Renderings courtesy of el dorado inc
Property Profiles
Street Appeal
Townhomes coming to the River Market will expand the limited housing options — and offer outdoor living space.

If you love the idea of living downtown but you’re   hesitant to give up your outdoor green space in the suburbs, Rivermarket Townhomes might be the perfect option for you.

The site of the future townhouses, currently a parking lot, is located on the west side of the River Market neighborhood at Fourth Street between Wyandotte and Delaware streets. The developer, Tom Trabon of PDT Management, wanted to experiment with the idea of townhouse-style urban living as an alternative to the number of one-level lofts and condos in the River Market. Award-winning architecture firm el dorado inc came up with a plan for 18 townhouses with facades lined along Wyandotte Street. The two-story townhouses are unique to downtown in that they will have attached garages and large outdoor spaces, including front porches, rooftop   gardens and private yards.

Constructed of concrete foundations, the townhomes will utilize a highly insulated framing system with a brick veneer and exposed glue-laminated beams, plus steel and cedar railings and sunscreens. The architectural design   maintains the urban texture of the neighborhood yet juxtaposes sleek and modern touches. The project offers a combination of one- and two-bedroom options with open living and dining areas, a fully equipped stainless steel kitchen and at least two full baths. Eco-friendly bamboo flooring and cabinets will be featured, according to the project’s designer, Douglas Stockman. “The finishes were chosen in a thoughtful and methodical manner, with consideration given to the environment,” he says.

The one-bedroom plan offers more than 800 square feet of finished living space, plus nearly 500 square feet of full-height basement area that can be finished. “The basements offer room to expand the living area with a multipurpose room, office, exercise area, full bath or just more storage,” Tom says. “The draw for many potential buyers will be the 850 square feet of roof decks/gardens for outdoor living.”

The two-bedroom plan boasts nearly 1,450 square feet of living space and an amazing 1,500 square feet of outdoor space, including a deck off the master bedroom and an option for a rooftop terrace. “The outdoor space is fun, it allows residents to meet their neighbors and entertain their friends,” Douglas says.

His plan calls for a “living roof,” meaning 30-40 percent of the roof area (with the option for 100 percent) will be planted to reduce heat gain and aid rain/storm water runoff. “Downspouts from the gutter system will be directed to drain into the planted areas as an automatic watering system,” Douglas explains.

The new townhomes will supply careful urban landscaping, benefitting the entire block. “New street trees and 10-foot-deep yards will re-establish the street front, provide relief from heat gain and act as a buffer from the city street, with the added benefit of promoting resident interaction,” he notes.

The layout of the townhomes runs the full width of the space, front to back. Large windows not only allow sunlight on both sides to filter through the home but also provide an active presence in the neighborhood.

One of the requirements of the project was that it would maintain the existing number of parking spaces currently in the lot and available to the public. Niche and alleyway parking has been incorporated into the site plan, meeting the neighborhood zoning laws.

“With more than 90 shops, businesses and restaurants in the River Market and on Delaware Street, the location is really the best amenity,” Tom says. He thinks the townhome design, especially the private front door and attached garages, will have broad appeal to many potential buyers, from single professionals to empty nesters wanting to downsize.

Pricing is expected to range from $250,000 to $400,000. A homeowners association is planned, but because of the low-maintenance exterior, fees are expected to be minimal. Look for two models to open in the spring, one base unit and one showing available options.

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