It's not in Hollywood, but Arc Development promises that Solaria, its new 65-condominium project, will have its residents seeing stars.
When it opens in December 2006, the Riverdale, N.Y., condominium will offer a rooftop observatory and telescope on its roof, according to New York-based developer Joseph Korff.
"I looked at the site, and it had me at the highest point in Riverdale," he says. "I just kept picturing taking my grandson up to the roof. There is nothing more exciting than seeing Saturn from your roof deck."
Along with the telescope, amenities include stargazing decks with rotating celestial maps and chaise lounge chairs and an Astronomy Assistant Program in partnership with the Museum of Natural History. Residents also get a one-year pass to the museum, home to the Rose Center Planetarium's year-round stargazing exhibitions. From the astronomy education to the one- to five-bedroom designs, the Solaria was built for families. James Davidson, a partner at SLCE Architects in New York City, says he designed the project so that units could be combined for larger families. Outside, he took a look at the neighboring red brick structures and went in a less traditional direction.
"We always want to fit within the context of the neighborhood, but unfortunately, the context was not to be aspired to," Davidson says of the traditional, short brick buildings that make up the neighborhood. "So we opted for a transparent glass design."
Davidson adds that the modern minimalist look helps the large building fit more modestly into the older residential neighborhood. So in other words, this new star is trying to go incognito.
–Erin Massey
KSI is developing Midtown Lofts, a 77-unit condominium community in Reston, Va.'s Reston Town Center. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will feature open floor plans, Italian cabinetry, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and elegant hardware. Amenities will include a local artists' gallery and an artist studio equipped with a workspace for industrial arts. ForrestPerkins is designing the project's common areas.
Simpson Housing Solutions has completed Sierra Village Apartments, a 61-unit affordable rental community in Oroville, Calif. The two-, three-, and four-bedroom units are set aside for households earning a maximum of 30 percent to 60 percent of the area median income for Butte County. Amenities include a clubhouse, computer center, carports, game room, laundry room, and tot lot.
J. Milton & Associates is developing St. Tropez, a luxury mixed-use community in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., with 280 condo units and 100,000 square feet of retail space. The 19- and 20-story towers, designed by Kobi Karp, will include two- and three-bedroom units with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Amenities will include a waterfront oasis with a pool, gardens, a sundeck, and cabanas; a health and wellness spa; and concierge services. Unit prices range from $750,000 to more than $2 million.
Zaremba has broken ground on The Avenue District, a $250 million community in downtown Cleveland. The plan calls for 426 upscale units along three blocks. Phase one, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2008, includes 50 luxury lofts, eight penthouses, and 15 townhomes. The community is in walking distance of downtown businesses, restaurants, theaters, and sports arenas. JPI is developing two apartment buildings on a two-acre land parcel in Washington, D.C.'s Navy Yard neighborhood. The first to be built: the 448-unit Jefferson at 70 Eye Street, which will include three levels of below-grade parking, a fitness center, community movie theater, business center, and rooftop pool and patio with views of the U.S. Capitol.
Miller Gallman is developing Castleberry Point, a mixed-use project in Atlanta to include 108 loft-style condos and 35,000 square feet of street-level retail and restaurant space. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will feature granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, kitchen islands, and rooftop decks with downtown skyline views. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, and open-air courtyard. Occupancy is scheduled for early 2008.
Intrepid Residential is redeveloping an apartment building called The Luzon in Washington, D.C., into 2501 Pennsylvania Avenue, a 16-unit luxury condominium community. The units, which will range from 1,800 square feet to 4,300 square feet, will feature 10-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, eco-friendly flooring, high-end kitchen appliances, and custom-made cabinetry. The building's late-1800s historic Romanesque façade will be carefully preserved. Occupancy is scheduled for the spring of 2008. Russell New Urban Development has opened phase one of Sky Lofts Condominiums, a 207-unit project in Atlanta with ground-floor retail space. Standard interior amenities include hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and washers and dryers. Community amenities include a pool, fitness center, and business center.
–Listings compiled by Rachel Z. Azoff
