families of all sizes to love in Stonebridge Meadows. It’s for this reason that the community is continuing to grow, with new lots available after the first of the year.

“The Meadows has plenty of cul-de-sac, walkout, daylight, treed and level lots available now, too,” Knickrehm said. “There’s no wait for homebuyers who want to start building. And we have such a gorgeous variety of homes available for move-in before the holidays — just in time for the Moms’ Council Horse-Drawn Hayride Event. I can’t think of a better time to meet new neighbors and tour the neighborhood by starlight. Robyn (Schraden) and I are on site daily until 5 p.m. So stop by and see what home is perfect for your family!”

This story was originally published November 29, 2014 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Stonebridge Meadows offers quiet streets, warm neighbors."