History

Sometime in the early 1970s, four associates started a project to build, what was at the time, the first condominium townhouse development in the Baltimore area.

The four developers were:

Built on the site of an apple orchard, part of the Howe property, they envisioned classic brick and stucco townhomes in the style still seen today in Georgetown. These were to be a new concept in townhomes offering up-scale amenities, including pool and tennis on-site, private roads, classic plantings, and sturdy construction. The interiors would include large double-hung windows, 8, 9 and 10 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, solid wood panel doors, and classic moldings in the main living areas. The floor plan was open with offset floors and few no load-bearing walls, offering little impediment to future changes. Consistent demand for the Thornton Wood homes over the years is testament to the success of this enduring design concept.

The marketing of the property was placed with realtors Piper & Company. Mary Lou Hearn, Sally Staples, and Fayne Farrar were co-agents; Mary Lou and Sally also became long-time residents.

The first model home was opened in 1974, before construction was completed. The model was open seven days a week, but as Thornton Wood was a new concept in living, it took time for the idea to catch-on. The initial offering price in 1974 was $72,500, and the price in 1976 when sales were closed was still under $100,000.

Today, Thornton Wood reflects a mature community with well-maintained assets that is exceedingly convenient to Towson, the I-83 and I-695 expressways, and downtown Baltimore. Yet, we are also within minutes of numerous parks, golf courses, clubs, woodlands, and horse country. The wooded buffer around our 11 acres provides a level of seclusion difficult to find in today's crowded urban environments. The best part of Thornton Wood living, however, is the spirit of community found among its residents that makes living here a joy.

Governance

A condominium regime was established in Maryland under the Real Property Article, Title 11 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (the Condominium Act) with the filing of a Declaration, Condominium Plat., and By-Laws (the Condominium documents). The Declaration and By-Laws are included in the Condominium Sale Packet of information provided to all purchasers of a Thornton Wood townhome. All of the documents are recorded in the land records of Baltimore County and are available to the public.

The Thornton Wood Condominium Association was formed as an unincorporated Association and is composed of the Council of Unit Owners which is all the owners of townhomes in the Condominium. The Association is governed under the Condominium By-Laws by a Board of Directors (the Board,) duly elected by the owners at an annual meeting. The Board is responsible for the operation of the Condominium including, among other things, determination of dues, securing insurance, maintenance of Common Elements, and setting of rules and regulations.

Until fiscal year 2006, the Condominium was managed directly by the Board consisting of volunteer directors elected from the Council of Unit Owners. In 2006, the operation of the Condominium was delegated to a professional property manager. A Board of elected directors continues to oversee the operation of the Condominium and retains all authority for policy and other matters.

The Board meets, generally, monthly and meetings are open to all unit owners. Minutes of meetings are also available to all unit owners as are all condominium records subject to the provisions in the Condominium Documents. A meeting of the Council of Unit Owners is held annually, usually scheduled in March. Thornton Wood's fiscal year begins April 1 and concludes the following March 31st. Unit owners are encouraged to participate in the management of the condominium as elected directors or as volunteers in the various committees that help to maintain the community.