Drew Romanic, AIA, The Martin Architectural Group
As part of the South Whitehall Pennsylvania Township Comprehensive Plan approved in 2009, The Ridge, a mixed-use project in the Township incorporates many different housing options to add smart growth in the area. This comprehensive plan provides guidelines for the development of these growth areas to include “village style” mixed-use, created as walkable communities. By preserving open space and developing vertical residential living, some over retail and professional services – the “village style” walkable elements will provide an identity and sense of community anchoring the project. With St. Luke’s Medical Center as one of the main tenants for the mixed-use component, there is a strong foundation for a great combination of restaurants and service providers. The planned open spaces in the village center will give plenty of space for community gatherings and events for all to participate.
The Ridge incorporates many different housing options for the growing area. Several products, being developed by The Martin Architectural Group for Kay Builders and Kay Walbert, LLC are incorporated here; rental apartments over podium parking, rental apartments over retail and office, as well as Townhomes over flats, a for-sale condominium product. This well-imagined mix will offer both rental and ownership options for the community. These product types have been master-planned by the developer in conjunction with Langan Engineering, and Jackson Land Planning group to create a neighborhood town center, having open space, restaurants and offices woven with trails and pathways connecting the residents to the uses while supporting the needs of the surrounding areas.
The townhomes over flats offer traditional neighborhood design with rear loaded garages having direct access to the residences and an option for elevator access from the garage to the townhome levels. Rooftop terraces for the townhomes will give breathtaking views of the surrounding Lehigh Valley. With a modern interpretation of traditional details, the facades offer a contemporary aesthetic to the area. The first-floor flats also have direct access to the garages and main entrances that face the street.
The flats offer two bedroom / two bath single floor living with open plan living/dining areas. The townhomes are three-bedroom two and a half bath properties having large living and dining areas on the lower level, an option for elevator access from the garage to both living and sleeping levels as well as the rooftop terrace. The rooftop terraces are arranged to provide privacy between the residences and give the opportunity for views of the surrounding Lehigh Valley. With alley-loaded driveways and garages, the main entrances for the townhome residences are set between the garages and identified with porticos. Each level has direct access to a balcony or terrace for outdoor living. These for-sale residences will provide the ability to have simplified living within walking distance of the adjacent neighborhood center, including restaurants and professional services.
Drew Romanic, AIA is a principal at The Martin Architectural Group.
Comments