The trend is happening nationwide: More affluent retirees and empty-nesters are downsizing from single-family, suburban homes to be closer to urban activities—and, in many cases, to be able to walk. Greystar recognized the demand for a high-end, city-area apartment building since not everybody wants to own a condo, especially those who have other properties, including vacation homes.
The developer had an ideal site to work with near Lake Calhoun and parks and between the suburbs and city. Architecture firm ESG Architecture & Design developed a design that reflects the same high level of comfort and quality occupants were used to in their former homes.
Project Details
Location: Minneapolis
Developer: Greystar
Architect/interior designer: ESG Architecture & Design
Builder: Frana Cos.
Opened: September 2016
Number of units: 90
Unit mix: One- and two-bedrooms, some with den; two-bedroom penthouses, some with den
Rents: $2,215 to $14,500
It also designed them to be generous in size, from 865 to 1,965 square feet. Five penthouses with two bedrooms, some with a den and a balcony, are even more spacious and swankier with as much as 3,450 square feet.
Because of the site’s triangular shape, many units contain angles that provide unique plans, along with study cubicles and laundry equipment, the latter sometimes in its own room.
Still other features not commonly found in a rental include custom wood cabinets, engineered black-walnut floors, marble-tile backsplashes, upgraded kitchen and bathroom appliances, quality hardware and doors, and smart temperature-control systems.
Concrete walls and a void between the interior walls buffer sound. Shared amenities favored by an older clientele who value public space—but not to the degree of their younger millennial counterparts—inspired a clubroom with demonstration kitchen, fitness center, and “aqua” terrace with pool.
The exterior of the eight-level building mixes traditional brick and limestone with metal panels, for a hip, classy effect.
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