MILTON, Del.- Convergence Communities, a real estate development firm, announced Firday that it has submitted plans for a 1,350-unit master planned community in Milton, called The Granary at Draper Farm.
Convergence has also submitted an application to have the 450-acre site, located at Sand Hill and Gravel Hill roads, annexed by the Town of Milton. The property is owned by Colby Cox, a native of Delaware and founder of Convergence Communities, a nationally-recognized real estate development company.
“We are excited to announce the Granary at Draper Farm,” said Cox, who is a fourth-generation owner of the property, which has been in his family for nearly 80 years. “Milton is a beautiful town that is moving in a positive direction in terms of its vibrance and long-term sustainability. Our interest is to create a world-class community, which is rooted in our respect for the character and charm of the town.”
The project, which is slated to reach full completion in 20 years, is expected to break ground in early 2023 with 65 percent of units developed as single-family homes and the remaining units as attached townhomes. In addition, the project calls for:
- 55 acres set aside for public ballfields and recreation.
- Roughly three miles of pedestrian/bike trails that connect to the Milton Rails to Trails system.
- 60,000-square feet designated for light commercial space.
- Development of a second Town of Milton Emergency Services Station.
Cox said annexing the property into the town is a logical step because Draper Farm is identified in Milton’s Comprehensive Plan as part of its annexation and growth area.
“The community will be well served by introducing a project that seeks to embrace the vitality of Milton versus being a subdivision on its outskirts,” Cox said. “We expect the process to be a mutual exchange of ideas that make our proposed community a significant benefit to Milton and its residents. Some of those benefits will be enhanced infrastructure for emergency services, as well as public amenities such as parks and recreational fields.”
“Any project that is being considered should be additive to the town in terms of its infrastructure,” Cox noted.
Convergence is regarded for designing master planned communities that incorporate the natural landscape with the built environment. Plans for The Granary include community gardens, green space, parks, and miles of walking, running, and cycling trails. Other plans include a farmer’s market as well as a brewery accelerator, which is a passion of Cox, who owns a brewery.
“Every home in the community will be within two blocks of greenspace or an amenity,” Cox said. “The Granary will deliver that small-town feel, but hum with activity and energy nurturing both families and the environment.”
Convergence has a long history in Delaware.
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.
Editor's note: Convergence Communities has no connection to Draper Media.