Multi-Housing News - September 2008 - (Page 58)

property showcase Focal Point The Hanover Company promotes a Houston fitness center with a refreshing color palette By Erika Schnitzer, Associate Editor Fitness centers are a must but developers don’t always make the most of this key amenity. At Houston’s luxurious 7 Riverway, a 21-story highrise, the Hanover Company has devoted prime real estate on the sixth floor to the fitness center. An adjacent rooftop pool and “aqua lounge” further enhance the workout area. “All of the amenities are meant to extend the living experience,” says Randy DiStefano, director of interior architecture at The Hanover Company. At 700 sq. ft., the 7 Riverway fitness center is admittedly smaller than those at other Hanover projects. DiStefano explains that this is a response to the development’s target market— primarily downsizing empty nesters who belong to outside health clubs. Despite this, much thought was given to the layout and design of the amenity space in a property that’s been designed with a traditional aesthetic. While the lobby is comprised of dark tones and high contrasts, creating what DiStefano calls a tailored effect, the fitness center and aqua lounge are more casual and fun with refreshing blues and toned-down browns. “The color palette came from a walnut neutral that we used to connect all the floors,” DiStefano says. “We introduced cool blue in the carpets, ceilings and some walls because it is refreshing off the pool deck, and it gives the feeling of water.” The cool blue and brown palette also contrasts with Houston’s warm climate, while the iridescent alcoves add some sparkle and the fluorescent uplights generates an ambience that is not so severe. The curvature of the fitness center provides character to an otherwise rectangular layout, and creates a streamlined wall for residents to watch TV while they work out. “It makes it a unique space,” says Douglas Seidel, project manager at Gromatzky Dupree & Associates. “Hanover is always trying to generate a uniqueness in their projects.” MHN 7 Riverway, Houston No. of Units: 175. Completed: March 2007. Rents: $2,399-$5,929. Unit Sq. Footage: 1,109 to 2,414. Occupancy: 95 percent. Project Team Developer, Builder, Interior Architect, Designer: The Hanover Company. Architect of Record: Gromatzky Dupree & Associates. Interior Furnishings: Kathy Andrews Interiors. Materials Paint: Benjamin Moore. Lighting: Corelite. Carpeting: Bentley Prince Street (Robert A.M. Stern collection). Cabinetry: Formica. Glass Tiles: Walker Zanger. Countertops: Thorntree Slate & Marble. To see more of 7 Riverway, visit www.multi-housingnews.com/features. 58 September 2008 | Multi-Housing News | Producer of Multi-Housing World http://www.multi-housingnews.com/features

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Multi-Housing News - September 2008

Multi-Housing News - September 2008
Contents
Calendar of Events
From the Editor
Executive Insight
Property Management: Growth Plans
Development & Design: Low-Rise Trends
Market Pulse
Special Report: Green Design Makes 'Cents'
Market Report: Boston
Top Architects List
Finance: HUD
Products: Cabinetry
Tech Report: Internet Listing Services
NMHC Notebook
Property Showcase: Fitness Center

Multi-Housing News - September 2008