Leader Publications

It’s been a long time coming, but Niles is finally getting a new house.

Custom Builders, of Buchanan, is in the process of building a new three-bedroom, two-bath house at 350 Carefree Ct. within the Carefree Villas development.

It’s the first new non-Habitat-for-Humanity home built within city limits since 2008, according to Diane Powers of the city’s building safety division. The last new home built was also in Carefree Villas.

Custom Builders’ Orville Worvey said the home is being built on speculation that it would be sold. Construction began mid-April and Worvey expects the home to be finished in the next three months.

If the home sells, Worvey said he would likely build another within Carefree Villas, located off Third St., just south of Silverbrook Ave.

“Gradually (the housing market) is getting better,” Worvey said. “We are starting to see a little movement.”

Carefree Villas is owned by Bryan and Kathy Virgil, who bought the development. three years ago from Gary and Jan Selge. Bryan Virgil said Gary Selge used to run an excavating company out of Niles before retiring.

Carefree Villas is a 21-lot development. There are currently five completed homes in Carefree Villas, four of which are occupied. The owner of the fifth home passed away and the home is now for sale.

Bryan Virgil said he plans on finishing the road (Carefree Ct.) by the end of the year. It is about half complete.

Bryan Virgil said the homes are being marketed towards people over the age of 50 that are looking to downsize into a smaller, more energy efficient house. Lawn care and landscaping is provided through an association fee.

There are currently 15 lots available for sale.

For more information about the new home, contact Worvey at 269-362-1926. Flyers with information on the home are available in a box in front of the home.