Whistler

Whistler

A design/build delivery, Whistler sits on the SPI-16 zoning ordinance, which encourages minimizing the amount of vehicular parking and increasing the use of alternative modes of transportation and mobility. Originally designed as a podium with 6 parking levels, the team made a progressive, significant pivot and entire 284,839-square-foot property is served with just one level of basement parking totaling 25 spaces—an amount unheard of for a project this size.

Once the parking was reduced, careful consideration was given to the building’s base to give the illusion it has sufficient height to support the tall tower above it. The solution was a sleek, dark grey brick base of stacked amenities that animates the street both day and night. The design of floor-to-ceiling windows with vertical mullions draws attention to the base, making it appear taller than it really is. When looking at Whistler from a distance, the massing has a main body—a mid-grey tone that rises and eventually forms a clean rectangle at the top with “mini towers” off the corners. The team carved out balconies at several locations at a rhythm of every three levels that shift as you go up the building. Varying the tower elements and balcony levels helped give the building movement and break up the vertical repetition.

Warm and welcoming, the curated amenities are reminiscent of a boutique hotel. Entering the double-height lobby, residents have access to the on-site Daydreamer café with shaded outdoor seating to help with street presence and engage pedestrians. Walking up the stairs, ample private and group study spaces, podcast room, and dog spa can be found on the mezzanine level. Taking the elevator past the remaining residential floors, level 24 features penthouse units, sky lounge, saunas, and a rooftop deck with grilling stations, infinity edge pool, and hot tub overlooking the city. Accessible to all residents, an expansive fitness center encompasses the 25th floor and offers state-of-the-art equipment, yoga studio, spin studio and a unique fitness on-demand room with two interactive mirrors.

Challenges on the ground floor stemmed from the tight site and client wish to seamlessly incorporate the Daydreamer Café, which is open to the public, with the adjacent resident amenity spaces that are open 24/7. The solution was to push the café and lobby to the front of the building, creating a welcoming ‘front door’ along Spring Street and efficiently locating the parking entry, service access, and utilities along Abercrombie Place. Security measures were incorporated into the design so the café and kitchen can be locked down without interrupting the two-story lobby that includes mail, package, and a variety of work and study spaces. The fitness center makes up the entire top floor, and the unbeatable views of Atlanta are more than enough to keep residents motivated during their workouts but present a noise challenge when considering the units directly below. The design team worked to create a tight sound barrier so residents on the 24th floor can enjoy peace and quiet without noisy distractions from above.