American Dream

[From the Frederick, Maryland News-Post.]

Demand through the roof

Publish Date: 07/10/05

By Ike Wilson
News-Post Staff

FREDERICK -- "It seems like the minute we open a building, people are lining up," said Clair Winings, who is overseeing construction of 144 new townhouses on Key Parkway.

Residential construction at both ends of Key Parkway offers one more example of a burgeoning Frederick County. The stretch could
win a prize for the highest number of new dwelling units that will soon be ready for occupancy.

And as the townhouses and apartments are built, sellers and renters have no problems filling them.

A 96-unit apartment building -- Residences at The Manor -- is the newest addition to the Horning Brothers' properties in the area and is the second phase of Baker Place, 208 apartments built four years ago at the west end of Key Parkway. Although the building
will not be completed until mid-September, 35 of the 96 apartments have been spoken for.

The new units join The Manor, an 18-year-old residential development of 279 apartments nearby. The Manor and Baker Place are 96 percent occupied, according to Sallie Hammond, community manager.

"The application process is absolutely wonderful," Ms. Hammond said, responding to a question about the number of people signing rental agreements. "So many apartments are new, but they don't have the ambiance that this community has. Our buildings are surrounded by 200-year-old trees."

"Occupancy stays up," she said. "People come and go in Frederick all the time. And popular attractions for us include a swimming pool
and a nine-hole golf course."

Ms. Hammond said many people who move into the area rent an apartment until they decide where they want to buy a home, and they may take a year to buy.

"Frederick has really developed, which is a good thing. You can't stop progress," she said.