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By:Andy Turner ~ contributor
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel House & Home
Date:31 January 2010

Franklin has proven to be a popular suburb partly because it’s not overrun with subdivisions, said David Tanner, senior based MLG Communities.
“In Franklin, subdivisions haven’t been overbuilt like some communities,” he said. “There are choices there, of course, but the number of lots is really in line with demand.”
A popular location with MLG, as the company has started its forth development in the city, Cardinal Heights, a 12-acre, 21 lot development on 51st St. north of Ryan Road in central Franklin. The firm also developed yorksire Grove and Red Wing Meadows, which are sold out, and Hidden Oaks, Where lots are still available. Cardinal Heights is located approximately five minutes from the S. 27th St. business corridor, about 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee and has easy access to I-94. Tanner said buyers can pick any builder they want to build their new home. Elm Grove-based Kings Way Homes built the only existing home in Cardinal Heights, and the house has been occupied since last year. Construction on two more houses shoud begin this spring, he said.

Kings Way president Craig Caliendo said his company has worked with MLG on other developments with positive results. “They do a nice job of land planning,” he said. His company joined with Siepmann Realty Corp. to develop Crooked Creek in Franklin, and Caliendo called the city a very desirable location.
There are 18 lots currently available in Cardinal Heights, and sales are pending on two. Prices start at $95,900, and MLG currently is offering lot discounts of up to $25,000. Each lot is about one-third of an acre in size. The development, which is bordered by woodlands, features two ponds and has a nick mix of topography changes, Tanner said.
MLG maintains architectural approval on all homes, which Tanner said helps maintain a high level of quality and cohesiveness in the development. “The protective covenants really add value and are a positive for the development because it keeps up values for the homes around you as well,” he said.
Square footage minimums are 2,100 for ranch homes and 2,300 for two-story houses. All houses must be made of natural materials. Tanner said Cardinal Heights has an outstanding location and appealing features that start with the attractive brick entrance gate. “The vision for this project was creating a middle- to high-end development in Franklin,” he said. “These are not starter homes.”
The city of Franklin had a population of 33,550, a 13.8% boost over the 2000 U.S. Census, at the end of 2008, according to the state Department of Administration. The subdivision is served by the Franklin Public School District, which has 4,152 students, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. It is the 41st largest school district in the state. Students in Cardinal Heights would attend Southwood Glen Elementary School, Forest Park Middle School and Franklin High School.