Milton’s Newest Residential Community!
The Granary at Draper Farm is one of Milton’s most recent development projects, an interesting mix of residential areas and public park spaces to create a desirable location for people to live in and be able to enjoy the pleasant ambiance of the community. By design, each home in the Granary is just a couple of blocks from the common green space or shared amenities, giving the residents easy access to these places of relaxation.
Diamond Park
Parks and trails are nice and all, but what about a venue for events and such? Don’t fret, the Granary’s got you covered. Diamond Park has an outdoor amphitheater for those very events and more.
Granary Greens
If you’re the type to seek out a large field for various sports like soccer or lacrosse, the Granary Greens have 20 acres of public space which includes two regulation length multi-use athletic fields for this purpose. Not a sports fan? No problem! Aside from those fields, there’s plenty of space for picnics, too. Tot lots and relaxation spots under the shade abound as well.
Rails to Trails
Bikers will love this. The Granary’s northern border lies next to the popular Rails to Trails multi-use path, meaning easy access for long bike rides or hikes, if you’re more into that.
Pocket Parks
If you’re more into getting some quiet alone time, there are many places spread out over the area for reading, watching movies with your tablet, playtime with your pets, or similar activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question: What is The Granary at Draper Farm?
Answer: The Granary at Draper Farm is a residential community being developed by Convergence Communities, a real estate development company led by a Delaware native.
Question: Where is the project located?
Answer: The Granary is a 450-acre site located approximately one mile from downtown Milton at Sand Hill Road and Gravel Hill Road.
Question: What size is the project?
Answer: Of the 450 acres, approximately 25% will be reserved for green space, open parks, and wetlands. The proposed master plan includes 1,350 residential units consisting of 65% single family homes and 35% attached townhomes.
Question: How will Milton benefit from The Granary?
Answer: The proposed plan for the project features 55 acres of public parks, ballfields, and green space and 3 miles of public pedestrian/bike trails that connect to the Rails to Trails system. Additionally, included in the plan are a waterfront amphitheater for events, and space for a farmer’s market and a brewery accelerator.
Question: Who will build the homes?
Answer: Both national and regional builders will sell homes in The Granary providing a mix of product types and designs.
Question: What community amenities will be private to The Granary residents?
Answer: While the majority of the parks and trails in The Granary will be for public use by the Town of Milton, some community amenities will be private to residents such as the clubhouses, pools, and community garden plots.
Question: Will there be retail and commercial buildings in the community?
Answer: The proposed master plan includes a total of 60,000-square feet of light commercial space mainly concentrated at the entrances to the community. Examples of light commercial uses might include a local coffee shop, hair salon, or daycare.
Question: When will construction begin?
Answer: The Granary at Draper Farm is expected to break ground in Q1 2023 and will likely take 20 years to reach full completion.
Question: Who is behind this effort?
Answer: Convergence Communities is led by Colby Cox, its founder and owner. Cox is a Sussex County native and acquired the property in 2020. He is a former resident of Milton, and the fourth-generation owner of this property.
Question: Why is Convergence Communities applying to annex this property into the Town of Milton?
Answer: Annexing the property into the town is a logical step because the Draper Farm was identified in Milton’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan as part of its annexation and growth area. This community will become part of Milton and will add to the town’s charm and character.
Question: What does annexing a project like this mean to the Town of Milton financially?
Answer: As residents move into the community, we estimate it will result in millions of dollars in revenue to the Town of Milton through transfer taxes, property taxes, impact fees, annexation fees, etc.
Question: Is this the first project Convergence is leading in Delaware?
Answer: Convergence is regarded for designing master planned communities that incorporate the natural landscape. The company has projects across the country, but it also has been doing business in Delaware for more than 20 years. Since 2002, the company has developed several projects in the area, most recently Ocean View Beach Club, a 464-unit mix of single-family homes and townhomes, and The Villages at Red Mill Pond, a 524-home community in Lewes.
Question: Is there an opportunity for the residents of Milton to provide input on this community?
Answer: The proposed site plan is still in the conceptual phase and will be subject to a review process through the Town of Milton’s planning and zoning system. During the review period we look forward to working together with the Town of Milton and its residents to consider feedback.
