By Carol Kipp
Meridian Crossing has already established itself as a unique community in Delaware. And not just in the clichéd use of the word, which is just an exaggerated way of saying unusual. This is the only community offering geothermal heating and cooling and solar electric as optional features, the only community that has taken Energy-Star certification to a whole new level.
The advantage to buyers is enormous, and not just because their heating and cooling bills will be 60 to 70 percent lower than those of people still relying on traditional systems. As the sustainable-energy movement grows, along with public concern for the environment, homes in Meridian Crossing will be part of the future instead of the past. Yet the builder/developer, The Reybold Group, has not compromised the quality and value of the homes by substituting state-of-the-art energy systems for other important standard features. At Meridian Crossing, buyers will find a community where the value runs deep and homes are defined by affordable luxury.
The uniqueness of this exceptionally well-designed community is more fully defined by the combination of features found there. Visitors discover that the first and most obvious asset is a very attractive site plan with winding streets, stacked stone walls, and a heavy investment in landscaping. The second is an architecturally impressive, $2 million clubhouse, now complete and ready for its Grand Opening debut in October. Expect a state-of-the-art facility with style, sophistication and considerable elegance, a clubhouse designed to anticipate every resident need. The two gathering rooms, one with a big-screen TV and the other with a gourmet kitchen and bar, have the architectural detail and ambience of an exclusive resort. The fitness center, theater room and Internet-ready business center, along with the conference room and men’s and women’s changing rooms, are appointed on a similar scale. Outside, walking trails have been installed, and tot lots, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields are ready to go.
The third advantage Meridian Crossing offers is a broad variety of housing choices, beginning with the four townhome models first introduced, all featuring stately, historic-inspired facades and more than 2,300-square feet of finished living space on three levels. Open-floor-plan designs reflect a very modern sensibility. Three of the models have rear-access, oversized garages; all of them have flexible floor plans — two bedrooms instead of three; a kitchen in the front or the rear. All include a maintenance-free rear deck on the main level and 2.2 baths. Standard features also include a kitchen island with breakfast bar, a family room and half-bath on the lower level, 2-by-6 exterior framing to satisfy Energy-Star insulation standards (R-19 in the walls; R-38 in ceilings), a security system, and a concrete rear patio on homes with a front-entry garage. Prices start in the high-$200s.
Reybold is about to introduce other choices within the community, starting with two-story Carriage Homes that offer four different elevations and six floor-plan options. Two will offer one-floor living (first-floor owner suite); four will offer two-level living. Just 30 of these homes will be built, all with 3,300 square feet of living space that includes 3 bedrooms (or 2 owner suites), 2.2 baths, and a 2-car garage. Geothermal and solar-electric systems will be optional here as well.
The Carriage Home, semi-detached design incorporates a courtyard entry in the center flanked by the garage for each home, a pleasing alternative to the more common side-by-side garage design. The result is improved curb appeal and a more gracious introduction to interiors that feature a large, elegant foyer and dramatic volume space. Prices range from the mid- to upper-$300s.
The third housing option in this community will be condominiums. The first building, one of 10 that will each incorporate 22 units, is now in the framing stage. The eight, one-level floor-plan choices offer one, two or three bedrooms in living space that ranges from 770 sq. ft. ($179,900) to 1,400 sq. ft. ($259,900). The buildings are designed with enclosed entries and corridors, and garages underneath.
The final consideration, of course, is location. Again, Meridian Crossing excels. Located just off Rt. 40 in Bear, the community is part of a semi-rural environment that offers a landscape of natural beauty within minutes of shopping centers and an access ramp to Del. 1. Count on easy commutes north to urban workplaces and south to Delaware’s resort towns.
Directions from Wilm: I-95 S to Del 1 S to Rt. 40 W (exit 160). Follow Rt. 40 for 1.7 miles to left onto Church Road. Community is ½ mi. ahead on right. Sales Center open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information: 302.834.1740. www.meridiancrossing.com
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