Just as the farm field in the movie, "Field of Dreams," was transformed by one man's unique vision, the developers of Harrison Fields expect their vision of the future to bring a unique addition to the area's housing mix.

Right now it's just a 70-acre plot of former farmland on the Allen-Whitley county line, but soon the site will be transformed into a unique and innovative community. And just as the film's fictional Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella knew of his vision, the men behind Harrison Fields also know that if they build it, people will come.

The four partners behind County Line Ventures, LLC, Maurie Byall, Marvin Bok, Tom Faurote, and Steve Stringer had always planned to transform the former Harrison farm on County Line Road into a housing development. That's not the unique part of their plan. But when Bok drove through a development in Naples, Florida, he felt a strong attraction to the neighborhood for reasons he didn't instantly comprehend. A second and slower drive through revealed the reasons. Instead of the many typical cul de sacs and intersections found in most newer subdivisions, the neighborhood was a compelling mix of open space and winding curvy streets.

The partners located the project's developer, a Minnesota based planner, and were introduced to the concept of "coving." The concept works to make use of natural land features to maximize usable space, while giving residents wider "viewscapes," and a less intrusive feel than found in most developments. "Coving," also works to create a slower traffic flow and a safer neighborhood. The developers say research indicates that by limiting the number of intersections and slowing down drivers with gracefully curving roads, accidents are far less likely.

Another safety conscious aspect of the development is the installation of 5-foot wide sidewalks, a foot wider than most, which Byall expects will help keep pedestrians and bicyclists separated from motor vehicle traffic. "From a safety standpoint coving keeps traffic speeds down," Byall said. "And people will be on the sidewalks rather than in the street."

In all Harrison Fields will have 150 home sites, and phase one which is now ready to go will have 45 homes. There will be three phases to the project. Average square footage for the homes will range from 2,500 to 3,500 Sq. Ft., Byall said, and lots are priced from the mid $40,000 range through the mid $70,000's. The second and third phases will offer custom built villa homes as well.

Home sites will have larger varied setbacks from the roads, and be angled to give homeowners a 360-degree view of their property, instead of being built parallel to their neighbor's home. There will only be one cul de sac, at the rear of the site. The development will emphasize the concept of smart growth, which aims to avoid the "sprawl," look of many new housing ventures. Wooded areas and ponds will be incorporated to give the neighborhood an estate-like feel.

The "coving," design concept aims to give home sites a more private feel while making the most effective use of available land. "Homeowners will enjoy better views all the way around because their homes are not going to be directly lined up with each other," Byall said. "You are not going to be looking directly at your neighbor's house."

"This is not a community where all of the houses will look the same," said Bok. "Homes will be custom-built by quality conscious builders." Byall said the varied home styles and the elimination of the typical maze-like design often found in new developments will give Harrison Fields a very unique feel. The use of "coving," will reduce street space by about 20-percent compared to most developments of the same size, and will increase home sites by about that much also, Byall noted. Custom builders are welcomed by the developers.

All home sites will have public water and sewer service, and are located in Aboite Township. While no one can predict the future with total accuracy, Byall said the location literally across the street from Whitley County will make the area one of the last possible places in Allen County that may eventually face annexation by Fort Wayne. And unlike other developments, homeowners will not have to agree to any deed restricting waiving their right to fight annexation.

Harrison Fields offers a chance for residents to live in a uniquely styled neighborhood. While "coving," is becoming more popular nationally, it's definitely new in the Fort Wayne area. There are two similar developments in the Indianapolis area but Harrison Fields will introduce the concept to our region. "We wanted to bring something unique and brand new to Fort Wayne," Bok said. "I think we have achieved that." For more information on home sites in Harrison Fields contact Maurie Byall at (260) 410-4476 (cell).