Dresden to get New Subdivision

The first subdivision in a generation is under construction in Dresden.
Fairport Heights is the name chosen for the 19-home project, which is being built in the north end of town at the end of Davies Street.

Business partners Dave Depencier of Dresden and Rob Vanderydt of Bothwell chose Fairport as the name because of its historical significance as an early name of the farming community on the banks of the Sydenham River.

They have worked in partnership on projects in the past, but this is the first time they have developed an entire subdivision from the purchase of the property, right through to the selling of lots and the construction of the houses.

For Fairport Heights, they established PenRydt Properties Ltd. Both already have their own companies. Depencier has Depencier Builders, while Vanderydt owns RCI Concrete Finishing.

The subdivision features three or four home designs, ranging in size from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet. The lots range in width from 55 to 63 feet, and are about 110 feet deep. Lots sell for between $35,500 and $40,900. Finished homes are expected to go for between $125,000 and $170,000.

Fran Martin of Riversite Realty in Wallaceburg has taken on the role of agent for the development.

The partners have owned the land for about five years and received planning approval from the municipality for the project in the spring. One house has already been sold and construction is expected to start on it early in October, but the subdivision won't be filled overnight.

"Our plan is about three to five years," says Vanderydt.

Depencier says the homes will cater both to young families, as well as to retired empty-nesters.

"I think people are going back to the small towns and want a small-town life," he says.

-Don Robinet