Concept plan for 31-acre The Heights at Hunt Valley, positioned just north of Hunt Valley Towne Centre, contains 52 villa-style homes and 158,00 square foot assisted living component
Bushrod Investments and Birchwood Capital Partners have acquired a 31-acre site situated in northern Baltimore County that they have gained approval for an age-restricted community containing 52 villa-style homes and a 158,000 square foot assisted living component. Site work has commenced on The Heights at Hunt Valley, situated at 180 Sparks Valley Road just north of Hunt Valley Towne Centre, with sales anticipated to begin for the villa homes in spring 2026. A national homebuilder intends to begin delivering the 28-foot-wide residential product next year. The development team is close to finalizing a deal with an operator for the assisted living parcel.
“The Heights at Hunt Valley is being developed in direct response to the emerging popularity of age restricted communities, and is specifically designed to address the residential needs of active seniors,” explained David Gildea, Principal of Bushrod Investments. “There is a growing trend among this demographic group to downsize their current home and enjoy a maintenance-free and amenity-rich environment, surrounded by like-minded people in the same relative age range. The community’s extensive walking trail system and community gathering places, as well as its proximity to major shopping and business centers, provides an ideal location for empty nesters and retirees who seek a vibrant and active lifestyle, while remaining close to family and friends.”
Four different villa designs will be offered ranging from approximately 2,100 to 3,200 square feet of space, with the option of one-story or two-story floorplans. Each home will be equipped with standard features including wide-plank flooring, stainless-steel appliance packages, and granite or quartz countertops in the kitchen and owner’s suite vanity. Planned resident amenities include a community fire pit and outdoor grilling station, and an extensive walking trail system that meanders throughout the entire community.
Construction is also expected to begin next year on the assisted living site.
The Heights at Hunt Valley is situated between York Road and Interstate 83 and is approximately three miles from Cockeysville, 12 miles from Towson and Reisterstown, and 20 miles from downtown Baltimore. A number of restaurants and shopping centers are nearby along Shawan Road and the York Road corridor and within the Hunt Valley Business Community.
Baby boomers fueling popularity of active adult communities
According to information generated by Grand View Research, the active adult market size in the United States is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of more than 4 percent through 2030. The product is defined as “purpose-built housing for younger seniors with a heavy emphasis on community space and activities.” Grand View Research further indicates that this population is “more willing to explore new things, maintain a social life, and enjoy their life savings.”
Development team supports Sherwood Episcopal Church Clean Water Project
The development team provided a financial contribution to the Sherwood Episcopal Church in support of its Clean Water Project initiated in 2023 to combat the effects of storm water runoff flowing down Sherwood Hill through the church campus which has caused extensive property erosion, flooding and hazardous conditions for motorists and business owners along York Road, and contaminated the area drink water supply with pollutants. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources provided a $1.7 million grant in support of these efforts and The Chesapeake Bay Trust also provided grant money.
Sherwood Episcopal Church engaged environmental restoration firm Underwood & Associates to pursue a nature-based solution to slow floodwater by introducing gravel, stone, and earthen ponds and streams to filter out pollutants. More than 100 trees will be planted at the church, and a riparian and wetland habitat will be established to help combat future flooding episodes.
“We consider it our responsibility to practice environmental stewardship and support critical initiatives that impact the future of the communities where we operate,” stated David Strouse, President and CEO, Birchwood Capital Partners. “Left unchecked, the flooding occurring in Northern Baltimore has the potential to negatively impact a wide array of stakeholders, so backing the goals of the Clean Water Project is crucial. This involvement epitomizes our mission to be good corporate neighbors and to be a group that can be counted on to make a meaningful difference.”
About Bushrod Investments and Birchwood Capital Partners
Bushrod Investments focuses on the development and sale of mixed-use, residential, and assisted living communities primarily located in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the country. Founded by David Gildea in 2010, the group provides expertise in every aspect of an asset’s life cycle, including land acquisition, entitlements and rezoning, development and leasing, and disposition services. The Baltimore-based company also specializes in sustainable development, distribution facilities, and green energy and eco-parks. Visit www.bushrod-dev.com.
Birchwood Capital Partners is a commercial real estate investment and advisory firm headquartered in Baltimore, with a focus on Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern markets. With two distinct divisions, Birchwood Finance and Birchwood Investments, its finance team provides debt and equity solutions as well as guidance in evaluating investment opportunities, while the investment team acquires and develops properties. The group was founded by David Strouse in 2010 and operates an office in Fort Myers, Florida. Visit www.birchcp.com.
