INDUSTRIOUS VENTURE Achieving that look required some extra effort according to Pat Epplin, project manager in Chicago. “We worked with a structural engineer to develop a solution to carry brick up all four stories of the wood framed building. It’s not something you see every day, nor is it easy to accomplish – but the final look was definitely worth it,” Epplin commented. Another key design feature is the black fiber cement cladding, a bold statement compared to other residential buildings in the area. Inside, floor-to-ceiling warehouse-inspired windows and interior glass generate the feeling of retail and office spaces while letting in plenty of natural light. With 250 units, the community needed a variety of amenity spaces, so the plan includes a large, elegant, integrated clubhouse. Residents can easily access multiple social gathering areas, a party kitchen, pet wash area adjacent to an expansive dog park, and a pool courtyard with grilling stations. The building takes full advantage of its large site, with a long and low frontage that could easily be mistaken for one of the Motorola buildings from days gone by. Its look is clearly influenced by Chicago’s urban fabric but with a layout that offers more outdoor space and parking than renters could ever find in the city. Element at Veridian is paving the way for a “new downtown” right in the heart of the suburbs. ■ 6 5 Above: The warehouse theme works perfectly for this club room, where expansive volume is highlighted by oversized windows, including interior glass that creates the sense of retail or office space. Left: The building was positioned as close as possible to the primary road, which maximized the outdoor amenity space and enabled views of conservation areas to the west. 5 1 6 3 2 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 Club and Leasing Dog Park Courtyard Parking Garage Future Phase Wetlands inspire | bsbdesign.com/inspire 25
inspire inspire - Volume 10 - 2020: Page 25
