Project Description
Velo is nestled in the middle of a rapidly transitioning neighborhood – industrial and commercial uses evolving into multifamily and mixed use structures, wrapped by single family and low rise homes. The project sits at the crossroads of commercial use to the east and low-rise residential to the west. There is no alley, but two frontage streets each with significantly different characteristics and development intensities. Significant grade changes across the site, both east-to-west and north-to-south, are reflected in the form and layout of the building. Responding to the topography, the building’s form follows the grade and responds to the pedestrian scale though architectural detailing and materials. The exterior design was inspired by historic industrial buildings common to the neighborhood in the early 1900s. Heavy timber, glulam structural elements with shingle siding and industrial fenestration patterns are basic elements of the design treated in a contemporary aesthetic. Along the east facade, the design responds to a commercially oriented street with bold use of the materials and a strong edge to the street. The west façade is sensitive to the adjacent low-rise developments with refined details and large courtyards to break the massing. The courtyards represent approximately 40% of the pedestrian frontage where the building is held back more than 40’ from the frontage sidewalk. Eyebrow roof lines and bay projections along the west enhance the residential nature of this street. Dense, mature landscaping in the courtyards and roof top deck create open spaces for the residents while enhancing the community streetscape. The interior units have abundant natural light due to the window size and the depth of the unit, creating highly desirable living environments for the tenants. Velo is an urban infill mixed-use project that exhibits a design aesthetic that is bold, yet sensitive, refined, contemporary and compatible with its adjacent surroundings.