DELMAR — The first 102 units at The Spinney at Van Dyke have been leased and people are already clamoring to get into the next phase of cottages scheduled to break ground later this year. A total of 118 additional cottage-style units are to be completed by 2023. Many of the new apartments will continue to offer familiar floor plans that range anywhere between 700 to 1,450 square feet. Morgan Ruthman, President and CEO of The Spinney Group, said they will be breaking ground this spring.
“We continue to see high demand for our cottages. We have a waiting list of folks, who we maintain regular contact with regarding updates to the project because they’re eager to sign their lease,” shared Ruthman.
The Spinney at Van Dyke, an active adult community, is a neighborhood of its own, designed for the “55-and-better” who have retired into their next phase of life, or are working professionals transitioning towards that goal.
Its popular Delmar location has been at full occupancy for some time. What stands built today represents the first two phases of construction of the planned development that were completed in 2017. The community will double in size now that the Town has granted site plan approval to proceed with completion of the project.
The location allows many residents to stay in their hometown, close to family, friends, and houses of worship. It’s still the same commute to the movies, the mall or the show downtown. The community also welcomes many residents new to the Capital Region that decide to call The Spinney at Van Dyke “home.”
The Spinney is unique for its one-story living model. The cottages are built specifically so residents do not need to climb stairs in their homes, allowing them to more easily age in place.
While Spinney cottage amenities feel like living in a single-family home, residents will no longer feel the burdens of homeownership. Time that would otherwise be spent mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, or fixing the plumbing can be regained to focus on family, friends, and hobbies. Full-time Lifestyle Director Courtney Russell assists residents in cultivating and maintaining a variety of curated activities with a robust events calendar.
“We have a Lifestyle Director who has really given the community all kinds of outlets to continue to develop their skills and interests,” Ruthman said. “COVID was a challenge to the lifestyle program, but Courtney did an incredible job pivoting to creative COVID-safe initiatives which the residents have embraced.”
The 5,000 square-foot Spinney clubhouse provides a town square feel that allows residents to socialize and gather for events. During the warmer months, there’s also a community garden, 2 pools, a walking trail, and an exclusive summer concert series.
“The Spinney motto is ‘Home to a New Generation,’ and I think it speaks to the fact that our cottage homes are more than just a place to live,” Ruthman said. “They are a place where a group of folks can come to together to engage with each another and create a new kind of community.”