In the Butternut Creek Woods subdivision of Frankfort, roots run deep. From the centuries-old trees to the enduring family traditions, this neighborhood has established itself as a timeless community that continues to thrive.

Nestled among towering trees are the stately homes of Butternut Creek Woods. Since 1983, residents of Butternut have taken great pride in their community and continue to fulfill the vision of its developer, Al Krusemark.

During Butternut Creek Woods’ development, Krusemark worked tirelessly to maintain the splendor and integrity of the land. When mapping out the streets of Butternut, he marked trees he insisted on keeping. He would also fly over the neighborhood during its development to make sure the topography of the area remained untouched.

To blend with nature and create a flowing layout, Butternut Creek Woods was designed with no straight roads or sidewalks. Fences are very limited so that the natural flow of the land is maintained. The homes of Butternut Creek Woods, while lovely in their own right, are set back from the road to allow the trees to remain the focus of the neighborhood.

Krusemark was an avid horticulturalist, memorizing the Latin name of every plant and flower on his property. In keeping with his passion for plants, he named the streets of Butternut Creek Woods after some of his favorite trees.

Butternut Creek Woods boasts year-round beauty. From the abundance of fall color, to the snow-capped trees in winter, to the lush greens of spring and summer, the foliage in Butternut Creek Woods is the main attraction. Many of the original homeowners still reside in Butternut Creek Woods because they appreciate the privacy and the beauty that the profusion of trees provides.

At each turn of the neighborhood’s winding roads are the lovely and diverse homes of Butternut Creek Woods. These homes are as diverse as the people who own them. While meandering through Butternut Creek Woods, one might see a prairie-style home inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright across the street from a two-story colonial. Every home has its own unique architectural aspects, but each has been built from high-quality materials that have stood the test of time. Regardless of its architectural style, each home in Butternut Creek Woods is beautifully maintained and eye-catching.

There is such a deep sense of community and loyalty in Butternut Creek Woods that, even after outgrowing their original home, several residents have built or purchased new homes within the same neighborhood.

This cozy community is home to residents with an array of fascinating careers, interesting hobbies and diverse backgrounds. Within the Butternut community, residents have formed several organizations and clubs based on mutual interests and pursuits. Residents also come together for an annual progressive dinner, a summer block party and homeowners association meetings.

On any given day, families can be found gathering at Butternut Creek Woods Park at the east end of the subdivision. Meticulously maintained by the Frankfort Park District, this park offers age-appropriate playground equipment, walking trails and comfortable benches. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with neighbors.

In years past, Butternut Creek Woods has been a favorite stop on Frankfort’s Historical Society Holiday House Walk. Many residents embrace this annual holiday tradition by decorating their homes with tasteful and festive decor.

Butternut Creek Woods residents also believe in taking an active role in the Frankfort community. Many have held administrative positions with the village, school and park district programs. This tight-knit community has also worked together to support local charities, school districts and its own neighbors.

Butternut Creek Woods feeds into the award-winning Frankfort 157-C and Lincoln-Way school districts. Families appreciate the opportunities provided by these excellent schools as well as the amenities of Frankfort.

Like Butternut Creek Woods, Frankfort has its own deep-rooted history. The village dates back to the Potawatomi and Winnebago tribes, who resided in the Hickory Creek area until the Black Hawk War. Soon after, in the 1830s, Scottish, Irish, English and Dutch settlers arrived and named the area Chelsea. When a railroad line was built, German settlers, including Frederick Cappel, moved to this area. He later changed the name of Chelsea to Frankfort, in honor of his hometown, Frankfurt am Main, in West Germany. As the years passed, the town’s name became Frankfort Station until it was incorporated in 1879.

Today, downtown Frankfort and its historic buildings still exude “1890s charm,” while also offering trendy shopping opportunities and upscale dining. Many of the structures in downtown Frankfort have maintained their 19th-century architecture. Breidert Green, located in the center of downtown Frankfort, is home to summer concerts, fine arts fairs, winter events, the annual Kristkindl celebration, and Frankfort’s end-of-summer extravaganza, Fall Fest.

Butternut Creek Woods is adjacent to Van Horne Woods, an area with its own historical roots. This region was once the home of railroad tycoon Sir William Van Horne, who built a transcontinental railroad from Montreal to the Pacific and became chairman of the board of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Legend has it that the Old Brick Tavern, built in 1845 and once located in Van Horne Woods, served as a stop on the Underground Railroad for slaves escaping to Canada.

While maintaining the charm of the village’s historic beginnings, Frankfort also continues to adapt to the needs of the modern era. Butternut Creek Woods is located near Frankfort’s newest shopping venues containing retail shops, restaurants and local businesses. The village of Frankfort continues to grow and has been ranked by Forbes.com as the 36th fastest-growing suburb in the United States. Frankfort’s population increased by nearly 60 percent from 2000 to 2010, and it continues to grow. New residents are drawn to Frankfort’s lovely homes, commercial and retail development, family-centered opportunities, and excellent schools.

For nearly 30 years, Butternut Creek Woods has been a cornerstone of the Frankfort community. With its firmly planted roots, the Butternut Creek Woods neighborhood continues to flourish.