by J. Brooks Terry
Realty/Builder Connection
The first residents of One Shipyard Place won’t be unpacking any boxes for at least another year, but the design firm crafting the look of the residential community presented potential buyers with some never-before-seen renderings last month.
Inspired by Epping Forest and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Boston-based Sasaki & Associates, Inc. revealed plans to incorporate an elevated, private courtyard space into the project.
“We wanted to let [the buyers] know that we are developing a nice, traditional looking garden area that will be kept separate from the other 17 acres of public space we’re working with,” said Alan Webb, an urban designer with the firm. “The shape of the courtyard is distinctly Italian, but the rich colors we plan on having in it will be very reminiscent of many English gardens. It’s our goal to establish a year-round appeal.”
The gardens of The Shipyards — lavender, chives and sage will likely be among the herbs planted — will be bordered by a riverwalk/marina on one side and 99 residential units, a fitness center and small banquet room along the other three. Residential parking will be maintained in an underground garage.
Webb said the courtyard space, though having a 60-yard pool conducive for laps, will heavily cater to the “mature residents” who have shown the most interest in The Shipyards so far.
“The pool will fulfill a recreational need but this really is an environment that supports the buyer demographic,” said Ward. “The idea is that residents coming from single family homes will be able to use the garden as their outdoor space. Beyond that, it is certainly more interesting and will have a seating and social dimension to it that they wouldn’t have had at all.”