WILSONVILLE -- One of the largest residential developments in the state may get revived soon.
The planned community of Villebois, on the west side of I-5 in Wilsonville, was supposed to rise up from the grounds of a former state hospital but stalled with the down economy.
Andy Green of Costa Pacific Homes is optimistic about a comeback. The market for town homes has stalled, but a demand exists for smaller single-family detached homes, he said.
All the master plans for Villebois have been previously approved by the city, which is an advantage for the project's developers.
Three homes are already under construction. One home has sold, an admittedly modest start, but Green said Costa Pacific will be building a total of 35 homes. Vancouver developer Polygon Northwest has designs on another 80 homes. Those homes should be ready in 12 to 18 months.
All this resurgence mirrors plans by Fred Meyer, which is beginning the state's largest private retail construction project along 1-5 in Wilsonville.
Real estate broker Roy Widing with Certified Realty Company believes Wilsonville's commute time smack between Portland and Salem is adding to the city's growth.
"The average sale price in Wilsonville is in the top tier of the greater metro Portland area. It's over $300,000 average sales price. That's a very attractive market," said Widing.
The city is doing everything it can to keep it that way.
Wilsonville Mayor Tim Knapp said the city's staff is ready to help developers move ahead with homes tailored to the city's previously approved plans.
In addition to the new homes being built, a new elementary school is planned for Villebois that was scheduled to open in 2012.
