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What can you do with a 3,200 sq. ft. lot?

A lot! Here’s what we’ve got planned for our “Gallery.”

A Showcase for the Washington District
This neighborhood will have an incredible story of transformation; since we will be a significant part of that transformation, it made sense for us to take the initiative with the narrative. We think a central location where that story can be told will significantly shape the neighborhood’s success. People moving here or interested in moving here will want to see what else is coming: the Gallery is where they can see the vision and get information but also participate in community workshop events.

A Showcase for Green Building
A smaller project gives us an opportunity to play with some truly amazing green building concepts and technology before bringing them into bigger projects. We are approaching the building as a “learning tool” for us and others, that will show the future (and enormous potential) of eco-urban design. Our goal is to build something remarkable enough to bring people out to the neighborhood just to see it.

A Coffee Shop
This was a pretty simple decision, actually. The neighborhood will need one. This location, across from two, high-rise office buildings, is perfect. The city has designated 3rd street to be the retail hub of the neighborhood. Plus housing above corner coffee shop is such a classic mixed-use concept. And, it gives us another chance to showcase green finishes in a context outside of residential use. And yes, of course, we’ll work with a local, independent coffee shop.

Customer Center
Another motivation for the coffee shop: we see the need to redirect “sales” towards “customer experience.” Nobody likes a hard sell and sometimes entering a “sales office” can feel intimidating. The coffee shop provides the kind of low-key, relaxing, conversational atmosphere that suits our approach with customers. However, we also recognize the homebuyer also needs space for privacy, so we’ll have an office and a private meeting space in the back. Kitchen and bath vignettes will be built in as well to give customer’s assurance of quality that is better spoken with sight and touch than words.

Housing
Three affordable apartments will be on the second floor. Affordable housing ensures that the artists, students, retail/service workers and others that bring social vibrancy and important services to the urban core can afford to live there.

We hope you’ll join us on the blog as this project develops.