New Development Plan for Dodo Hamilton’s Estate in Wayne: Strafford Walk
Savvymainline shares that when Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton, the late Campbell’s Soup heiress, passed away in 2017, the future of her expansive Strafford estate in Wayne was unclear. Would the property be preserved as a nature reserve? Or perhaps turned into a suburban offshoot of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society? Many speculated about the land’s fate.
In the end, Hamilton’s estate was passed to family trustees, who were tasked with deciding its future. After years of legal disputes and failed proposals, a new development plan is emerging.
A Fresh Vision for the Estate
Initially, Dodo’s grandson, Sam Hamilton, proposed townhomes for the property. However, his plan sparked over four years of legal battles, making little progress. Recently, the Hamilton trustees sold the estate to Greg Lingo of Rockwell Custom. Lingo’s fresh vision for the land, “Strafford Walk,” moves away from townhomes and introduces a more community-friendly design.
What Makes Strafford Walk Different?
Lingo’s revised plan addresses many concerns raised by the community. Here are the key features:
- 29 single-family homes instead of townhomes, reducing density and providing more space.
- Varied home designs that blend with the established neighborhood and avoid a “cookie-cutter” appearance.
- Sidewalks throughout the property to improve walkability and neighborhood connectivity.
- Enhanced traffic controls and landscape buffers to mitigate impacts on the surrounding area.
- Stormwater management systems will be installed before construction begins to protect the environment.
The homes will range from 2,400 to 4,000 square feet and feature two-car garages and front porches. Prices are expected to start at around $2 million. These homes will likely appeal to the same high-end buyers who have purchased properties in nearby developments like St. Honoré.
Addressing Community Concerns
At town hall meetings, Lingo assured residents that he would continue refining his plans based on public feedback. Neighbors had previously opposed the townhome proposals, citing concerns over traffic, stormwater, and aesthetics. Lingo’s plan, with fewer homes and more green space, addresses these concerns and offers a more fitting residential option.
What’s Next for Strafford Walk?
The Radnor Township Commissioners are expected to vote on the proposed settlement agreement. After that, the project will go through the township’s multi-phase land development process. Final approvals could take one to two years. However, Lingo is optimistic about the project’s success, given the high demand for luxury homes in the area.
Rockwell Custom’s Growing Portfolio
Strafford Walk is just one of several exciting projects Rockwell Custom is working on. Lingo is also preparing to break ground on Oak Hill at St. David’s, a senior care facility. In addition, the company is involved in several luxury residential projects at the Jersey Shore and locally.
Conclusion
After years of uncertainty and legal battles, Strafford Walk offers a promising new future for the Hamilton estate. The new development plan addresses community concerns while offering an upscale, residential option that will complement the area’s character.
For more information on Strafford Walk or to discuss real estate opportunities, contact Lisa Ciccotelli, a top Main Line realtor, at 610.202.4429.
Photo courtesy Rockwell Custom
Article Courtesy of savvymainline.com and Caroline O’Halloran
