About Our Association
History
Larry Schell, Schell Enterprises Inc., was the original developer of Prairie View Heights. He purchased a 160 acre site in Southwest Greene County, Missouri and started Prairie View Heights in 1976.
The purchase of the 160 acres and start up of Prairie View Heights was a huge leap of faith for Schell Enterprises Inc. The original phase consisted of nine lots and was recorded on October 13, 1976 at the Greene County Courthouse.
Thirty years ago the area was considered too far from Springfield and there was no central sewer or natural gas available. The city's treatment plant on nearby Wilson's Creek was notorious for its unpleasant odor. The red clay soil was less than ideal for septic tanks and before long the first few residents of Prairie View Heights began to complain. Schell Enterprises Inc. was determined to not give up without a fight. They went back to the lender for a huge financial obligation and built a private sewer plant. The plant was located at the now vacant corner of Sexton Street and Western Avenue.
The early years were tough on the developer. The firm was forced to do most all the utilities and home construction in-house. It was some twelve to fifteen years later before Schell Enterprises Inc. and Prairie View Heights turned the corner to a brighter future with the completion of the first, second and third additions. By then, Schell Enterprises Inc.had built a solid reputation within the Greene County area and the once small unknown Prairie View Heights had grown to over 120 homes. It was at this stage, Schell Enterprises Inc. could finally deliver its promise of a swimming pool, clubhouse and homeowners association. The clubhouse and swimming pool were built on the odd shaped lot at Sexton Street and Ridgecrest Avenue. The original dream was beginning to fall in place. The Prairie View Heights Homeowners Association, Inc. was formed on January 19, 1993 and the fourth addition started with all homeowners being required to join the association.
A few years later an additional 60 acres were purchased to the west and the City of Battlefield quickly annexed the land into the city limits. In 1999 Schell Enterprises Inc. purchased an additional nine acres south of Weaver Road. The nine acres are currently under development and will be the last addition.
Larry Schell, owner of Schell Enterprises Inc. passed away after completing the eighth addition. Randy Schell succeeded his father as the developer with the ninth addition forward. Under the leadership of Randy Schell the development continues to grow and prosper.
The dream and pride of thirty years still permeate throughout Prairie View Heights. The homeowners work diligently as volunteers to keep the dream alive.
When R.T. Schell Development Company, LLC completes the twelfth addition in approximately twenty-four months, the homeowners will miss their contribution.
This is hoping this small recap of our history is beneficial as we continue moving forward. Prairie View Heights is a wonderful community to call home.
Community Homes
