Our History

In 1995 there was a movement to create environmentally friendly developments with more open space, protection from harmful stormwater runoff with designs that allowed families to enjoy their open spaces, rather than living with traditional cookie cutter designs.

The Conservation Fund and the Great Lakes Council of Governors set out to create a program to preserve Lake Michigan by controlling the non-point contamination that flows from the upstream runoff of the watershed.  This pollution is borne from cities, farms, backyards and parking lots and accounts for more than half of all U.S. water pollution.

To protect this watershed, they picked one developer from each of the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, asking them to build a demonstration project using the guidelines of LID (Low Impact Development).  Jane Tenney from Niles, Michigan was picked for the State of Michigan.  The Southwestern Michigan Planning Commission highlighted three developments that used LID guidelines.  Longmeadow was selected as one of these.  See https://swmpc.org

Principles of non-point design incorporated at Longmeadow included reducing hard surfaces by limiting the width of roads.  Protecting waterbodies and wetlands by designing natural grass barriers that would filter contaminated runoff.  Creating a “dark sky” environment in the evening for habitat by eliminating most street lights.

Jane Tenney set out to create a Master Planned Community on 250+ acres of farmland.  With 50 acres left for open space and 2 miles of white horse fence the vision of her childhood home in Lexington, KY began.  Wanting areas for residences to enjoy each other she designed a community garden, walking trails, a stocked fishing pond and an ice-skating pond.

It was felt that a diversity of home sizes, styles and prices would provide an interesting community for all ages.  A separate 55+ living community with no maintenance requirements called Lexington Pointe was also added.  A village with services for local residences as well as the community has added the following companies.  Doctor’s offices, a rehab center and a dialysis center were built by Correll Health.  Woodland Terrace has Assisted Living and Memory Care units.  Great Lakes Eye Care and Four Flags Dentistry round out the health care facilities.  A Lawyers office and Prayer Revival Ministry Center is also available.

Longmeadow is now 20+ years old and the original vision is secure.