Sat, Jul 14, 2018
A major expansion of Meadow Stone manufactured home community is under way and will add 55 new lots to the existing 142. Joan Van HoutenStaff Writer A community within a community is thriving, and it’s due to a changing mindset about manufactured homes. No longer considered a structure to be transported from place to place, “mobile homes” have transformed into something not quite so mobile and providing options to an area suffering from a housing shortage.

Four Leaf Properties specializes in purchasing manufactured home parks and developing them into growing communities. It recently purchased Meadow Stone, located off Hanover Street and M-37 in Hastings. Work has begun to create an additional 55 lots, adding to the existing 142. Meadow Stone is the first property in rebuilding the company assets after having sold its prior holdings. “We don’t build up the communities to sell, but a great offer came at an opportune time and from the right buyer so the sales went through,” said Ashley Munniksma, director of development for Four Leaf Properties. “We’re very excited to be here and to be a contributing presence in the city of Hastings by making a positive impact on the housing shortage in the area.”

The three-year plan for Meadow Stone includes road repair, redesigning and upgrading the existing playground and creating a community dog park. The building of a community clubhouse will be constructed in the near future and will house the main office, have a large space for Meadow Stone residents to utilize and provide free Wi-Fi. “I see people all the time who come here because they’re frustrated about not being able to find a nice, affordable place to live,” Munniksma said. “When they see what manufactured housing is like today, they are shocked. It’s not like walking into your grandma’s mobile home anymore.”Layout and design of manufactured homes are near equal to stick-built housing with special features to choose from. Options available include two or three bedrooms, tile, laminate or carpet flooring and master bath. There are several options for kitchens, such as choice of appliances, an island and even marble countertops.

Building requirements for manufactured housing also have changed over the years with strict regulations governing construction. For example, the structures must meet state standards for weatherization, including insulation and windows. Affordability along with quality of living is attractive for people considering purchasing a manufactured home. It also provides an opportunity to build equity through home ownership.

Munniksma said the average purchase price of a new home is $50,000 to $60,000, depending on the options chosen. Lot rent is $295 per month with water and sewer running an average of $55 monthly. Owners pay for their own electric service.“You can own a brand-new home designed your way in a wonderful community for under $1,000 a month,” said Munniksma. She said current residents shouldn’t be concerned with the changes taking place. Though current rules will be updated to “four leaf” the community, the restructuring will be minimal, and noise from the expansion work will soon be over. The company directly sells new homes for the community and has eight model homes available for viewing. It also finances the purchase of homes in Meadow Stone. Though homes at Meadow Stone are not available for rent or rent-to-own, the possibility of home ownership may be opening to many Barry County residents that was not an option for them before. This is good news for local governments struggling to find ways to overcome a housing shortage and for industries needing to attract skilled workers to the area.