Eastbrook Communities Throughout The Years

At Eastbrook Homes, we don’t just build houses – we build communities that thrive. To achieve this, it takes a lot of future-focused planning and careful design. We want each of our neighborhoods to age well over time, growing into their character and providing that timeless “you’re home” feeling for our residents.

Over the years, there have been a few communities that really stand out in this area. We’re so proud of them and the residents that have helped cultivate their character, and we want to take a moment to reflect on how far they’ve come.

Join us for a walk down memory lane looking at Lowing Woods, Hathaway Lakes, and Cook’s Crossing.

Lowing Woods

Nestled in Georgetown Township near Jenison, MI, Lowing Woods is a vibrant, master-planned community that exemplifies Eastbrook’s commitment to thoughtful growth and long-term planning.

Each street was carefully carved into the landscape with intention. It’s designed to feel timeless, welcoming, and connected to the land around it. “It is a large-scale project, but with intention, we created winding streets, lush landscapes, and a character that grows with you,” explains Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing Josh McGraw. “We built this community with a clear vision and meticulous planning, ensuring each new phase enhances its unique charm and welcomes people of all ages.”

That vision extended far beyond aesthetics. From the beginning, the layout was designed to make future additions easy and natural, without leaving gaping holes in the layout in the meantime. This approach has allowed Lowing Woods to grow organically over time, with each phase complementing the last. “Our desire is to have our customers discover a community where every detail is intentionally designed… starting with winding streets, vibrant greenery, and undeniable charm,” says Josh.

The land itself played a big role in shaping the neighborhood’s character. This area allowed the Eastbrook team to preserve existing tree lines and work with the natural contours of the broader farmland surroundings.

At the heart of it all is community connection. “By creating one overall community, we could create a hub of social and community life by placing our clubhouse, pool, and playground facilities at the heart of the neighborhood,” Josh McGraw adds. With a variety of home styles and spaces to gather, Lowing Woods continues to thrive as a welcoming, people-first neighborhood — one designed to grow with every generation that calls it home.

Hathaway Lakes

In Fruitport Township, just minutes from the Lake Michigan shoreline, Hathaway Lakes stands as a vibrant example of how vision and environment can come together to create something truly special.

“In response to the high demand for exceptional living in the Fruitport and Spring Lake school districts close to the shores of Lake Michigan, we had aspirations to bring our vision to life: a remarkable, large-scale community unlike any other,” says Josh McGraw. “Our desire was for all to experience the warmth of a close-knit atmosphere, where neighbors connect and create lasting memories at the exquisite clubhouse and pool during warm summer months.”

From the start, the natural beauty of the forested property inspired the Eastbrook team. “When we visited the site for Hathaway Lakes, we were struck by the beauty of a forested property,” recalls CEO Mick McGraw. That beauty was honored and enhanced by thoughtful planning, including the donation of land for the North Bank Trail that now bisects the community and connects to surrounding townships.

“We wanted to create a space for neighbors to gather,” Mick adds. “That led us to design the unique clubhouse and pool, which also provides a high quality of life for homeowners.”

With winding streets, water features, a quiet rural feel, and homes that blend into the natural landscape, Hathaway Lakes continues to grow effortlessly. This is a testament to great planning and Eastbrook’s commitment to creating places where people truly want to live, year after year.

Cook’s Crossing

South of Grand Rapids in the dynamic Byron Center School District, Cook’s Crossing stands out as a model for how thoughtful planning and community vision can come to life. Like all Eastbrook neighborhoods, it was designed with a long-term mindset. It had to serve today’s homeowners, and predict – and meet – the needs of future generations.

What sets Cook’s Crossing apart is the way it blends legacy and innovation. It’s a walkable, tree-lined neighborhood designed to foster genuine connection. “From the start, we knew we had a legacy in the making – a community thoughtfully designed to evolve beautifully over time,” says Josh McGraw. “By introducing diverse home styles, we’ve created a vibrant, community-oriented haven that welcomes every generation.”

Cook’s Crossing is especially meaningful to Eastbrook President Michael McGraw, who helped shape the community from the ground up. “This is the first community I was able to put my own design imprint on,” he explains. “We worked hard not only on site planning, but also on landscape design across our Eastern Ave frontage, along both entry roads, at intersections, and at the ends of blocks.” The team even transplanted over 1,000 large trees and partnered with the township to create a bike path that connects directly to the local elementary school.

Accessibility and connection were key to the design, with sidewalks and trails that make it easy for residents to walk or ride bikes throughout the neighborhood. That sense of movement and connection bleeds into the community makeup. “The diversity of housing allows the community to age gracefully and helps preserve values by not having too much of any one product type,” Michael says. “We have grandparents living in the same community as their children and grandchildren, which is so fun to see.”

At Cook’s Crossing, you’ll find more than just beautiful homes. You’ll find enormous block parties, holiday lights stretching across the street, and neighbors who become lifelong friends. “It’s truly an honor to create the homes and communities where all can celebrate holidays, birthdays, and make memories that last a lifetime,” Michael reflects.

Confident Design That Grows Where It’s Planted

Behind every Eastbrook neighborhood is a plan rooted in careful research, thoughtful design, and a deep respect for the land and the people who will call it home.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the Eastbrook family and land development team,” says Kelly Kuiper, Manager of Land Planning and Community Design. “When I stand in front of a Planning Commission or Township Board to present the next phase of one of these communities, I am confident in and delighted by what we build and love sharing that sentiment. Immediately upon entering an Eastbrook community, you can feel the difference. Behind the scenes, we carefully design each element… even garage placement. Our level of commitment to these details isn’t truly known by our customers, but we believe we are successful in evoking pride in their homecoming, even if it’s intangible.”

Just like our home plans are designed to grow effortlessly with your ever-changing needs, our communities evolve with the cities surrounding them and the residents who call them home. 

As Mick McGraw sums it up, “If you’re creating a community, it has to be just that; the community’s not just one price point, one type of house – when you put that all together, great things happen.”

And in communities like Lowing Woods, Hathaway Lakes, and Cook’s Crossing, that’s exactly what we see: great things happening every day.

Experience an Eastbrook Homes Community

Are you ready to experience life in an Eastbrook Homes community? Find the perfect place to grow your family, settle into retirement, or own your first home. Check out our home designs and convenient move-in ready homes to find a plan that matches your lifestyle. Explore all our communities across West Michigan and the Greater Lansing Area, and discover what others have done by scrolling our feature gallery. Schedule a model home tour, and connect with us when you’re ready to learn more.