Aging in Place Design

Revolutionary Rowhomes Offer Luxury Living for Those Who Seek to Age in Place

DJK Custom Homes finds the perfect balance between luxury and sustainability with Heritage Place

Founded in 1988 by Dan and Kim Kittilsen, DJK Custom Homes has built a reputation for delivering high-performance custom residences in the Chicagoland area. The company, now managed by the Kittilsens alongside their son Kevin, specializes in luxury homes that incorporate advanced green building technologies and sustainable design principles. Over the years, DJK has focused primarily on developing custom home communities and luxury rowhomes in the western suburbs of Chicago, particularly within a 25-mile radius of Naperville, Illinois, the company’s headquarters.

Based in Naperville, Illinois, DJK has earned industry-wide recognition with its latest development, Heritage Place. The townhome community exemplifies the company’s commitment to creating homes that are not only aesthetically stunning but also sustainable, healthy and energy-efficient. With ENERGY STAR and Indoor airpLUS certifications, the community has earned honors as this year’s Project of the Year by Green Home Builder Magazine.

Located in Naperville’s historic district, the project’s central location makes it highly desirable for buyers seeking both a quiet, upscale living environment and proximity to urban conveniences. The development sits within walking distance of the Naperville Metra Train Station, offering direct access to downtown Chicago.

The inspiration for the new luxury rowhomes offered at Heritage Place is to offer a low maintenance lifestyle for individuals that are seeking to age in place, as well as being conveniently located to all amenities that Downtown Naperville offers,” Dan said.

The community is centered around the historic Kroehler Mansion, which will undergo a sensitive restoration. The mansion’s original design elements, including mosaic flooring, wood paneling and fireplaces, will be preserved in the creation of two new luxury rowhomes. These units will blend the mansion’s historic charm with modern amenities, offering residents the best of both worlds.

At the core of Heritage Place is DJK’s dedication to high-performance homes. The luxury rowhomes feature cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies and sustainable building materials.

Each home is built with the goal of minimizing environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency. The development utilizes Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified subflooring, advanced Pella Lifestyle Series windows with Low-E glass, and a High-Performance Critical Energy Seal package that eliminates air leaks and boosts energy efficiency. The homes are also equipped with R49 cellulose insulation and Carrier high-efficiency HVAC systems to ensure optimal temperature control year-round.

Beyond energy efficiency, the homes at Heritage Place are designed to promote healthier indoor environments. The community features no-VOC paint, LED lighting and a MERV 10 air filtration system, providing superior air quality for residents. 

DJK Custom Homes has combined eco-conscious building practices with luxury design to create an exclusive community. The rowhomes offer expansive floor plans ranging from 3,636 to 4,888 square feet, with up to five stories of living space.

The inspiration for the new luxury rowhomes offered at Heritage Place is to offer a low maintenance lifestyle for individuals that are seeking to age in place, as well as being conveniently located to all amenities that Downtown Naperville offers.” – Dan Kittilsen, Founder, DJK Custom Homes

One of the standout features of Heritage Place is its private rooftop entertainment decks, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. Each rowhome is designed with open-concept living spaces, high ceilings and luxurious finishes like quartz countertops and Pella Lifestyle Series sliding doors. Residents can also enjoy outdoor spaces with balconies off the main and bedroom levels, great for soaking up the atmosphere of Naperville’s historic district.

For buyers seeking even more convenience, the homes include elevator shafts, allowing for easy installation of private in-unit elevators. DJK has also included practical features like two-car garages, soundproofing between units and private park spaces designed by the Naperville Park District.

Heritage Place attracts a diverse range of buyers, from young families seeking a suburban lifestyle near public transit to empty-nesters looking to downsize into a low-maintenance, high-end home. The development’s proximity to the Naperville Metra Station is a major selling point for city commuters, while the spacious floor plans and luxurious finishes appeal to those who want the best of both worlds—convenience and comfort.

Prices for the homes at Heritage Place range from $1.18 million to $1.7 million, with the final cost determined by factors such as unit type, square footage, and location within the community. With three distinct floor plans, buyers can choose the layout that best fits their lifestyle needs.

With Heritage Place nearing completion, DJK Custom Homes has set a new standard for green building in residential construction. By combining luxurious design, cutting-edge sustainability features, and a prime location, the development is poised to serve as a model for future residential projects. As more buyers seek homes that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible, DJK Custom Homes is leading the way in the evolution of high-performance luxury homes.