Property Profiles
All in the Family
Lee’s Summit landowners build trust as well as houses after they open their acreage to others at Legacy Wood.
BY
Megan Felling
PHOTOGRAPHY
courtesy of Legacy Wood

When Clarence and Thelma Wood purchased 133 acres of rolling meadowland more than 50 years ago, they had a dream that their family would enjoy the land for generations. They built a home for themselves and one for their son, Paul, and his wife. For years, they farmed and raised cattle, but Paul always wanted to develop a residential community.

In the late 1990s, Wood Family Development began the process of developing the land into new home sites to share with other families. The first foundation in what would become Legacy Wood was dug in September 2005 and the first residents moved in during March 2006.

Located in eastern Lee’s Summit on Langsford Road, adjacent to the 700-acre Legacy Park on Blackwell Parkway, it really is a family endeavor. Kathy Wood, Paul’s daughter-in-law, and nephew Brian Wood formed Wood Team Realty Executives to market the homes built by Wood Brothers Construction, owned by Kathy’s son, Jud.

Legacy Wood has become a popular new-home community, with seven phases planned for a total of 273 lots. Phase I, with 39 total lots, is nearly sold out. Phase II, with 30 lots, has a variety remaining, from flat to walkout. Phase III has begun, adding 54 more home sites. Flat, daylight, full walkout and cul-de-sac lots ranging from one-quarter to one-half acre are available, starting at $48,950. Phase IV will be adjacent to the park.

Buyers may choose a lot and customize several plans by Wood Brothers Construction or bring in their own builder with approval by the architectural review board as long as they are in good standing with the Home Builders Association. Minimum construction guidelines, such as brick, stone or stucco fronts, ensure quality and continuity among homes. Minimum square footage is 1,500.

There are environmental guidelines as well. “Wood Family Development has been helping homeowners build green homes for many years, even before the trend really caught on,” says Kathy, adding that homes are required to have energy-efficient add-on heat pumps, 30-year  composition roofs and thermal-pane windows. Wood Brothers builds with Tyvek wrap on the exteriors to aid in moisture prevention and uses plastic plumbing instead of copper to conserve natural materials. They also incorporate a new product called EcoBatt, a sustainable and environmentally responsible insulation made of renewable bio-based materials rather than nonrenewable petroleum-based chemicals.

Homes in Legacy Wood, in the Lee’s Summit North High School district, range from the $260,000s to more than $400,000. Of the many floor plans, Kathy says the Copper has been one of the most popular. “The two-story plan is what has kept us going in the current real estate environment,” she notes. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath plus den features a luxurious oversized master suite with walk-in shower, separate tub and large closet.

The model, the Legacy II, showcases an option for those who want to downsize yet still desire high-quality finishes. A two-bedroom, two-bath ranch just under 1,800 square feet offers custom beadboard white cabinets, granite countertops, gas cooktop and walk-in pantry. The open plan flows from the kitchen to the hearth room, including a double-sided fireplace bordering the great room and dining room. A covered deck runs the length of the rear of the house, with access from the hearth room and the master bedroom. Hardwood floors, security and sprinkler systems, and a three-car garage complete the package for just under $289,000.

A neighborhood pool and cabana was built in Phase II. The homes association maintains the pool and common areas as well as trash removal for a $400 annual fee. “In addition to being so close to Legacy Park, the pool has been a popular amenity for homebuyers,” Kathy says. “I think it also makes people feel good to know they are working directly with us, that the family is involved, and that we live on the property. Building a house is a large investment, and people have to have trust in who they are working with.”

The dream of creating a community for the people of Lee’s Summit and a lasting legacy for the Wood family is coming true. “We’re proud of what we’ve done with it,” Kathy says.

816.554.8881
www.legacy-wood.com

This article originally appeared in the December 2009 issue of Kansas City Homes & Gardens.