44 townhomes under construction at Luray Landing

By Randy Arrington

LURAY, July 22 — After spending years bogged down in a recession and the planning stages, the “planned community” of Luray Landing established by Baker Development is beginning to truly take shape. Along with commercial properties that have slowly taken root in the new development — such as a dentist’s office, law offices, the recently relocated ABC store and Laurel Ridge Community College’s Jenkins Hall — 44 new townhomes are now currently under construction by D.R.Horton.

Founded in 1978, D.R. Horton is the No. 1 homebuilder in the country, according to Karen Joy-Stanco, the company’s Area Sales Manager, Capital Division.

“We deliver everything the way you see it. We do not customize,”Joy-Stanco said. “We are so big we purchase at a national level to give the customers the best value. If we customize, it costs the homebuyers more and it takes longer.”

D.R. Horton, referred to as “America’s Builder,” can deliver a turn-key 1,500-square-foot Delmar townhome with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a one-car garage in just “100 days from footers to finish,” according to project manager Eddie Cook.

Company spokesmen gathered with town and county officials on Friday, July 22 for a grand opening and ribbon cutting hosted by the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce at a model unit on Allison Drive.

“We appreciate you investing in Page County and providing homes for people to move here, relocate here and live here,” Chamber President Gina Hilliard said.

The low supply and high demand for housing in Page County has driven the average sales price of a home from $261,576 in the first half of 2021, to $289,529 in the first six months of 2022 — an increase of 11 percent.

“We’re very happy to have you here as well,” District 2 supervisor Allen Louderback said. “The one thing we hear from employers is, those who can find employees can’t find housing for those employees. So this is something we need…We hope they sell out quick and we get new people…It’s a sign that we’re healthy and vibrant.”

Eight of the townhomes under construction in Phase I will be ready for August delivery, according to Kelly E. Lucas, the company’s New Home Specialist, Northern Virginia Division.

“We only offer homes when at a certain point of construction so we can deliver a home in a timely fashion…but we have been experiencing some supply chain issues, just like everyone else.”

Two interior design options are offered and the average sale price is around $260,000. Phase II of the residential development could include another 40 units, and the third phase is currently projected at 60 additional units.

“This is probably a test for us…to see how it will take off,” Joy-Stanco said of the first 44 units, “and we’ll probably continue to grow and expand off that… We buy land and build projects…that’s what we do.”

The new townhomes “conveniently located…from retail, tourist destinations and Luray Airport” just off Route 211 contain such features as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, LVP upgraded flooring, whole house window treatments and connected to Smarthouse technology.

“It is exciting…I’m almost giddy with what is going on out here…saws buzzing, Bobcats moving stuff…what wonderful sounds for us,” Mayor Jerry Dofflemyer told the group gathered on Friday. “…that means new tap fees, more tax revenue…for the town and the county…and a lot more customers for our restaurants and service industries for years to come…thank you for investing in Luray.”

D.R. Horton’s Model Townhome at Luray Landing (227 Allison Drive, Luray, VA 22835) is open Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays 12 to 5 p.m.

Hours change during winter.

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