There is also a new leadership team, an innovative plan for workforce housing, and a few specifics on type of homes that may be built have been released, some of which could be up for sale as early as next winter
Looking at what Crawfords Place’s builder is doing elsewhere foreshadows some of what’s to come to Nellysford:
Who are Michael Donovan and LF Payne? That’s a complicated question.
On March 27, WBB editors joined Wintergreen Property Owners Association Executive Director Jay Roberts with developers Michael Donovan and LF Payne to discuss the new subdivision coming to Wintergreen’s valley. Houston Sorenson and Robin Pullen, WPOA Board officers, were also at the meeting at Tuckahoe Clubhouse.
The table at the meeting was covered with maps along with pages for edits of the maps. Some details are still not set. From this two-hour discussion–along with additional research, visits to other homesites, emails, and interviews–this basic update has been pieced together about what will be the resort community’s last new subdivision.–Charles Batchelor and Flo Quick
After being held up by lawsuits for three years, on January 5th a fleet of large yellow earthmovers began refashioning the 30 acres on Route 151 known as Renaissance Ridge.
In roughly 24 months, some 90 new homes could be in place on this Wintergreen property in the valley. Soon after that, another 50 homes or so will be started on the adjacent 10 acres.
The development’s name is changing from Renaissance Ridge to Crawfords Place.
“It just makes more sense,” said Michael Donovan, who is now the leader of the project. “It looks right at Crawford’s Knob,” adding that he also wanted a new name “for a fresh start,” adding that he had nothing to do with the selection the previous name.
One reason for Donovan’s desire for a “fresh start” with the new name stems from early, angst-ridden concerns in the community about low-income housing on part of the property.
An innovative “workforce housing” program will be part of the development, but not low-income housing, WPOA’s Roberts stressed. (Read more here about Crawfords Place’s developers interest in workforce housing.)
The quality of the housing built in Renaissance Ridge (now Crawfords Place) was also a concern for Wintergreen property owners.
“Short-term rentals (VRBO, etc.) will not be allowed in Crawfords Place.”
The lots here will be smaller than those found in much of Stoney Creek, but Roberts said he was convinced that the homes built for the market would be “as high in quality as what is being built now in Stoney Creek, or higher.” Donovan said single-family detached homes would likely average around $800,000.
About half of the lots will see less expensive townhomes and duplexes of various sizes and interior finishes. Some of the townhomes will be built as part of the development’s workforce housing project.
The new neighborhood will have its own set of covenants as a subset of WPOA’s long-standing rules that cover every property. One big difference from all other properties in the resort community: Short-term rentals (VRBO, etc.) will not be allowed in Crawfords Place.
Donovan and his partners own the land. Greenwood Homes will build and market all of the finished properties. The Charlottesville firm has become a major player in their home market and has developments in other parts of the state.
Realtors describe Greenwood as “creating walkable neighborhoods with amenities like trails and parks” that offer “semi-custom” single-family residences and townhomes. The exterior finishes on the built portions are often HardiePlank and stone.
Outside builders will not be involved; buyers of the lots in Crawfords Place will have to work with Greenwood. The first model home is hoped to be up by fall; lot sales could begin soon.
There will be no exclusive marketing arrangements with any real estate firms.
During the question and answer part of the 2023 WPOA annual meeting, a property owner voiced concerns about “workforce housing” being part of the development. Jay Roberts was ready to ad-lib the long and detailed answer in the video above that outlined WPOA’s history with this property.
Crawfords Place will cash flow positive for WPOA
When it’s all finished, an additional $330,000 in annual income to the property owners' association will come from Crawfords Place homeowners.
That number comes from figuring 145 units multiplied by the 2026 annual WPOA assessment of $2,279 on Wintergreen homeowners. That number is adjusted each year.
Also, as directed by the Wintergreen rules, a developer on a project such as Crawfords Place is obligated to pay a fee on completion. It is a per-unit fee adjusted according to a formula based on the current assessment rate. Using 2026 numbers, WPOA’s Jay Roberts estimates the one-time developer fee paid to WPOA when Crawfords Place is completed will be about $729,000.
Crawfords Place will see the same WPOA services as Stoney Creek, such as road shoulder mowing, road surface, snow removal, sweeping, road signage, and connecting walking paths. Roberts says there will be some added costs, but WPOA is unlikely to need more equipment or staff. The same holds for the police, fire, and rescue services funded by WPOA. Tuckahoe Clubhouse and Rodes Farm will be available to the residents of the new community.
Similar to Stone Orchard and Rosewood Village neighborhoods in Stoney Creek, the Crawfords Place’s covenants will establish a Crawfords Place Association, which will collect annual fees. These small neighborhood associations focus regular cutting of resident’s lawns and mulching. Sidewalk and driveway snow removal for homeowners may also be offered.
Michael Donovan is offering property adjacent to the entrance of Crawfords Place to WPOA, which is adjacent to property WPOA already owns. These spaces combined could be a new Stoney Creek park with a children’s playground. The new neighborhood will connect to Stoney Creek with walking paths; there will be no road connections other than via Route 151.
