Impacted Communities: More Than Just an Empty Site
Vibrant Neighborhoods, Forest Reserves and Parks
In 2023 after a majority of the homes were built and sold, the Naperville City Council changed zoning rules to allow for Data Centers to be built in a conditional use of the ORI (Office Research and Light Industry) Zoning District. The change did not make data centers a "permitted use." Instead, it classified them as a "conditional use," meaning each proposed data center project requires a specific review and approval process by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) and the City Council.
There are 227 total units in the Naper Commons development.
The community consists of a mix of two housing types:
161 Single-Family Homes
66 Townhomes
Naper Commons currently has approximately 600 to 650 residents.
These homes were built by Pulte Homes on the approximately 68-acre northern portion of the former Nokia campus. The project was approved by the city in 2021 and completed construction around 2024/2025.
Naper Commons Foam Block Party - Summer 2025
Naper Commons has quickly blossomed into a vibrant, tight-knit community within Naperville, characterized by its modern streetscapes and immediate connection to the tranquility of the adjacent forest preserves. The neighborhood radiates the youthful, family-oriented energy that was drawn to the community due to the central feature: a playground and park that often draws neighbors together in the evening. This atmosphere is actively reshaping the local demographic, evidenced by a remarkable recent baby boom that saw over eight new infants born into the community in just the last twelve months. This surge of new life underscores the subdivision's identity not just as a housing development, but as a growing sanctuary where young families are deeply invested in planting roots and raising the next generation.
Naper Commons (Est. 2023)
Combined communities of Danada Woods and Fair Meadows Residences offer a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience. While Fairmeadows stands as a secluded, unincorporated enclave characterized by sprawling half-acre lots, mature oak trees, and mid-century custom homes dating back to the 1950s, Danada Woods (Est. 2002) complements this with a distinct era of maintenance-free living, featuring contemporary townhomes and a cohesive neighborhood atmosphere. Despite their architectural differences, both communities are united by their shared border with the 800-acre Danada Forest Preserve, providing residents with a quiet, nature-focused sanctuary that serves as a peaceful buffer against the rapid commercial development occurring just to their south.
Danada Woods & Fairmeadows Residences (Est. 2002)
Northwoods of Naperville is an upscale, luxury townhome community currently under construction by M/I Homes, representing a significant transformation of the local landscape through the adaptive reuse of a former 12-acre office site. Located at 1150 E. Diehl Road, just north of I-88 and moments from the Freedom Commons dining and business hub, this development features approximately 64 maintenance-free townhomes. The community offers a blend of modern "Urban" four-story designs with rooftop terraces and traditional "Revival" two-story layouts, catering to both young professionals and empty-nesters seeking premium living with immediate access to the I-88 research corridor and adjacent forest preserves.
Northwoods (Est. 2025 Under Construction)
Within walking distance of Naper Commons, Danada Woods and Fair Meadows, and the Danada Forest Preserve, the Sensory Garden Playground serves as a vital, universally accessible sanctuary designed to break down barriers to play for children of all abilities, particularly those with autism and sensory processing disorders. More than just a recreational space, it is a therapeutic environment featuring specialized amenities like a fragrance garden, sound garden, and gravity rail that engage sight, sound, smell, and touch in a calming, nature-focused setting. Its importance lies in fostering inclusion and development, offering a rare "yes" space where children who might be overwhelmed by traditional, noisy playgrounds can explore safely, socialize at their own pace, and experience the developmental benefits of outdoor play alongside their peers.
Sensory Garden Playground (Est. 2014)
Indian Hill is a northern Naperville community where residents live within walking distance of the established Nike Sports Complex on its western side and several grocery stores and eateries to the eastern side. Its residential streets are full of new and old-growth oak trees. They run alongside the community’s sidewalks, where many enjoy afternoon strolls. While walking the neighborhood, residents can spot little ones playing with driveway basketball hoops while appreciating the neighborhood’s mid-to-late 20th-century homes.
Aerial view of North Naperville, IL