Wilshire Hills is a shining example of these brothers’ ability to not only construct luxury homes while developing unique, desirable, sought after communities.
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The apple does not fall far from the tree, or forest, or pool, or pickleball court! Jeff and Chris Ashner revered their father, Leo Ashner, who lived to the age of 95 as spry and creative as he was as a young man. He created the first master-planned community in the Midwest, Four Colonies in Lenexa, Kansas, in the early 1970s. His sons are inspired by his forward-thinking ingenuity.
More than just builders, Jeff Ashner, owner of Ashner Construction Company, and Chris Ashner, owner of Bodine-Ashner Legacy Builders, LLC, together are a leading development team in the metro area, working alongside each other in the Wilshire Developments.
“As builders, we have separate companies…in the development realm, we develop together,” explained Jeff. “Our dad had a handwritten list of names inspired by the English countryside, including Berkshire, Wilshire and such. We used the name Wilshire as a starting point. We built the first Wilshire in the early 90s and now have Wilshire Woods, Wilshire South, Wilshire Place, Wilshire Ridge, Wilshire by the Lake, Wilshire Farms in addition to our new Wilshire Hills. We have been in this community a lifetime and are writing the next chapter with Wilshire Hills.”
They are thrilled to have kept the group of excellent builders and core group of Realtors together for the second phase of Wilshire Hills which will open this summer. Construction on the central amenity area will soon begin.
The neighborhood is truly a unique piece of land, featuring a 1,000-foot-long entry before the first lot comes into view. Surrounded by mature trees and nature, it is situated up high on a hill, so many lots benefit from mile-long views. It is comprised of cul-de-sacs and enclaves, with the central focal point featuring all the ingredients inviting residents to congregate, including resort-style pool, pickleball court, plenty of green space, places for kids to play, large outdoor cabana structures. Somewhat resembling a nature reserve. Wilshire Hills is almost completely wrapped with a native vegetation band to give a natural buffer between the residents and surrounding neighbors.
“One thing we have always prided ourselves on is utilizing a piece of land, centrally located to create a heart for the community in the center, not just as an afterthought in the back of the neighborhood,” Jeff noted.
“We have zeroed in on South Johnson County for the past several decades in Overland Park,” Chris related. “There are quality schools, expanding infrastructure and commercial development. You could, if you so desired, literally ride your bike to schools, restaurants and grocery stores. We are happy to be centrally located for our residents, while still being secluded and quiet, which is unique.”
Both feel very fortunate to be involved in this community which has been a year-by-year process. Building right next to other neighborhoods takes extra time, this is no exemption. As a result of that process, they have made the community better.
“We have definitely developed our niche in this type of community,” they explained. “We will continue to do good things to build on our family’s tradition.”
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