Friend Trip Inspires Couple's Transformation Of Manhattan Township Former Farm

MANHATTAN, IL — Joe Kasprzyk took 11 acres, a barn, and a big house on a hill, and brought to life his vision of what he hopes will be an ideal place for making memories.

Kasprzyk, who lives in Palos Park, recently purchased what some would consider a landmark property of Manhattan Township. Set at the winding intersection of US 52 and Baker Road, the farm captures the attention of people heading into and out of Manhattan's downtown — and it caught Kasprzyks' eye too.

Inspired by a trip of their own, he and wife Andrea bought the house at 16015 W. Baker Road, with plans to transform it into a short-term rental that can accommodate large groups, families, celebrations, reunions, retreats—where there's a large group and a will, this place might just be the way.

Called "Baker Hill," the 3,500-square-foothouse offers five bedrooms plus a furnished basement, and can sleep 28 to 30 people. Down the driveway, there's a 4,500-square-foot entertainment barn with a bar, overhead projector and screen, classic arcade games and a kids' area complete with playplace, bounce house and more. They believe it's the ultimate space where kids can be kids while adults can kick back.

Outside, a fire pit has been freshly dug and awaits s'mores. Lounge chairs look out over Jackson Creek. A mini golf course has also been added for guests looking to putt around.

Oh, and it's got a saltwater hot tub that can seat six to eight people. A fitting addition, since the idea came to them while in a pool at an AirBnB, a little under two years ago. The trip was with a group of friends, all sharing a rental property. The setting and circumstance fostered a sense of togetherness harder to grasp when staying in separate hotel rooms.

"It wasn't like this, but it had a pool, hot tub, pool table room, a bar, and that sort of thing," Kasprzyk said. "And I just thought, you know, what a great idea. You could buy a larger home, and then be able to fund it and make financial sense.

".... what a great alternative, because we had a blast. We're friends, we're all together, and we didn't have anywhere to go. We had meals together, and everybody thought, 'wow, you could do this anywhere, if you find the right place.'"

The trip set in motion a search for the perfect spot.

Then came the announcement of a massive sports complex being built in nearby New Lenox. Named the New Lenox Crossroads Sports Complex for its placement near I-80 and I-355, the $70 million multi-sport project is anticipated to attract a million visitors and generate $34 million in revenue once it's fully brought to fruition. The complex includes 29 youth baseball or softball fields or 12 soccer/multi-use fields with a welcome center, beer garden, and concession stands. The fields will be ready for the first pitch to be thrown in spring 2025, with the first tournament already booked.

"That kind of directed us to come this way," he said. "Maybe not for all the team and stuff, but it's also going to attract a million visitors to the area."

Amped by the announcement, they locked in on the property in late fall 2024, and set to work. Since they both have full-time jobs, they make trips to Manhattan frequently, with Kasprzyk often working remotely there to oversee progress.

There was overgrowth to be cleared, updates needed inside the house, a barn that needed to stay as such on the outside, with design tweaks and upgrades on the inside. Once a horse property, the stalls were kept standing, stripped and refinished as individual play spaces. One houses classic arcade games. Another, a large sectional and TV. Another is a dedicated poker room. In the barn aisle, there's a pool table. Seating that looks up at a large movie screen.

Built with 100-year-old barn wood, the barn (inside the BARn, as Kasprzyk likes to call it) faces several TV screens, as well. A sound system is wired throughout the space. Internet is high-speed, with streaming access for any guest.

"It was 'how many amenities can we cram into a place that makes sense,'" he said. "And what really appeals to people.And just try to cover every, category. From the littles, you know, all the way up.

"Comfortable enough even for the older family members."

Fishing is an option, with plenty of space to explore and enjoy the outdoors. A taste of the outdoors, with a sense of escapism and room to hold all of your favorite people. At night, the property is as quiet as one could prefer at night, a respite from the bustling pace of life. The wraparound porch will offer seating for sipping a cocktail or tea.

"It's a place where my daughter, who is 4 years old, who would never come to a place like this unless she went to visit a farm, has fun when she stays here, just being outside and going fishing," he said.

There's value in connection, and in sharing space with a group.

"... It's to give people the opportunity to do that," he said. "And there's value of having a large group. If it's a family, great.

"If it's a group of friends or whatever it is, under the same roof. I travel with friends and family a lot. Getting five hotel rooms in the same hotel stinks."

He gestured to the interior of the barn.

"Imagine if you had this after your wedding," he said. "You want to have a cup of cocktails when the wedding's over. This could be your after party."

"I've already gotten phone calls about that. ... I would hope that people can come enjoy the property. It's beautiful."

If guests want to check out Manhattan a bit, just a short drive into town, there's newly opened Soka Japanese and Sushi, or Arrowhead Smoke Works. Quick bites at Dunkin, or McDonald's. Further into town, there's Manhattan Pizza & Wings. Coffee at Peaceful Grounds Coffee Co. Shopping at Posh West Boutique. Drinks at MidTown Bar and Grill, Gallagher's Pub, or Fritz's Saloon. There's a Berkot's grocery store right on Rte 52—and a C D Liquors to stock up for a stay.

The proximity to I-80 and I-355 is also ideal, Kasprzyk said. The property has listings coming soon to rental apps both AirBnB and Vrbo, as well as booking capability via the Baker Hill website. Rates vary seasonally and by day.

With the first official booking set for the first week of May and after months of hinting at what's to come, Kasprzyk is eager to show off the property. He has planned "Party with a Purpose"—an April 26 event featuring live music, drinks and food. Tickets are $25 each (and an additional processing fee), and can be purchased online. The price covers three drinks, live entertainment and food from Joey's Red Hots food truck.

They have selected four local nonprofits as beneficiaries for proceeds: HHH Ranch, Siblings Among the Clouds, Lincolnway Area Special Recreation Association, and F3 Nation Workouts. The latter is a free, peer-led men's workout group in which Kasprzyk participates.

Each nonprofit selected has Manhattan ties, or is located there. At ticket purchase, the buyer can select which cause will receive their ticket proceeds.

Since 1976, the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) has provided recreation services for individuals with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with its eight member park districts: Crete, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Park Districts.

Currently serving over 400 individuals through more than 200 programs annually, participants range from preschool through adult who have recreation needs that are not met by traditional park district programs. LWSRA offers a wide variety of quality programs including participation in Special Olympics Illinois, Paralympic sports, social programs, trips, special events, summer camps, after school care and adult daytime activities.

HHH Ranch takes in rescued animals and provides therapeutic offerings for those with varying and specific needs. As a registered 501c3, the ranch relies on donations and fundraising to help feed its many hoofed, furry, or feathered creatures. All kept on the farm—located at 14101 West Bruns Road—have been taken in as rescues or animals needing a little extra love. And they've returned it tenfold to all those engaged in the farm's programs, said Christine Doran, founder and president.

"HHH Ranch loves supporting our local businesses and to be chosen as one of the featured 501c3 non profits is such an honor," We look forward to supporting Joe and his family on this new chapter and are thrilled to have a place for families to stay and get to see what a great town Manhattan is."

Siblings Among the Clouds was created by new-ish Manhattan residents Katy and Tim Landuyt, as a way of processing grief following the death of their daughter, Sophie. Born at 24 weeks and weighing just 14 ounces on Sept. 16, 2022, Sophie fought mightily against time and the odds, until her tiny body surrendered. It was an immeasurable loss for the tight-knit family of parents Tim and Katy, and then-3-year-old son Ryne. Tim and Katy had endured IVF to conceive both children—and they would not try for another.

Following Sophie's death, the family faced the unknowns of their deep grief, and grappled to find ways through it.

"We knew soon after Sophie passed away, we knew we wanted to create a nonprofit," Katy Landuyt previously told Patch. "We didn’t know what that would look like. The more we thought about it, the more we saw Ryne struggling and processing through the last two years, and we decided we wanted to do something specifically for the siblings.

Their idea grew into Siblings Among the Clouds, a nonprofit intended to raise awareness and provide a community of support and healing to the siblings of pregnancy and infant loss. The nonprofit's earliest effort has been to create Build-A-Bears like the "Sophie" bear—with a recording of Sophie's heartbeat placed inside—that means so much to Ryne, for donation to families at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.

Being chosen as a nonprofit spotlight is particularly poignant for the Landuyts.

"Upon meeting Joe and seeing the Baker Hill site, I knew I wanted to be part of this!" Katy said. "Bringing our nonprofit organization to Manhattan residents is important to us. This community is our home and we know that support for sibling loss is essential to these kiddos. We’re honored to have been chosen by Joe as a beneficiary for this event.

"And it means even more to us because Joe’s sister was our daughter’s nurse at Luries NICU, it was such a full circle moment for us."

Party With A Purpose is set for Saturday, April 26, from 5 to 11 p.m. It is a 21 and over event. Live music includes Gilligan inside the BARn, and Wildfire on an outdoor stage. Tickets can be purchased online. As of April 7, the event had sold half of its 300 tickets available.