Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community

Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community is an established residential neighborhood located in the historic and scenic city of Lewes, Delaware. Comprising approximately 127 lots, this community has recently undergone a significant transformation following its annexation into the City of Lewes in 2022. Historically a landmark of the local area, the park is currently evolving into a modernized housing hub through extensive infrastructure improvements. For Delaware residents seeking an affordable entry point into the Sussex County housing market, Donovan Smith provides a unique opportunity to live within city limits while enjoying the lower overhead of a manufactured home environment.

The community is managed with a focus on revitalizing the local landscape and providing reliable workforce housing for the region. As part of a larger state-funded pilot project, the park has seen millions of dollars in investment to bring its facilities up to contemporary municipal standards. This initiative was designed to ensure that the residents of Donovan Smith have access to the same high-quality services as the rest of the Lewes population. Today, the community serves as a bridge between the tradition of manufactured housing and the benefits of modern urban infrastructure, making it a noteworthy consideration for those looking to settle in the "First Town in the First State."

Location and accessibility are the primary draws for the Donovan Smith community. Situated at 34168 Central Avenue, the park is nestled in a prime area of Lewes that places residents just minutes away from local landmarks and essential services. Accessibility to the outdoors is a major highlight, as the community is a short drive from the pristine sands of Lewes Beach and the sprawling natural beauty of Cape Henlopen State Park. For those who commute or enjoy regional travel, the park offers easy access to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and major local transit routes. The community is also conveniently located near Beebe Healthcare, local schools, and the varied shopping and dining options along the Savannah Road corridor, ensuring that daily necessities are never out of reach.

The services offered at Donovan Smith have seen a massive upgrade in recent years, largely due to a partnership between the city and the Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW). A $5.5 million project was completed to fully integrate the community into the city's modern utility grid. Residents now benefit from professionally managed systems that replace older, private infrastructure. Furthermore, as part of the annexation agreement, specific long-term benefits were established for existing residents to ensure a smooth transition into the city's service network.

• Full connection to the City of Lewes municipal water and sanitary sewer systems.
• Weekly garbage and recycling pickup included as part of the community service package.
• Freshly repaved interior streets and improved drainage systems to ensure safe transit throughout the park.
• Professional on-site property management available for resident inquiries and administrative needs.
• Regular maintenance of common areas and perimeter landscaping to maintain neighborhood aesthetics.
• Pet-friendly policies that welcome residents and their animal companions, subject to community guidelines.

The features and highlights of Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community reflect its status as a transitioning and improving neighborhood. One of the most significant recent developments is the approval of a conditional-use application that allows for the addition of new, modern homes to the community. This expansion is aimed at increasing the vitality of the park and providing fresh, high-quality housing stock for the area. The community features a layout that provides residents with a sense of space while remaining close to the heart of Lewes. Additionally, the park includes dedicated open spaces intended for resident recreation and community interaction.

• Updated infrastructure including new sewer laterals and water service connections for all occupied lots.
• Strategic location within 45 minutes of major resort destinations like Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City.
• Proximity to local attractions such as the Hopkins Farm Creamery and regional walking trails.
• New home placement opportunities with updated zoning compliance for height and lot coverage.
• Dedicated open space areas for outdoor relaxation and community gathering.
• Direct access to public transportation routes serving the Sussex County coast.

If you are interested in exploring current lot availability or learning about the application process for new manufactured home placements, you can contact the community's management office directly. The office handles both administrative inquiries and emergency maintenance coordination for the park.

Address: 34168 Central Ave, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

Phone: (302) 629-6315

What makes Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community worth choosing today is the rare combination of affordability and municipal-grade reliability in a high-demand coastal market. For years, the community faced challenges with private utility systems, but the 2024 completion of the Lewes BPW infrastructure project has fundamentally changed the living experience. Residents can now enjoy the peace of mind that comes with city-managed water and sewer services, coupled with the stability of a 20-year agreement regarding service costs for many established homes. This makes the community a much more viable and attractive option than it was in the past.

Furthermore, for those who work in the local service, healthcare, or tourism industries, Donovan Smith offers a location that is virtually unbeatable. Being able to live within the City of Lewes—a town known for its high property values—at a manufactured home price point allows for a higher quality of life and shorter commutes. As the park continues to evolve with new home placements and ongoing street maintenance, it is positioning itself as a key pillar of affordable housing in coastal Delaware. Choosing this community means investing in a neighborhood that is actively being improved and integrated into the fabric of one of Delaware's most historic and beautiful cities.