Creating Comfort at Springs at Lockport

When Continental Properties set out to develop Springs at Lockport, a new 320-unit apartment community in Lockport, Illinois, the goal was clear: create a high-quality living experience that residents could count on every day. From comfortable homes and modern amenities to dependable utility service, every detail was carefully considered. A key part of that foundation was reliable natural gas service from Nicor Gas.  

Springs at Lockport is Continental Properties' 13th apartment community in Illinois and part of the company's extensive portfolio of multifamily developments across the country. Since 1979, Continental Properties has developed more than 142 apartment communities encompassing over 39,000 apartment homes in 20 states, including 17 communities in Illinois. 

A Reliable Energy Choice for Residents 
For a multifamily community in Northern Illinois, dependable heating and hot water are essential. Continental Properties selected natural gas as the primary energy source for Springs at Lockport because of its reliability, performance and cost efficiency. Each of the community's 14 garden-style residential buildings is served by a dedicated Nicor Gas meter bank, helping ensure residents have dependable service year-round.  

Natural gas supports many of the everyday comforts residents rely on, including in-unit heating, domestic hot water and kitchen appliances. Community facilities, such as the clubhouse and maintenance buildings, also utilize natural gas as part of their utility infrastructure.
 
Partnering for a Complex Development 
Providing natural gas services to a large, multi-building development requires extensive planning and coordination. At Springs at Lockport, Nicor Gas worked closely with Continental Properties' development and construction teams to coordinate service line installations, meter bank connections and inspections across all 14 residential buildings.  

The collaboration helped keep the project on schedule and ensured buildings were ready for occupancy as residents began moving into their new homes. As a result, the community launched with reliable natural gas service in place from day one.  

Delivering Long-Term Value 
Springs at Lockport was designed with high-efficiency natural gas equipment throughout the community. These systems help support lower operating costs while providing reliable performance for residents and property managers alike. Modern heating and water-heating equipment also contribute to reduced energy consumption, supporting Continental Properties' commitment to responsible and sustainable development.  

Beyond the property itself, the development expands quality rental housing opportunities in the Lockport community, creates permanent property management and maintenance jobs and supports the local economy.  

A Strong Foundation for the Future 
The partnership between Continental Properties and Nicor Gas helped establish the infrastructure needed to support hundreds of residents from the moment the community opened. 

“Natural gas is central to delivering the quality of living experience our residents expect at Springs at Lockport,” said Gabby Ketterhagen, Continental Properties. “From reliable in-unit heating and hot water to gas ranges and the comfort of knowing energy service won’t let them down on the coldest Illinois nights, it all starts with a dependable utility partner. Nicor Gas made the connection process for our entire community seamless, and that foundation sets us up to deliver for our residents for years to come.” 

By combining thoughtful development, energy-efficient design and a strong utility partnership, Springs at Lockport provides residents with a comfortable place to call home while helping meet the growing housing needs of the community.