The ABBY       According to Mike Ross, Director of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, UIUC, Micro-Urban is the term coined to describe "population centers of under 250,000 that possess a highly uncommon set of desireable attributes normally exclusively associated with much larger metropolitan centers."    McGuire Custom Homes has captured this Micro-Urbanism of our community in the vibrant design, innovation and presentation of their 2009 Showcase Home.    Built to maximize the view of the lake with a welcoming facade it opens its arms to you with a two story entry, a stacked stone fireplace anchoring floating shelves and an open staircase with art gallery and gracious loft. Square columns with slightly arched openings define the dining room. A highly textured wallcovering is the backdrop to the buffet and a stylized mirror.    The home has a metropolitan feel. It's luxurious with glamorous appointments such as the chrome lighting fixtures, glass tiles and strong classic elements. Expresso cabinetry and Oxford gray birch flooring provide a strong base to every aspect of the home.        Innovation is seen in the kitchen location. From the work peninsula, you are at the control center of the home. You have the pulse on activity in the hearth room, covered porch, dining and living areas. You can even hear what's happening in the loft flex space or know who is going or coming from the street, garage or lake. This design truly makes the kitchen the heart of the home.   The custom designed kitchen is equipped with stainless GE "Cafe" appliances featuring dual fuel commerical-look stove and concrete & Quartz countertops. A barrelled ceiling with ambient lighting encloses the prep area. Loft tile flooring defines the space separating it from the hearth room where everyone feels cozy next to the Cosmo fireplace and openings to the lake and covered porch.    The first floor master is a true lakeside retreat. The 14' coffered ceiling reflects the grand suites of an urban home. And the glass tiles, mirrors, loft floor tiles and whirlpool all add to the sophistication you enjoy elsewhere and now find here.    Newell posts reflecting the dining room columns lead to the second floor where 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and the loft are located. One bedroom works as a suite with its own bath and computer or game space for computers, library or practicing the violin. It's living space that flexes.    Innovation is abundant throughout the home where a smart system can regulate the temperature, lighting, audio-visual equipment and security of the environment. The unfinished basement remains open, creative space for projects and exercising.    This home provides a metropolitan environment co-existing with the best life qualities of our Micro-Urban community. We know our neighbors. We enjoy our friends. We experience a rich cultural life. And, we relish the sophistication built on solid quality that McGuire Custom Homes creates for its 8 to 12 clients per year.

McGuire Custom Homes   Phone: 217-784-4401 Fax: 217-621-9193 Email:nicole@mcguire-homes.com    1st Floor   2nd Floor   Nicole Thompson & Jeff McGuire   217-784-4401  The Abby's interior designer was Donica Flint, Kimberly Fletcher and Jeff Kaper, Architexture Design Center. Staging by Jane Tjardes and Lori Epps of CreativeSelling.us. Furniture by Das Holz Haus, Fashion Shop and Simply Amish. McGuire Custom Homes wishes to thank its HBAECI member subcontractors and suppliers: Alexander Lumber, Andersen Windows, Architextures Design Center, CreativeSelling.us, Dan Block Electric, Dillman Brothers Contracting, Harmon Excavating, Helmuth Custom Kitchens, Illinois Brick Company, Liz Jones Group at Keller Williams Realty, Illini Pella and Stone Creek Products.