One of the first large-scale townhouse planned developments in Chicago’s Near North Side, the site is developed as two concentric quadrangles separated by a private interior drive. The design focuses on minimizing curb cuts, and encouraging a sense of community within the development by creating pedestrian friendly streets. Axial vistas culminate at a lushly landscaped courtyard with a decorative fountain at the site’s center which serves as a retreat and focal point for the residents. Careful and deliberate use of over-sized and standard concrete masonry units, brick, limestone, and glass block create a level of detail, scale, warmth, and an enduring quality that is consistent with the surrounding Victorian context. With sensitivity to the varietal nature of the urban dwellers, the project includes eight different unit designs ranging from 2,000- to 3,100- square feet.
