"The community design was well planned," said Dave Schreiner, general manager of Del Webb's 2,000-acre Sun City in Huntley. "We had just a few suggestions."

Schreiner said the partnership, unusual for the competitive residential development market, started out much like a junior high dance.

"You know where the boys line up on one wal l and the girls line up on the other and you try not to make eye contact," Schreiner said. "We were both looking (for a partner) and we made eye contact."

Lakewood Homes was ready to break into the specialized market for retirement communities for active seniors while Del Webb was eager to build another community in Illinois with more affordable homes than in Huntley.

Price tags in Sun City Huntley range from more than $140,000 to more than $400,000. The Romeoville development, which recently won zoning approval, will offer three townhouse designs from Lakewood starting at more than $140,000 and five single-family designs from Lakewood starting at more than $150,000.

Del Webb will contribute five designs for houses with a price tag a little below and a little above $200,000.

The Romeoville community, called Grand Haven, will offer paths for walking, jogging and biking, a 15,000-square-foot community center with an indoor pool, fitness center, ballroom, and sports pub.