Thursday, November 15, 2012

Crescent Bluff nears completion

Progress on the Crescent Bluff apartments outside downtown Memphis continues to move forward as the project is nearing completion. The scope and scale of the final product can be seen as all rough framing is complete. Roofing is also finished and gutters are being installed. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work is well underway and looks to be completed on schedule. Masonry work is also near completion thus providing an understanding of what the exteriors will look like once complete. In addition, leasing continues to be very strong even though no units are yet available for viewing. Interior drywall and cabinets are being installed in many units providing a preview of the future interior spaces to be enjoyed by future tenants.












Friday, September 14, 2012

Renovation/Addition of East Memphis Home make progress

Project team:

Builder: Tommy Byrnes with Byrnes Ostner Investments  

Landscape Architect: Joe Baasch


The clients purchased this house because they really liked the existing colonial façade, yard and location. However, the existing interior spaces did not meet their needs.
After obtaining a through understanding of the client’s preferences and needs and then evaluating various options, a design solution was devised. The solution would retain the colonial façade while providing a floor plan that accommodates the immediate and future needs of our client. Included in the master plan, specific areas of the existing spaces were identified to remain and be refurbished, and needed spaces were added. As part of the project goals, since the existing front façade was symmetrical, the proposed extensive renovation had to maintain the symmetry.

The image below shows the existing front portico which establishes a clear language of classic design. Its impressive scale commands any visitor's attention and is to remain an integral part of the design. The new scheme will seamlessly coordinate new design elements without trying to compete with or overwhelm the original architecture.


The original structure displays clear symmetry and classic design



Construction begins by protecting existing construction and landscaping to remain followed by selective demolition. As with most large renovations, a few issues were discovered in the demolition process. Fortunately, these issues were minor and easily accommodated with adjustments to the proposed design.


The left wing is removed as chimney and front portico are left undisturbed as required.                    
  

The spaces around the foyer are to be demolished to create a more open floor plan that reflects the lifestyle needs of the clients. Note the stair on the right side of the image is to be protected and will remain a highlighted element in the new design.




Finally, the foundation is laid out, concrete poured, and framing started. This is an exciting time for the client as framing typically proceeds quickly and is the first time when they can actually see how the house will look. While Tommy is moving forward with construction, the client begins to select fixtures such as plumbing and lighting. We assist the construction process by addressing builder, client, and vendor questions, and selecting finish materials such as brick, windows, and exterior doors.

New wings are added that provide better proportions and new living spaces
The new design is careful to integrate into the original architecture in a respectful manner

Workers are careful to match the new brick and cornices with the original as much as possible

Interior framing begins, thus allowing the clients to realize the potential of their future spaces






Thursday, September 13, 2012

Edgewater home sales on the rise

Edgewater, a new traditional neighborhood development (TND) located approximately 14 miles northeast of Pittsburgh is experiencing rapid sales of their new homes. Situated on 34 acres in the historic village center of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, the neighborhood will consist of approximately 260 total dwelling units along with mixed-use retail. Shapiro & Company has designed multi-family and single family residences in conjunction with EQA Landmark and Kacin General Contractors.

Brett Malky, president of EQA Landmark, left, is developing Edgewater at Oakmont
with Kacin Cos. President Richard Kacin, center, and Vice President Bruce Corna.
(Photo by Joe Wojcik)

Please click on the link below to view an article from the Pittsburgh Business Times for more information on Edgewater.




Newbury is the place to be in South Fayette!



Demand for residences in the Newbury development in South Fayette, Pennsylvania has remained high in recent months. Many factors, including a convenient location, access to sought-after schools, and a well thought out master plan that links retail areas with residential and open public spaces have all contributed to the success of the development. For more information, please click on the links below to read articles by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Pittsburgh Business Times discussing new construction in the region. (Photos by Rebecca Droke/Post Gazette)

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/home/buying-here-south-fayette-651543/

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/south-fayette-projects-ramp-up-645371/

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2008/11/03/daily6.html

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Village Home Plans

Village Home Plans LLC, is an independent organization that offers a wide array of floorplans and styles to fit the unique personalities of families and individuals alike.
Please visit the link below to begin a tour of what Village Home Plans has to offer!
http://villagehomeplans.com/


As the index of plans will attest, these homes range in square footage and accommodation. The styles vary, but all have been designed to fit into Traditional Neighborhood Developments throughout the United States. As a result, the homes are worthy of consideration in themselves, but also foster a sense of community and belonging. We are pleased to be able to make these plans available to you. Village Home Plans encourages you to contact us for custom designs or modifications to better suit your lifestyle or market needs.