Community Curb Appeal
focus Community Curb Appeal
Community Curb Appeal ALTHOUGH THE DICTIONARY
Community Theming
doesn’t define curb appeal as the gut
BSB’s Terry Smith says theming provides
feeling a person gets when looking at a property, that’s exactly what it is.
Some
new communities with something identifiable that will make them stand out among the
and neighborhoods should reflect the character
competition. A theme’s inspiration can
of the neighborhood. A neotraditional grid, for
only consider curb appeal as it relates to seeing
come from many different sources such as
example, is very different from the street pattern
homes from the street but it’s important that
architectural styles, sports or activities,
new communities have curb appeal too. After
an era in time or heritage, natural
all, potential buyers often drive by a community
features, or a combination of
and decide instantly whether or not they want
things. Most importantly, Smith
of open spaces, entry
to see more. If there’s nothing to see, there’s
says repeating the elements of a
monuments, signage, lighting,
no reason to stop. The exterior features of a
theme will make it more effective.
community club, and trails
community have become just as important as
Theming adds distinction
exterior features on homes.
found in a golf course community.
Some aspects of the plan to consider include the positioning
that connect all the community features. Work with the site’s
and a sense of place to new
natural features and character
communities. In addition, Smith says theming can add value and serve as a memory
to create an overall feeling. Smith
point. Potential buyers may remember a large
recommends not backing units up to a natural
clubhouse or a clock tower in the village center.
amenity so only a few enjoy it. Instead, he
The selected theme, however, must be appealing
recommends fronting the units to the amenity so
so it’s important to conduct market research or
it can become a community asset that’s shared
collaborate as a team with the land planners
by all.
and architects to determine what type of theme would appeal most to target buyers.
The Need for Curb Appeal BSB’s Joe Safin says the buying public, city
Above & right: Companion signage should recur throughout a community to reinforce a theme, as seen here at University Park in FL with the golf/country club theme that features a “community crest” logo. Circle inset: A clock tower serves as a memory point, while adding distinction and a sense of place.
Golden Opportunity
officials, and your competitors are the ones
Smith says some developers and builders miss
driving the demand for themed elevations. In
out by waiting to implement their theme when
the past, buyers found a floor plan they liked
the planning is already complete. He explains
and picked from three elevations: A (no brick), B
that there’s a “golden
(some brick) or C (all brick). Buyers know more
opportunity” during the
about architecture now and want designs that
land planning process
go beyond what Safin refers to as “suburban
to create a context for
eclectic” elevations that don’t really have a style.
themed elements. The
Some elements of design that create good
layout of the streets
curb appeal include symmetrical and
Left: The “natural” imagery of oaks, quality materials, and attention to details tie the theme together at Seven Oaks in Tampa, FL.
asymmetrical elevations; hidden garages; varying
can be made of any material and there are more
eave heights and roof forms; elevation depth;
options now. Vinyl siding in bold new colors such
and minimal exterior materials.
as barn red, powder blue and gold beg to appear
Below: This aerial shot shows the impressive entry view at University Park in FL. Be sure to consider how your community's entry will look to passersby at 45 mph.
on an elevation that dares to be different.
Details & Materials Safin favors four-sided architecture that brings
New Trends
materials and details all the way around to the
Looking for ways to make your elevations fresh
rear. Detailing runs the costs up, but you can’t
and draw prospects in from the curb? Add a turret
have themed elevations without details. Porches
to create a sense of entry and add uniqueness.
provide a sense of welcome that can add to the
Another popular option is to create a front
curb appeal of a home. The porch columns,
courtyard that stretches interior space outside
either simple or ornate, can help set the stage
and creates a transition space from the street to
but Safin warns to
the home. If there’s not space in the front, add a
pay attention to the
courtyard on the side or rear to allow for outdoor
proportions of the
living space for parties and lounging.
columns to ensure
“To succeed is to differentiate yourself from
they’re not too tall
your competition,” says Safin.
and thin to make the porch uninviting. Other details that
Joe Safin, AIA, is Partner in Charge Chicago Region; Terry Smith, ASLA, is Director of Land Planning Chicago
make a difference include dormers and wood trim. Safin says window treatments offer an affordable way to add flavor to elevations. Some ideas include planter boxes, transoms, window seats, window grills, or shutters (to add color and a sense of detail). The popularity of brick homes comes from their association with formality, strength, and prestige. Yet, Safin says that a quality elevation
Above: Porte cocheres help add curb appeal because they shield garage doors and widen the elevation, as seen in this model from the Orchard Series at Burchell Hill in Oakdale, CA. Above left: The type and texture of plant materials add to the upscale look of Arbor Lakes in Sanford, FL.
Community Theming To Do List • Use theme to target buyers • Use land plan to reinforce
theme • Create a memorable entry • Be simple but bold • Repeat, repeat, repeat
The Tradition at Canterfield by Altman Development Corp. Joe Safin, AIA, Partner in Charge Chicago Region; Dan O’Malley, AIA, Design Director
University Park by Neal Communities Bob Boyd, RLA, Partner, Tampa Office/ Southeast Region
Orchard Series at Burchell Hill by Lakemont Homes Kerrin West, Partner, Sacramento Office/ Western Region; Larry Petit, Design Director
Seven Oaks by Crown Community Development Bob Boyd, RLA, Partner, Tampa Office/ Southeast Region; Jon Aycrigg, Land Planner
Arbor Lakes by Altman Development Corp. Deryl Patterson, AIA, Partner, Jacksonville Office/Southeast Region; Michael Scratch, Project Manager; Dan O’Malley, AIA, Design Director Chicago Region
Gregg's Landing-Bay Tree by Zale Companies Joe Safin, AIA, Partner in Charge Chicago Region; Dan O’Malley, AIA, Design Director; Don Soller, Designer; Lucian Lange, Project Manager
Cover: All of the elements in a community should relate to each other, as shown at The Tradition at Canterfield in West Dundee, IL. The mix of townhomes and stacked flats (left), entry gatehouse (top right), and
Community Curb Appeal Editor: Susan Jenkins, Susan Jenkins Communications
Theming potentially adds value. A selected theme should appeal to the target buyer.
community clubhouse (bottom right) all feature classic New England styling with gables, shingled surfaces and brick accents on the lower levels.
Focus is published by BSB Design. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written consent is prohibited.
Photography: Jess Smith/PHOTOSMITH; Everett & Soule; Craig Cozart; Wayne Eastep BSB Marketing Manager: Barbara Wicks
4601 Westown Pkwy. Suite 208 West Des Moines, IA 50266
visit us at www.bsbdesign.com
PRSRT U.S. POSTAGE PAID DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 3073
Community Curb Appeal ALTHOUGH THE DICTIONARY
Community Theming
doesn’t define curb appeal as the gut
BSB’s Terry Smith says theming provides
feeling a person gets when looking at a property, that’s exactly what it is.
Some
new communities with something identifiable that will make them stand out among the
and neighborhoods should reflect the character
competition. A theme’s inspiration can
of the neighborhood. A neotraditional grid, for
only consider curb appeal as it relates to seeing
come from many different sources such as
example, is very different from the street pattern
homes from the street but it’s important that
architectural styles, sports or activities,
new communities have curb appeal too. After
an era in time or heritage, natural
all, potential buyers often drive by a community
features, or a combination of
and decide instantly whether or not they want
things. Most importantly, Smith
of open spaces, entry
to see more. If there’s nothing to see, there’s
says repeating the elements of a
monuments, signage, lighting,
no reason to stop. The exterior features of a
theme will make it more effective.
community club, and trails
community have become just as important as
Theming adds distinction
exterior features on homes.
found in a golf course community.
Some aspects of the plan to consider include the positioning
that connect all the community features. Work with the site’s
and a sense of place to new
natural features and character
communities. In addition, Smith says theming can add value and serve as a memory
to create an overall feeling. Smith
point. Potential buyers may remember a large
recommends not backing units up to a natural
clubhouse or a clock tower in the village center.
amenity so only a few enjoy it. Instead, he
The selected theme, however, must be appealing
recommends fronting the units to the amenity so
so it’s important to conduct market research or
it can become a community asset that’s shared
collaborate as a team with the land planners
by all.
and architects to determine what type of theme would appeal most to target buyers.
The Need for Curb Appeal BSB’s Joe Safin says the buying public, city
Above & right: Companion signage should recur throughout a community to reinforce a theme, as seen here at University Park in FL with the golf/country club theme that features a “community crest” logo. Circle inset: A clock tower serves as a memory point, while adding distinction and a sense of place.
Golden Opportunity
officials, and your competitors are the ones
Smith says some developers and builders miss
driving the demand for themed elevations. In
out by waiting to implement their theme when
the past, buyers found a floor plan they liked
the planning is already complete. He explains
and picked from three elevations: A (no brick), B
that there’s a “golden
(some brick) or C (all brick). Buyers know more
opportunity” during the
about architecture now and want designs that
land planning process
go beyond what Safin refers to as “suburban
to create a context for
eclectic” elevations that don’t really have a style.
themed elements. The
Some elements of design that create good
layout of the streets
curb appeal include symmetrical and
Left: The “natural” imagery of oaks, quality materials, and attention to details tie the theme together at Seven Oaks in Tampa, FL.
asymmetrical elevations; hidden garages; varying
can be made of any material and there are more
eave heights and roof forms; elevation depth;
options now. Vinyl siding in bold new colors such
and minimal exterior materials.
as barn red, powder blue and gold beg to appear
Below: This aerial shot shows the impressive entry view at University Park in FL. Be sure to consider how your community's entry will look to passersby at 45 mph.
on an elevation that dares to be different.
Details & Materials Safin favors four-sided architecture that brings
New Trends
materials and details all the way around to the
Looking for ways to make your elevations fresh
rear. Detailing runs the costs up, but you can’t
and draw prospects in from the curb? Add a turret
have themed elevations without details. Porches
to create a sense of entry and add uniqueness.
provide a sense of welcome that can add to the
Another popular option is to create a front
curb appeal of a home. The porch columns,
courtyard that stretches interior space outside
either simple or ornate, can help set the stage
and creates a transition space from the street to
but Safin warns to
the home. If there’s not space in the front, add a
pay attention to the
courtyard on the side or rear to allow for outdoor
proportions of the
living space for parties and lounging.
columns to ensure
“To succeed is to differentiate yourself from
they’re not too tall
your competition,” says Safin.
and thin to make the porch uninviting. Other details that
Joe Safin, AIA, is Partner in Charge Chicago Region; Terry Smith, ASLA, is Director of Land Planning Chicago
make a difference include dormers and wood trim. Safin says window treatments offer an affordable way to add flavor to elevations. Some ideas include planter boxes, transoms, window seats, window grills, or shutters (to add color and a sense of detail). The popularity of brick homes comes from their association with formality, strength, and prestige. Yet, Safin says that a quality elevation
Above: Porte cocheres help add curb appeal because they shield garage doors and widen the elevation, as seen in this model from the Orchard Series at Burchell Hill in Oakdale, CA. Above left: The type and texture of plant materials add to the upscale look of Arbor Lakes in Sanford, FL.
Community Theming To Do List • Use theme to target buyers • Use land plan to reinforce
theme • Create a memorable entry • Be simple but bold • Repeat, repeat, repeat
The Tradition at Canterfield by Altman Development Corp. Joe Safin, AIA, Partner in Charge Chicago Region; Dan O’Malley, AIA, Design Director
University Park by Neal Communities Bob Boyd, RLA, Partner, Tampa Office/ Southeast Region
Orchard Series at Burchell Hill by Lakemont Homes Kerrin West, Partner, Sacramento Office/ Western Region; Larry Petit, Design Director
Seven Oaks by Crown Community Development Bob Boyd, RLA, Partner, Tampa Office/ Southeast Region; Jon Aycrigg, Land Planner
Arbor Lakes by Altman Development Corp. Deryl Patterson, AIA, Partner, Jacksonville Office/Southeast Region; Michael Scratch, Project Manager; Dan O’Malley, AIA, Design Director Chicago Region
Gregg's Landing-Bay Tree by Zale Companies Joe Safin, AIA, Partner in Charge Chicago Region; Dan O’Malley, AIA, Design Director; Don Soller, Designer; Lucian Lange, Project Manager
Cover: All of the elements in a community should relate to each other, as shown at The Tradition at Canterfield in West Dundee, IL. The mix of townhomes and stacked flats (left), entry gatehouse (top right), and
Community Curb Appeal Editor: Susan Jenkins, Susan Jenkins Communications
Theming potentially adds value. A selected theme should appeal to the target buyer.
community clubhouse (bottom right) all feature classic New England styling with gables, shingled surfaces and brick accents on the lower levels.
Focus is published by BSB Design. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written consent is prohibited.
Photography: Jess Smith/PHOTOSMITH; Everett & Soule; Craig Cozart; Wayne Eastep BSB Marketing Manager: Barbara Wicks
4601 Westown Pkwy. Suite 208 West Des Moines, IA 50266
visit us at www.bsbdesign.com
PRSRT U.S. POSTAGE PAID DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 3073
