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FAMILY TRIUMPHS OVER TRAGEDY WITH CUSTOMIZED HANDICAPPED-ACCESSIBLE DESIGN FROM WYNDHAM DEERPOINT HOMES (From left to right) Chanel, Bob, Revelina and Tre Buschbacher found the ideal home for their needs at Tall Oaks in Elgin. Every builder promises improved lifestyles to buyers of new home construction. However in the case of wheelchair-bound Bob Buschbacher and his wife Revelina, saying that their new home by Wyndham Deerpoint Homes will improve their lifestyle could be the understatement of the year. In late August, the couple and their two teenage children are scheduled to move into a four-bedroom, four-bath home located at Tall Oaks in Elgin. Moving day will mark a happy turning point of a difficult journey that began two years ago when a motocross accident left Bob a quadriplegic. "They say your life can change in an instant, and ours certainly did when Bob suffered his accident," said Revelina. When Bob came home from the hospital, the family quickly realized that their South Elgin home of many years could not adequately accommodate his special needs. Thus began a frustrating process to find a builder willing to tailor a design for wheelchair-accessibility within the Buschbacher's price range. The couple thought their problems were solved when they met with a major builder in the Elgin area. The Buschbachers sold their home and put money down on a new one, only to have that builder back out at the last minute due to self-admitted intimidation by the design requirements. Devastated and without a home, the family of four moved in to Revelina's parents' two-bedroom house in Elgin and began their search anew. Revelina visited the 2006 Gallery of Homes and decided to contact the site's developer, Wyndham Deerpoint Homes. When the couple entered the builder's sales center at Tall Oaks in Elgin, once again they felt their lives change in an instant, only this time for the better. "Within five minutes of talking to the folks at Wyndham Deerpoint Homes, we knew this was the builder for us," Bob said. "Other builders hemmed and hawed at my requirements, but Wyndham Deerpoint Homes had total self-confidence that their designers could make the wheelchair-accessible alterations, and that their craftsmen could build them out to the company's high standards. There was no hesitation whatsoever." The couple selected the Whitehall model. The two-story, four-bedroom home follows recommendations from the American Disability Act and includes widened hallways and enlarged entrances. The kitchen features lowered counter heights and a "roll-under" island for Bob's wheelchair convenience. Additionally, instead of doors, all cabinetry has drawers, making it easier for Bob to manage. Wyndham Deerpoint Homes modified the home extensively to accommodate the couple's needs. The master bedroom includes a large 5-foot by 5-foot roll-in shower, as well as a toilet that can be accessed from both the front and sides and a vanity area that Bob can comfortably roll under, providing easy access to outlets. Inside the garage, there's a ramp entranceway, plus an oversized garage that Revelina hopes will someday house a handicapped van. There is also an elevator in the home that was added after Wyndham Deerpoint Homes did independent research unbeknownst to the Buschbachers. "We had requested a chair lift," said Bob. "Wyndham Deerpoint Homes did their own studies and determined that an elevator would make better sense in terms of lifestyle and longevity." "Wyndham Deerpoint Homes has gone the extra mile for us, not just with the elevator, but every step of the way," said Revelina. "This is a company who cares deeply and their actions speak louder than words." To celebrate the groundbreaking of the Buschbachers' home in April, the builder hosted a champagne brunch at the Whitehall model and invited the couple's family and friends. Now, much to the couple's delight, a cousin is making plans to build her own home at Tall Oaks. The couple's future also looks brighter on the work front. With the help of a handicapped-accessible mouse and computer technology, provided to him by his company, Bob has recently resumed his career working from home as a mechanical designer for Plainfield-based MEP Consultants. Revelina also plans to work from home part-time, operating her corporate human resource company, R & R Consulting. "This is not a special needs home, this is a special home, period," said Revelina. "It flows with space and light, and is filled with fine flooring, high ceilings, upscale counters and cabinetry, and other architectural details and quality touches." The couple's children, Chanel, 16 and Tre, 14 are equally excited about the upcoming move. Bob and Revelina kept the teenagers' needs top of mind when searching for a new home. Wyndham Deerpoint Homes also redesigned the living room and bathroom area to include a computer room for Chanel and Tre. "We really wanted to stay in the Elgin area. I think the secret's getting out about what a fabulous place this is to raise a family," said Revelina. "And with two teenagers, it definitely helps that there are four bathrooms," Bob added. "Wyndham Deerpoint Homes has built us more than a beautiful place to live and work. They've built us hope, and they've built our belief in human kindness," concluded Revelina. Tall Oaks is located in the highly rated Burlington School District 301. The community is easily accessible to Rt. 90, Randall Road shopping, and three local Metra stations offering quick service to downtown Chicago and other destinations. Homeowners can take advantage of a variety of Elgin area attractions, including city parks, local golf courses, the state-of-the-art Gail Borden Library, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and the Centre of Elgin downtown family recreational facility featuring an indoor aquatic center, fitness center, climbing wall and track. Tall Oaks buyers can choose from 10 distinctive floorplans that include three ranch designs and two first-floor master plans, ranging in size from approximately 2,000 to 4,100 square feet. Base prices range from $402,500 to $539,750 (all prices subject to change without notice). Each home offers three to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half to four baths, two- to three-car garage, nine-foot first floor, wood-burning fireplace, kitchen with oak hardwood floor, 93% efficient gas furnace, fully sodded homesite with professional landscape package, full basement, and a professional, transferable 10-year home warranty. Other standard amenities (depending on the plan) include den, first-floor master bedroom, volume ceilings, dual staircase, hearth room, large two-story foyer, and second-floor laundry. A loft, bonus room, sunroom, bay windows, Whirlpool tub, and upgraded trim are among the popular options available. Situated off Rt. 20 near the intersection of Russell and Plank Roads in the west portion of Elgin, Tall Oaks is set on a scenic parcel that boasts homesites of a quarter-acre to over an acre (10,000- to 25,000-square-foot lots), ponds, lush foliage and attractive landscaping. Community streetscapes promise plenty of curb appeal thanks to garages that are either side-load or recessed from the front door. Further adding to the appeal are homes that will sport Hardie Plank siding and architectural shingles. The Tall Oaks sales center is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To reach the community, take Rt. 20 to Plank Road, turn left onto Russell, and turn left onto Winding Hill Drive into the Tall Oaks entrance; proceed ahead to The Whitehall model at 163 Winding Hill Drive. For more information, call (847) 289-9600.

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