Borlen Farms, Hartford 

By Andy Turner

Posted: June 26, 2010

Borlen Farms, a 201-lot subdivision off of N. Main St. in the city, is the company's third subdivision in Hartford. Kissel Ridge and Summer Wind also are Kaerek developments.

"The city of Hartford offers a wealth of amenities for families looking for the perfect place to relocate," said president Michael J. Kaerek.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Hartford Heritage Auto Museum and the Schauer Arts & Activities Center are just a few of the cultural and recreational sources in Hartford that Kaerek points to.

In addition, Hartford's new 35,000-square-foot public library is expected to open in 2012, and the Rubicon River Corridor Trail will link the entire area with a bike and pedestrian path, said Justin Drew, director of planning and zoning for the city. Drew also said the City of Hartford Recreation and Fitness Center is open to city residents and residents of surrounding communities.

Kaerek said Borlen Farms offers prospective homeowners an option where new construction is affordable. "Make your dream home a reality," he said.

Lot and home packages start at $189,990 in Borlen Farms. Lots range in size from 8,925 to 41,251 square feet and include municipal sanitary sewer and water systems and a storm sewer system. Square footage requirements are 1,500 for ranch homes, 1,800 for one-and-a-half story homes and 2,000 for two-story houses. Kaerek must approve all building plans and exterior designs.

Jakki Brunn, design manager for Kaerek Homes, said a good deal of variety architecturally can be found in Borlen Farms.

"Our catalog of homes in an array of styles and colors are prominently displayed throughout the subdivision with a mix of two-story and ranch style homes," she said. "The subdivision consists of traditional, country, Victorian, classic and Craftsman-style homes."

Brunn said the development is attracting both young families and empty nesters.

The city of Hartford, which is located in Dodge and Washington counties, had an estimated population of 13,900 at the end of 2008, a 27.5 % increase since the 2000 U.S. Census, according to the state Department of Administration. The nearby town of Hartford had an estimated population of 3,997, a 0.8 decrease, in the same survey.

The city of Hartford has two public school districts, Hartford Joint 1 School District, Hartford Union High School. There also are two private school systems, St. Killian School, Peace Lutheran School, in Hartford.