"We talk to roughly 6,000 people per year in our various communities throughout Northwest Indiana,'' said Carmen Ware, Olthof Homes sales manager. "That's the basis of some very good customer research that strongly indicates a need for single-family homes that offer what people generally love about Olthof homes -- our open-concept floor plans, incredible quality and comprehensive warranty -- yet financially attainable for more people."

Featuring fresh, architectural designs and a unique array of rich colors, the American Prairie Collection is reminiscent of a simpler time and place, yet updated to include ample square footage to meet the needs of today's families. These high-quality, reasonably priced homes give buyers the freedom to invest their earnings as they wish. For example, you can choose to invest in more square footage, exteriors finishes, or the individual options that reflect personal style and budget, according to Ware.

"The American Prairie Collection is a compelling alternative for buyers currently looking at existing homes,'' she said. "In the past, Olthof Homes did not offer single-family homes priced in the $200,000- to $250,000-range. We're really excited to be able to offer buyers the choice of purchasing a brand-new home in this value range."

Located adjacent to, or just down the street from some of Olthof's most successful communities, where a diverse combination of homes from its Easy-Living and Estate Collections already exist, the four new communities set to debut the American Prairie Collection include Silverleaf, which is centrally located off of U.S. 231, just west of U.S. 41 in St. John, with plans for 196 new homes; Wyndham Woods, which is tucked away just minutes from Crown Point's historic downtown square, south of U.S. 231 on Marshall Street, with plans for 34 exclusive new homes; Covington, which is nestled quietly away from the Crown Point square, just south of U.S. 231 off of Delaware Street, with plans for 87 new homes; and Village Circle, which is located just north of U.S. 30 in Dyer, where these 131 new homes will make this the area's first to offer the entire Olthof product line.

Like the Olthof communities before them, the new communities will feature many of the signature amenities that Olthof homeowners enjoy, according to Ware. Professionally designed to complement the natural terrain and offer residents the opportunity to enjoy life in new homes, these include centrally located community parks, playgrounds, nature preserves, ornamental street lights, scenic ponds, water fountains, landscaped parkways and community markers.

"Early indicators seem to be that we're getting a very good response to the American Prairie Collection,'' Ware said. "This truly has been a unique project, and everything from the marketing right down to the end product reflects our commitment and excitement. Even the sales trailers have been specially designed to offer a feel for the uniqueness of these homes and their communities."

While construction is just getting under way for the models at each of the new communities, the brightly painted sales trailers, which offer a true feel for the richness of the unique exterior color palette from the American Prairie Collection, are open for business and are welcoming curious visitors and fielding telephone inquiries.

"We always have a lot of people call before we open a new community, but we've had more calls than usual for the American Prairie Collection,'' Ware said. "So many calls, in fact, that we decided to open our sales trailers in the fall, allowing us to work with those people that are planning to move into their brand new homes next spring."

Along with the stunning shades of blue, green, red, gray, mustard and tan for the exteriors, the American Prairie Collection has enticed potential buyers with its flexibility of options. There are four architectural styles from which to choose, Traditional, Country, Classic and Craftsman. Features of each style vary to accommodate a wide array of tastes. Inside, standard features can be enhanced by selecting options individually or in value-priced option packages.

"Along with the opening of our sales trailers, we are offering special preconstruction discounts up to $10,000 for a limited number of buyers at each of our four new communities,'' Ware said. "I absolutely anticipate rolling through all of the discounts at each location, even during the colder months, before our models will be complete next spring."

Beginning with a savings of $10,000 for the first buyer at each community, the amount of each preconstruction discount is reduced by $1,000 for the next four and by $500 for the next several buyers.

Since 1961 Olthof Homes has built thousands of homes in communities throughout Northeastern Illinois and Northwest Indiana. Its hallmark is designing a wide selection of homes in ideal locations with unique settings, appealing exteriors and open floor plans. These strengths have made Olthof a leader in the local home building market.