Lennar seeks rule change to allow full-masonry fronts for Ellis Acres townhomes; council approves first reading

Lennar Homes representatives told the Town of Whitestown Town Council on Jan. 6 they are seeking a text amendment to the Ellis Acres planned-unit development to allow full-masonry front façades on certain townhome units. The council approved Ordinance 2025-01 on first reading by unanimous roll call.

Sean Blackburn, entitlements manager for Lennar Homes of Indiana, told the council the company is not the original developer of the PUD and wants to deliver “our newest and best, most expensive product” on the frontage along 750 South and Indianapolis Road. Blackburn said the amendment would allow a 100 percent masonry front façade for the affected units and relax certain offset requirements within four-unit buildings.

Todd (town planning staff) presented the change and confirmed the Planning Commission recommended approval at its December meeting. Council members asked about the number and type of units: Blackburn said the three-story townhome frontage would contain 34 units and that the product was for purchase rather than rental.

Councilman Tobey Thomas said he had discussed the proposal with local HOA representatives and noted the new designs represent an upgraded product. After questions about neighborhood outreach and compatibility, the council voted 5–0 for first reading approval of Ordinance 2025-01.

The first-reading approval advances the text amendment; it will be finalized according to the town’s ordinance-adoption schedule and published with any required notifications. Planning staff will incorporate the approved changes into the PUD documents and monitor subsequent permit submissions for consistency with the revised architectural standards.