By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

Kennett Square continued to merge convenience and accessibility – two of its key assets – with the increased desire for luxury living, at a May 29 groundbreaking ceremony for The Flats at Kennett, a four-story, 175-unit apartment complex that will be located on a 14.4-acre tract at 603 Millers Hill Road in Kennett Square, and open in 2020.

Before local elected and appointed officials and business leaders, the developers of the complex provided a gloss overview of the project, which will feature three four-story buildings and provide a total of 175 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units with private balconies.

Each luxury apartment will offer quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, under-cabinet lighting, and shower stalls, and amenities will include a fitness center, outdoor pool, fire pit and conversation areas, yoga studio, bike storage and repair facilities, a pet-friendly policy and pet spa, resident storage, 23 underground parking spaces, electric car charging stations, nearby footpaths, and recreational open space.

The Flats at Kennett was designed by Greenfield Architects Ltd. of Lancaster, Pa., and will be constructed by High Construction Company, also of Lancaster – both of which are affiliates of High Real Estate Group, LLC. The property is being developed by High Real Estate Group LLC and Merion Realty Partners, and will be managed by High Associates Ltd., which is an affiliate of High Real Estate Group LLC.

“It wasn't that long ago that renting an apartment was something that most people had to do out of necessity,” said Brad Mowbray, senior vice president and managing director of High Associates' residential division. “Today, more and more people are renting out of choice. Millennials, Baby Boomers and others alike are looking for flexible, upscale lifestyle options, and amenities conducive to how they want to proceed with their lives.

"That is what drew us to this opportunity to fill the need for high-quality, rental housing in Kennett Square.”

Mowbray also referred to the complex's proximity to the borough and to Anson B. Nixon Park, which will be accessible by foot for residents through a connective trail system.

In addition, it will be located near major attractions like Longwood Gardens and historic Chadds Ford, as well as close to schools in the Kennett Consolidated and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts, and central to major employment centers throughout the Brandywine Valley.

Mowbray said that the complex follows the proper method of land utilization.

“By growing up as opposed to growing out, we feel that this [design] reduces the environmental impact and is something that is appropriate for the areas where the zoning allows for this type of development,” he said. “It's a form of smart growth that preserves the natural beauty, while also fostering a distinct, attractive community with a strong sense of place.

“From the standpoint of design finishes, amenities and the whole package, I assure you that The Flats of Kennett will follow a formula that will work for residents of Kennett Square and the Brandywine Valley as a whole.”

Mark Fitzgerald, president and COO of High Real Estate Group LLC, thanked the Kennett Township Supervisors – Scudder Stevens, Dr. Richard Leff and Whitney Hoffman – as well as Richard Hicks, the township's code official and Diane Hicks, township's zoning officer. 

Leff told the audience that the complex will be very conducive for various age groups, especially for young professionals and young families.

“One of the things we're especially proud of in Kennett Township is our positive view of economic and housing developments,” he said. “We've been working very closely with the borough on this project, and with other municipalities a little bit further away, to make sure that Kennett is not only the best place to raise a family, but a place where our children can return to as they begin to make a life for themselves in our area."

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].