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Kristy

RIVERWALK WiNS BEST MIXED USE COMMUNITY IN AMERICA!

RIVERWALK WiNS BEST MIXED USE COMMUNITY IN AMERICA! 1466 896 Kristy

Beyond grateful is how we are feeling to have our work recognized on a national level! Riverwalk just won NAHB’s Award for the Best Mixed-Use Community in America.

This project is a result of our longstanding collaboration with our friends and clients at Confluence Companies. Their vision to make communities better through intentional design and thoughtful planning is why we are so honored to work with them.

Thank you to David Lauer for the amazing photos. And a thank you to the entire project team:

Developer | Confluence Companies
Architect | Craine Architecture
Contractor | Confluence Builders
Interior Designer | Studio R
Lighting | Cullen Lighting
Structural | Fortis
Sustainability | Group 14
MEP | Given
Civil | 2N

Lake House at Summit Sky Ranch

Another Gold Award Winner!

Another Gold Award Winner! 8256 5504 Kristy

We are all smiles over here after The Lake House in Summit Sky Ranch received a Gold award at the NAHB Best In American Living Awards Show. The Lake House is the latest addition to the Summit Sky Ranch community but more wonderful designs are in the works so stay tuned!

We are incredibly thankful to Palisade Partners and Maryland Creek Ranch Builders for their trust in our design team and their continued partnership! And we are grateful to the entire design team. The project team:

Architect/Designer | Craine Architecture
Builder | Maryland Creek Ranch
Developer | Summit Sky Ranch
Land Planner | Norris Design
Landscape Arch/Design | Norris Design
Interior Design | Armijo Design Group

Photo Credit: The Unfound Door

Detroit

Detroit

Detroit 1366 569 Kristy

With the Detroit Lions in the playoffs….seemed like a good time to revisit this post…GO LIONS!

As a child, when watching a sporting event, we frequently (okay, almost exclusively) cheered for the underdog. Often, they were defeated and we would shrug our shoulders in disappointment and maybe even wallow a bit in the loss. Occasionally, there was a victory, and the pure joy we felt was unparalleled. They defeated the odds. They proved them wrong. I love that story. I never tire of it and Detroit embodies it. 

I grew up near Detroit, which in my youth burned on Devil’s night, and was awash in trash, swirling around the streets until getting caught in the metal bars that covered storefronts. Astonishing buildings that were touted to be examples of some of the best architecture in the United States sat abandoned, neglected and left to vandals. Over the last few decades, when visiting the city, I would marvel at the sheer numbers of these beautiful historic structures, these forlorn elegant giants, and I would think, “Come on underdog…get going.”    

Detroit's Central Station
Central Station Detroit

We visited my favorite underdog city this month, and it was clear, the positive momentum has finally gained traction. The historic fabric is being mended and improved, not abandoned and demolished. The current redevelopment is thoughtful, deliberate and places restoration of the city in high regard. The old train station, which stands proud in Cork Town is a perfect example of this. The new owners, Ford Motor Company, are investing hundreds of millions of dollars not only in the building, but the surrounding neighborhood.  The industry that helped create this great city is now helping to bring it back. 

Shinola Hotel

During this visit, we stayed at The Shinola Hotel which is also emblematic of the city’s historic fabric being woven into a new story without losing sight of the original narrative. The Shinola property actually consists of five buildings, two of which are historic. They retained the elaborate red tiled facade of the Rayl building which was designed by Wirt Rowland, an architect known for innovative use of materials. They also remodeled the Singer Building, which was designed by what is now the nation’s oldest continuously operating architectural firm (Smith, Hinchman & Grylls). It used to house the Singer Sewing Machine Company and is clad in limestone. Yet, there is more history at which one can marvel; part of the Shinola property also includes Parker’s Alley, which is an homage to Thomas Parker. He was one of Detroit’s first black landowners and the exact lot (Lot 70 in section 7) is subsumed within the Shinola development. He bought that lot for $1 in a land drawing that occurred after the great fire of 1805. Clearly, Mr. Parker believed in underdogs too.

Upon entering the hotel, you sense the history and importance of the building. The finishes are elegant, simple and the craftsmanship, exemplary. The historical importance of the buildings’ sensitive remodel is not only imparted to visitors in their guestbooks, but also in video clips played in their rooms. One of the most striking aspects of this elegant hotel is how comfortable and welcomed you feel here. The Hotel staff beam with pride about the project, but there is no arrogance or entitlement. Along with pride, they demonstrate equal amounts of humility and appreciation. That trifecta is born from struggle and this is the quintessential experience you get from this city and it’s people.

On the plane ride home, I reflected on the history of Detroit, and realized that the fire of 1805 unbeknownst to the city and the future residents, ended up providing the framework for the grit, the heart, and the perseverance that has made Detroit what it is today. That fire leveled the city, save for one stone fort; however, the people of Detroit did not abandon their town. Shortly thereafter, Father Gabriel Richard penned the city’s motto: “Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus,” which translates to “We hope for better things; it shall arise from the ashes.” Such is the spirit of an underdog.

Photo Credits: Joe’s Fist: Macombmihomes.com; Central Station: Derek Gauci; Shinola Hotel: Wall Street Journal

Greyhound Mixed Use Project

Greyhound Mixed Use Project 2560 1623 Kristy

Construction is underway for the Corum Greyhound project which was designed in response to the context of Denver’s oldest neighborhood, Curtis Park. The project builds upon the wonderful residential fabric of the area by applying appropriate scale and patterning techniques and programming ground floor active uses.

Adjacent to the energy of the RiNo and Ballpark districts and the evolving Arapahoe Square neighborhood, the project is ideally situated for an infill project taking advantage of the best of Denver.

This project will deliver 185 living units and approximately 3000 SF of commercial space. We will keep you posted as construction progresses.

Oso Denver, Colorado

Oso Mixed-Use Denver, Colorado

Oso Mixed-Use Denver, Colorado 2560 1440 Kristy

Ground has been broken! We are pleased to introduce Oso, named after Mount Oso, in the San Juan Mountains. This nine story, mixed-use project will deliver 267 units and over 15,000 SF of commercial space to Denverites. A few unique aspects of this building: first, there is additional space on the ground level for outdoor seating & landscape which will help to engage the community and welcome passers by into the building; second, there are several walk-up units which are reminiscent of a stroll through NYC or Boston. These two design considerations will make Oso a destination, as it will feel approachably urban.

The team at Craine feels passionate about designing buildings that will stand the test of time. That is why we lean into the use of ageless materials that will not only make Oso feel as though it has been part of the historic fabric of Denver, but to ensure that it will remain a beautiful component of Denver’s architecture for future generations.

We will keep you posted on the progress. Oso is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2024!

Hunter’s View Eagle, Colorado

Hunter’s View Eagle, Colorado 2048 1365 Kristy

Hunter’s View is a neighborhood located on the grounds of the Frost Creek Country Club in Eagle, Colorado. Almost all of the forty-four customizable homes in this community are already sold and construction is well underway. Situated on 81 acres and surrounded by protected wilderness, these luxurious homes have been intentionally designed to fit in seamlessly with the picturesque landscape. Residents will enjoy panoramic mountain, as well as Brush Creek Valley views.

We always love working with Palisade Partners on these hospitality projects as it isn’t just about designing homes. It is all about making beautiful buildings that blend into the absolutely stunning surroundings and compliment the landscape, not detract from it. As if just owning a home in this beautiful area wasn’t enough, Frost Creek boasts a top tier golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf as well as endless amenities for activities including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping (yurt camping too!) and archery just to name a few. There are also a plethora of fitness activities including yoga, SUP yoga, day hikes, snowshoeing and barre sculpt.

To learn more about the residences we designed in Hunter’s View, click here. To learn more about the larger Frost Creek Community, click here.

Hunters View

Salt Lake City Ground Breaking

Salt Lake City Ground Breaking 2560 1707 Kristy

On the skirt of Salt Lake City, a new multifamily community has broken ground. We are delighted to be working with Crescent Communities to design four hundred new homes for the residents of Utah. Set on the TRAX lightrail line, with easy access to downtown Salt Lake City, the project aims to engage both the urban edge and residential neighborhoods of the Daybreak planned community. What an exciting design challenge to create a seamless and bold transition to this area. From a design perspective, our architects ensured that the massing of these buildings was well-scaled with gabled roofs and pops of mature and modern color that will set this community apart. This project features two thoughtfully designed amenity buildings, one which will house the Land of a Thousand Hills coffee shop-a certain morning beacon to residents and light rail commuters alike. Additionally, this project will feature a clubhouse, pool, dog wash, gear share, as well as community room replete with multiple TVs and games for everyone to enjoy!

If you would like to read more about this project, please click here. As always, we will keep you posted on the progress of this project and its completion date which is estimated to be in the second quarter of 2023!

Novel Daybreak
Rendering of Novel Daybreak in Salt Lake City, Utah

A Very Golden Hotel

A Very Golden Hotel 2560 1920 Kristy

The Eddy is officially open for business and is ready to welcome you with open arms! Tucked into the foothills, the Eddy delivers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and first class, Colorado-style amenities. You can charge your car right in the parking lot, grab some bikes to explore the miles of trails right outside the front doors, and then relax in the Taproom where you can have a pint on the patio. Even though it has only been open for two short weeks, it has already caught the attention of the New York Times (Click here to read about it) and the guests who have already enjoyed a relaxing stay are raving about the timeless design, cozy atmosphere and modern sophistication that this boutique hotel offers.

When you work for developers who are steadfast in their commitment to improve neighborhoods, you are forever grateful. Thank you to Confluence for trusting us to design another project that rings true to their vision, as well as to that of the surrounding community. The Eddy will serve as a Golden ambassador welcoming visitors from near and far to beautiful Colorado.

If you would like to read more about the Eddy in 5280 Magazine, click here.

38th & Blake Project

Breaking Ground in River North

Breaking Ground in River North 4000 2188 Kristy

FoundryLine is on the way to RiNo! The ground breaking will take place later this month and this project promises to bring some of the most luxurious living to Denver. This is a 17-story apartment building which will deliver 348 apartments, 30 of which will be restricted to those earning 80 percent or less than the median Denver income. Residents will not only enjoy exquisitely designed homes, but also amenity spaces which consist of a rooftop pool and fitness center on the 16th floor. The ground floor will activate the street with 14,000 SF of restaurant and retail space. We have loved working not only with all of the fantastic people at McWhinney, but also an incredible project team including: Hansel Phelps (GC), Dig (Landscape) & AvroKO (Interior Design). If you are looking for some more information on this project, click here!

17 Story Mixed Use in RiNo
FoundryLine

NAHB Gold Award Winner!

NAHB Gold Award Winner! 1466 893 Kristy

We are all smiles over here after Summit Sky Ranch and the Aspen House were given the Gold Award for Best in American Living. It is always such a thrill when we are able to help owners realize their vision for a community that truly embodies the Colorado experience. This project not only was designed for the 240 home owners in the development, but for the town of Silverthorne as well. There are public access trails that connect to national forest, and a 20 acre town park which is always filled with kids sledding in the winter, and Saturday morning soccer games in the spring and fall. The dog park is a destination for locals and travelers who want to enjoy the stunning mountain views while their dogs frolic. The understated architecture blends seamlessly with the environment, with homes nestled into the mountain side. When evening falls, the Aspen house is aglow with warm light, beckoning the residents to gather and enjoy the best of mountain living. If you want to read more about it, click here!

Aspen House
Mountain Living