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ATLANTA -
April 2, 2003 - With cozy seating areas, fountains and a
medieval court garden inspired by
the great villas of the Italian Renaissance, Sterling at the Park
brings an authentic Tuscan ambience to Midtown Atlanta. But the
combination of 15th century charm and 21st
century amenities is not the only new concept in the 188 luxury
apartment residences. The building is also an example of a
revolutionary design and construction that enables high-rise density
at low-rise prices, making the city’s expensive real estate a
cost-effective project for residential developers.
Hill Design Associates (HDA), architects
of Sterling at the Park, was challenged to design a structure with
high rise density of 100 units per acre to make the $3 million per
acre lot feasible for the developer, Sterling Development Company.
To do this they needed to stay within the Type V Standard Building
Code (SBC) construction methods which allow light gauge metal
construction on five or fewer floors. The addition of more levels
requires concrete construction and doubles the cost.
By exploring the limits of the
various code requirements, HDA was able to increase the size of the
project by two more floors while staying within the code
requirements and also the budget of the developer. HDA found two
exceptions in the Type V building code which allowed them to design
five stories of apartments above a two story parking deck. With the
first exception, Hill was able to add a sixth floor to the building
as zoning officials categorized the parking deck as a basement. And
with the second exception, they were able to increase the building
by yet another level with its R2 zoning classification.
"I am not aware of this method in use by anyone
else in the southeast, possibly nationwide," said Peter Hill, AIA,
President of Hill Design Associates. "It is revolutionary because
the ability to have more units per acre increases the value
therefore allowing us to design a high quality, luxury building that
would create a signature style for the developer."
A signature style was an important
requirement of the developer due to immense competition in the
Atlanta housing market. To capitalize on the in-town urban market,
Sterling at the Park needed to stand apart from other buildings in
the area. HDA met this requirement with architecture designed to
address the conflict between the convenience, commerce and culture
of urban life and the natural desire for the peace and quiet of life
in the country.
The centerpiece of the design is a
medieval court garden within a courtyard visible only from within
the building. With apartment units overlooking the courtyard and the
majestic fountain of carved lions, this "secret garden" is a quiet
place for study, contemplation or conversation away from the noise
and bustle of the surrounding city.
The Fountain of Four Rivers, located
in a garden area at the front of the building, provides a pleasant
connection between the public pedestrian and the private residences
and common areas inside the development. The front facade of the
building contains a sweeping grand staircase, formal terrace and
covered loggias that combine to form a classic design that has
endured since the 15th century.
"Our goals for this project
were very ambitious, yet HDA consistently met and exceeded our
expectations," said
John Draper, Executive Vice President
of The
Sterling Group. "HDA worked diligently with city officials to
develop creative solutions to code limitations that maximized use of
the property as well as created a beautiful living space for our
residents."
About Sterling at the Park
Sterling at the Park is located in
Midtown Atlanta between 14th Street and Peachtree Street
adjacent to Piedmont Park. The 188 luxury apartment residences
include efficiency apartments, as well as one and two bedroom units
in roommate and family layouts. This innovative residence was
tailored to meet the needs of the sophisticated urban professional
who demands a luxurious lifestyle, often walks to work and places a
premium on time. The exquisite mid-rise began leasing last summer
and is now at 97% occupancy.
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Editors Note: Site and
building photos are available at www.sterlingatthepark.com.
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