Danberry in the News – 4.28.09
Offering New Senior Housing Options In Resort-Like Setting
By Jean M. McLean
Birmingham's over-55 set no longer has to vacation in south Florida to experience an all-adult community with resort amenities.
The Danberry at Inverness sales center has opened, introducing a planned retirement community that will include 48 cottages, 160 luxury apartments and 72 assisted living studios. Danberry is on Hoover's Lake Heather, part of the established Inverness community off the U.S. 280 corridor.
The Community
Danberry at Inverness contains more than upscale homes, said Randy Dabney, vice president of senior housing for Daniel Corporation, the property's developers. Danberry's entry, a signature rock wall waterfall, "makes quite a first impression," said Dabney. It sets the tone for a luxury-oriented, customized community. The community's 2,000-square-foot Lakeside Clubhouse opened this year. Its English garden is a "gorgeous place to sit in the afternoons," said Dabney. The clubhouse also offers a patio, screened porch and rock fireplace. Its interior is well adapted to events ranging from bridge clubs to wedding receptions. A full service kitchen may service catered events or small group barbecues.
A second clubhouse on Danberry's apartment side will include a fine dining room in addition to a bistro/bar, where residents might pick up a quick breakfast or meet for a casual lunch. Friends may also gather at the bistro for evening appetizers or enjoy a mid-day break at the coffee shop and library. The views from the outdoor screened porch and the fire pit are likely to cause residents to linger, Dabney said. This clubhouse's 24-hour indoor pool will be constructed with seniors in mind. Its irregular shape and waterfall will evoke a spa-like feel within the onsite fitness center. Residents can take advantage of the fitness equipment or indulge in a massage, pedicure, manicure or hair styling at the beauty shop. Those who prefer their exercise outdoors will enjoy the community's walking trails. The trails will wind around two ponds and waterfalls. A croquet lawn and seven community gardens, including a healthcare garden with edible plants, will provide other options. Every element of Danberry is designed for those over 55.
At least one spouse must be of that age and no children may be permanent residents, Dabney said. Security is ensured through gated entry and nightly patrols. But Danberry is also designed to be a welcoming place, Dabney said. That welcome is set by its architecture, designed by the 100-year-old Calloway Johnson Moore and West firm. Daniel Corporation carefully selected these architects because of their long term experience with senior adult communities, said Dabney. All details, from lot grading to extra-wide garages, are designed to suit residents' needs as they age.
The Cottages
The seven cottage plans to be built by Signature Homes average approximately 2,000 square feet. Each includes Tudor stone-and-brick exteriors and open floor plan interiors. Plans call for two or three bedrooms on one level, with second story options. The first models are expected to open in July. Most homes will be custom-built. "We're taking full advantage of Signature Home's design studio," said Dabney. Buyers can choose their own finishes and further upgrades when desired. Cottage amenities include all landscape maintenance. Garden areas are incorporated into each home's design. Three-walled patios provide sheltered outdoor space for year-round enjoyment. Homes will include granite countertops, ceramic tile entries and baths, nine-foot ceilings with some vaulted ceilings, crown molding, stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring in entertaining areas.
The Apartments
The apartment-side clubhouse won't be the only reason residents will seek Danberry's rental units, said Dabney. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes will include between 700 to 1,600 square feet. Apartments will feature similar amenities as the cottages across Inverness Center Drive. However, residents will also have options for balconies, bay windows and turret sunrooms oriented for hilltop views. Apartment fees include one daily meal, housekeeping, concierge services and scheduled transportation.
The Studios
Danberry at Inverness is designed as an aging-in-place community including an assisted living option. Managed by CRSA, a national leader in retirement housing management, each 300 to 500 square-foot studio will include a bedroom, bath, living room and kitchenette. The studios will feature a "neighborhood feel," Dabney said, with private dining and organized activities. The community will have a private entrance. The studio community will include physical therapy facilities, a physician's clinic and a visiting medical director. Organized activities will include regular seminars and speakers.
Cottage prices begin in the upper $300,000s. Apartments will rent from $2,500 to $4,700 per month. Assisted living fees are available upon request. To learn more about home sales, contact Realtors Sally Tuttle (281-6458), Petra Pryor (616-5900) or Deborah Rogers (566-1500). For leasing, call Lori Dodd at 981-6679.
