Even with its unusual challenges–namely, building a part-rental, part-for-sale housing development for both seniors and foster children on 47 acres of wetlands–Pam Goodman, president of Boston-based Beacon Communities Development, just couldn't say no.
She knew Beacon could help the Treehouse Foundation realize its $16 million dream of an intergenerational mixed-income community in Easthampton, Mass., for families adopting foster children and for senior citizens. The idea behind the project? That by bringing together two groups that are often marginalized, both groups would thrive in their new environment and find mutual support as they build their lives in their new neighborhood.
"It felt like a really important project that needed to get done," Goodman says. "Given our expertise in complex permitting, it was intriguing to us. We knew it was a worthwhile project."
Four years later, construction is nearly complete on Treehouse at Easthampton Meadow. The state is lining up occupants for 60 living units, which include one-bedroom apartments for seniors and three- to five-bedroom homes for families with foster or adopted children.
But it wasn't easy. Goodman and her team juggled private and public funding sources with the challenges of environmental permitting. They also worked with neighbors, who wanted the project to fit in. To keep that promise, Goodman turned to Cambridge, Mass.-based architect Prellwitz/Chilinski Associates.
David Chilinski, the firm's president, says he chose a farmhouse style common in New England architecture so the project would blend into the neighborhood, allowing the foster children to better assimilate.
"This by its nature is immersing foster and adoptive families into a normal setting," Chilinski says. "How could it be any less normal than to find a collection of arguably New England rural-style homes along a neighborhood street?"
–Erin Massey
The Falcon Group is developing the 1,100-unit Pinnacle Condominium Resort in Las Vegas. The $850 million twin-tower, 36-story structure is expected to break ground this fall and open in the second quarter of 2009. Located on 12 acres off Las Vegas' west strip, the project will feature a 3-acre amenity pool deck, jogging trail, theater, and ground-floor retail. Interstate Hotels & Resorts will manage the property.
The Shelter Group is developing Park View at Coventry Station, a 166-unit affordable senior housing community in Atlanta. The one- and two-bedroom units will feature fully equipped kitchens and safety features and will be handicapped-accessible. Community amenities will include a theater, community center, meditation area, computer center, fitness center, and salon. The project, to be built by McShane Construction Corp., is part of a 139-acre mixed-use development. Completion is expected for June 2007.
The Altman Cos. is developing Grove East, a mixed-use project in Plantation, Fla., to include 220 condominium units and 17,650 square feet of retail space. The studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will be located in eight garden-style buildings. Amenities will include a cyber café, fitness center, club room, pool and spa, and playground. Prices start from the high $200,000s. Completion is expected for late 2007.
Simpson Housing Solutions has opened Orchard View Apartments, an 81-unit affordable apartment community in Holtville, Calif. The three- and four-bedroom units offer walk-in closets, patios or balconies, and built-in kitchen appliances. Amenities include a clubhouse, computer learning center, pool, and tot lot. All units are set aside for households earning a maximum of 30 percent to 60 percent of the county's area median income.
Colonial Development Group broke ground on W Fort Lauderdale Resort Hotel & Residences in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The two 23-story towers will house 171 hotel condominium units and 346 hotel rooms. The one- and two-bedroom units will feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and balconies offering ocean and city views. Amenities will include an ocean-view signature bar, grand ballroom, oceanfront infinity pool, 24/7 concierge services, and 15,000-square-foot meeting facilities. The project is expected to be complete in December 2007.
Ecumen is developing the North Branch Senior Campus, a 126,500-square-foot community in North Branch, Minn., to include 51 assisted living residences, 20 memory care units, 68 skilled nursing beds, and a town center with a bakery, coffee shop, general store, chapel, and community room. KKE Architects is designing the $20 million community, which will replace the county-run Green Acres Country Care Center. The project is expected to open in July 2007.
Crosswinds Florida, a division of Crosswinds Communities, broke ground on Village Lofts, a 72-unit loft-style condominium community in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The one- and two-story lofts will feature high ceilings, granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, spiral industrial staircases, and oversized windows. Amenities will include a pool with sundeck, fitness center, and underground parking. Prices start in the mid-$300,000s.
Western National Group has opened Ridgeview, a 320-unit, 18-acre gated apartment community in Moreno Valley, Calif. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom units offer full-size washers and dryers, high-speed Internet access, and patios or balconies. Amenities include a clubhouse with media lounge, fitness center, business center, pool and spa, children's playground, and detached two-car garages.
Cousins Properties is developing Fox Plaza, a 2.4-acre mixed-use community in midtown Atlanta. The project's first phase will feature The Premiere at Fox Plaza–a 30-story, 210-unit high-rise condominium to offer more than 20,000 square feet of street-level retail including a 5,000-square-foot restaurant. Prices for the one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will start in the low $300,000s. Completion is expected for mid-2008.
Urban West Associates is developing One Rincon Hill, a 709-unit condominium community in San Francisco's reemerging Rincon Hill neighborhood. The 55- and 45-story towers feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city and bay. Amenities will include a pool, sundeck, fitness centers, and valet parking. The $290 million project is expected to open in early 2008.
Trammell Crow Residential is developing One Vinings Mountain, a 156-unit luxury condominium community in Atlanta. The property, designed by Niles Bolton Associates, will be built atop the 1,170-high Mount Wilkinson and will offer views of the Atlanta skyline, the Chattahoochee River, and Kennesaw Mountain. Amenities will include an infinity pool, a health club, massage room, wine cellar and tasting room, woodwork shop, and indoor golf driving range. The community is expected to be complete in early 2007.
Morningside Group is developing Chestnut Square, a mixed-use community in Homewood, Ill., to include 45 condo units and ground-floor retail space. Pricing for the one- and two-bedroom units ranges from the low $200,000s to the mid-$300,000s. Amenities will include a fitness center and indoor parking facility. Occupancy is slated for fall 2007.
– Listings compiled by Rachel Z. Azoff