Not only is the building itself striking, but the water views of the adjacent "conservation cove" and the Illinois River beyond are spectacular. The presence of the cove is commanding and peaceful.
The Flite Series at Heritage Harbor is speeding along towards a late fall delivery and I had the opportunity to see the progress a few weeks ago. The form that we developed in plans is as strong in person as it was in drawing form.
View from Unit A to southwest
Original proposal from east
Revised
Original Proposal from west
Revised
One of the nice things about working with Developer Cary Kerbel of Entre' Partners is that he is not just a developer but is a licensed architect as well. Cary is also a longtime friend and is not shy about expressing an idea or difference of opinion about a design. We are respectful of his point of view and are always open to his thoughts.
In an effort to keep the scale of the project in keeping with the buildings around it and also to create a protected courtyard on the street side of the project, the garages were separated from the main building and placed as close to the street as allowable, creating visual protection for the private courtyards that lie between the main building and the garage. The challenge of this concept was to create a feeling of privacy for the occupants, but some view from the street. It is a difficult task to try and create both privacy and visual access at the same time. Most projects along the same street have more traditional and formal front yards and either an attached garage or a paved and open car pad, but we didn't want to do that either. So, being architecture geeks, we kept looking for a better solution.
Cary was losing sleep on this one and couldn't stop thinking about it. So, not being able to leave well enough alone, Cary came up with a compromise that gave the buyer a covered parking space and some additional storage by providing a 12' wide closed garage, but also providing an additional car pad paved with a green paver product that alows grass to be grown in open spaces designed for that purpose. The result is privacy and appropriate storage for the Owner's, more openness for the neighborhood and a green, permeable product that limits harmful runoff and promotes retention of water in the soil below
Cary's site plan sketch
Cary's Garage Sketches
View from the Illinois River
As in all projects we work on at NDC, the best idea always wins, whether it comes from the Architect, the Developer or the Contractor. We want the best solution that has the best chance of success on all levels.
Windows have arrived and are being installed as the building shell approaches being sealed up. Siding starts soon and completion is immanent. We will keep you informed.
Peter Nicholas - NDC