Greenhouse

Responding to a growing demographic seeking efficiently-sized urban housing that retains contact with nature, Greenhouse is a mixed-use project featuring 268 rental apartment units, 8,000 sf of new retail, and a complete on-site stormwater retention and water quality system.

The 1.6 acre site is located one block from the downtown Central Park in the City of Durham, NC and fronts a state road with exposure to over 10,000 vehicles per day.  With roads on three sides the site fits snugly into the urban grid of downtown Durham providing a Walk Score of 93.  Three universities in the region produce 30,000 new graduates per year plus growing companies in consistent and high-paying industries such as biomed, technology and education, create a growing demographic of new graduates seeking to stay in the region. These residents demand efficiently-sized urban living close to downtown amenities.  The Greenhouse design responds with a majority of Studio and One Bedroom units all with sleek modern kitchens and baths, a wide range of amenities designed for an active lifestyle, and ample co-working spaces.

Responding to the demographic’s desire for authenticity and connection with nature the project features biophilic design.  This design includes live plantings growing up the façade and irrigated planters on the second level as part of the architecture.  This greenery continues with planters within the public amenity spaces, a secret garden adjacent to the lobby, and culminates in a lushly landscaped courtyard.  All units have balconies as an extension of the unit’s living room opening onto green spaces.

The project included land assembly and a site plan approval process that required a unique State approval for an innovative stormwater management system that stores 100% of the site’s stormwater then releases it through a quality treatment landscape area over a period of 5 days.  The project team includes Cline Design as architect, Thomas and Hutton as civil engineer, and John Moriarty Associates as general contractor.