FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the more Frequently Asked Questions about Avant Gardens.

Avant Gardens is located in the heart of Galena Township in Northwest Indiana. The area is unlike other parts of La Porte County in that it features a rolling terrain with several creeks and streams all part of the Galena Watershed which eventually leads to Lake Michigan. The area is home to numerous fruit farms and, up until a few years ago, it was also where Oprah Winfrey had her Indiana farm. Avant Gardens is a ten-minute drive to the shops and beaches of New Buffalo, Michigan; a twenty-minute drive to Notre Dame home football games; and 75 miles from Chicago’s Loop. There are two train systems that service the area from Chicago’s loop. Both Metra’s Southshore and Amtrak have daily service to Michigan City and New Buffalo, respectively. Both stations are just a 12-minute drive from Avant Gardens.

To download a brief explanation about our eco-friendly development click here.

To download a brief explanation about the benefits of modern design, click here.

There are plenty of year-round activities within a 20-minute drive of Avant Gardens. There are dozens of golf courses (both public and private), nature preserves and parks for hiking and picnicking, and Lake Michigan’s public beaches. The Four Winds Casino is only six miles away (at the New Buffalo, Michigan exit off I-94) and the Blue Chip Casino is about 12 minutes away in Michigan City, Indiana. Several horseback riding farms sprinkle the hills around Avant Gardens as do numerous fruit and tree farms (including u-pick blueberries and Christmas trees). The University of Notre Dame and its football stadium are a quick 20-miles away.

You can visit Avant Gardens any time. If you would like a tour, please contact our broker, Joe Kunkel at; 312-371-0986 or Email: joe.kunkel@bairdwarner.com
The custom house on Lot 4 is open summer weekends from 1-4 pm (CDT). You can start construction on your Avant Gardens house as soon as your plans are approved!

Avant Gardens stretches 103 acres. It includes twenty home sites ranging in size from 1.3 to 2.7 acres. The development includes a 60-acre Wildlife and Forest Preserve for the exclusive enjoyment of the residents of Avant Gardens.

Only the residents of Avant Gardens have access to the Wildlife and Forest Preserve. The preserve is comprised of 30 acres of open prairie and 30 acres of mature forest and is owned and managed by the Avant Gardens Homeowners Association. It is designated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which requires that regular maintenance be performed on the prairie. This maintenance is performed by J. F. New, an ecological services firm specializing in native prairie restoration.

Avant Gardens is an exclusive community. There are only 20 lots within the development.

Avant Gardens is located in the renowned New Prairie United School Corp. school district. Many private schools are also nearby.

The Avant Gardens Homeowners Association Covenants and Restrictions are available in a pdf format. To get a copy of the Covenants and Restrictions, please contact our broker, Joe Kunkel at 312-371-0986 Email: joe.kunkel@bairdwarner.com.

To review a Guide to help you hire an Architect click here. Remember that your plans need to be approved by the Avant Gardens Homeowners Association before construction begins. Several renowned architects who specialize in eco-friendly and modern home design are already familiar with Avant Gardens. To view a list of these architects, click here. The custom home on Lot 4 was designed by David Woodhouse Architects LLC. The adjacent courtyard, screened porch, and carport were designed by Brian Hammersley Architecture.

Selecting a builder is just as an important process as selecting an architect. For tips on how to Hire a Builder, visit: www.ehow.com Remember, your builder must submit proof of insurance documents and agree to the construction rules within Avant Gardens before breaking ground. Several area builders are already familiar with Avant Gardens. To view a list of these builders click here. A local company, Michigan City Associates, constructed both the clubhouse and the model home at Avant Gardens.

Avant Gardens has a community pool located at the front of the development that is strictly for the use of Avant Gardens residents and their guests. This in-ground pool is adjacent to a private clubhouse.

Avant Gardens is not connected to a public water or sewer system. Each lot owner will need to install a well and septic system on their lot. Each lot has already been tested to ensure that a well and septic system can be installed. Your contractor can help you with this installation.

Many of the lots within Avant Gardens provide southwest-pointing access for satellite service. Several area satellite providers offer both television and Internet service. Additionally, some homeowners may elect to use their cell phone provider’s Wi-Fi service for Internet access.

Avant Gardens is about 8 miles from the New Buffalo, Michigan exit of I-94 (exit #1). From this exit, turn south on Rt. 39. Go to 1000N/Heston and turn left. Go to Fail Road and turn right. Go three miles to Avant Gardens. You can also reach Avant Gardens from I-80. Exit at the La Porte, IN exit (# 49). Turn north on Rt. 39 and go to US 20. Turn right and go to Fail Road. Turn left onto Fail Road and go three miles to Avant Gardens.

There is plenty of information about Avant Gardens throughout this web site. If you have additional questions, please contact our broker, Joe Kunkel at; 312.371.0986 or Email: joe.kunkel@bairdwarner.com