The Granary at Draper Farm, a major new residential community in Milton, is scheduled to begin construction in late June. 

The first phase will see 18 lots developed this summer, with a grand opening planned for sometime in September.

The full first phase is intended to include 175 residential homes. Phase 2 will add another 110 homes, pending final approval from Milton’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

Features and Amenities

Developer Colby Cox of Convergence shared plans for the community’s features, designed to integrate with Milton’s charm while introducing new amenities:

• Bicycle and pedestrian paths
• An underground tunnel connecting to the Rails to Trails
• Recreational fields and a skate park
• An amphitheater for community events
• A brewery incubator for aspiring brewers
• A specialty grocer in the commercial area

All these amenities will be open to the public, enhancing both the community and the town.

A Vision for the Future

The Granary is a long-term development planned to unfold over the next two decades, ultimately bringing 1,350 homes to a 450-acre area along Sand Hill Road. 

Construction in the initial four phases will be carried out by DRB Homes and D.R. Horton Builders.

Developer Cox shared further details about the project’s status as a special development district, a designation that imposes a specific tax on residents of the Granary. 

These funds are earmarked exclusively for public infrastructure improvements throughout the town. 

For instance, part of the $5 million collected so far has been invested in upgrading water meters across the entire municipality.

Cox explained that this financing model enables the pursuit of town-wide initiatives that would be financially unfeasible under traditional development approaches. 

“This program allows us to think bigger. It was a risk, and there were unknowns, but our commitment remains strong. Once everything is in place, the outcome will be incredible,” he said.

He also highlighted that the completed Granary will increase the town’s open space fourfold.

Community-Wide Impact

Operating under a special development district, the Granary contributes directly to public enhancements through its unique tax structure. 

Key outcomes include:

• Modernized water meter systems across the town
• Funding for projects that extend well beyond the boundaries of the Granary

Cox emphasized that this model makes it possible to deliver improvements that conventional developments typically cannot support. 

Additionally, he expressed renewed interest in revisiting the idea of solar-powered street lighting and shared that discussions about incorporating affordable housing into the project are ongoing.

Stay tuned for more updates and other exciting developments in and all around Coastal Delaware by following our blog to stay informed and connected to the community!

Source: Cape Gazette