aurora square townhomes

The Square  

Planning Concepts 

The development team began with a clear goal. We wanted to provide an alternative to current assumptions about medium density housing in Anchorage.  The current development formula is simple enough.  It goes like this... "Let’s see how many duplexes we can pack onto a vacant parcel of land".  We wanted something better.

We began with the intention to provide moderately priced housing that was more than shelter.  We identified the following issues which we thought, if addressed in the right way, might make a "real nice place to live", to put it plainly:

• Common open space
• Private open space
• Adequate parking
• Landscaping
• Community identity

Common Open Space

Dwelling units are placed on the site using the townhouse building style.  This style uses less ground per unit, and allows the space that would have been between smaller buildings to be collected and assembled into a large common parcel.  This common parcel is placed in the center of the project, providing a small park.  This park serves as a near ground scenic element, a common outdoor activity area, and a light well for the project.  

Private Open Space

Each unit has a “yard” on the roof.  The main stairwell provides access to a private pavered terrace, with terrific mountain views, space for lawn furniture, the grill and the hot tub.  

Adequate Parking

Aurora Square townhouses have extra deep garages. There is enough room to store big Alaskan toys and have a car in the garage as well.  The garage in the two bedroom townhome is large enough for two vehicles. (one medium and one small car)  The garage in the three bedroom townhome is large enough for four vehicles.  Large garages increase the likelihood they will be used to store cars. It is also important to provide extra parking for visitors.  In addition to the parking at each townhouse , we anticipate at least 10 unassigned visitor parking spaces.   

Landscaping

The square is a landscape feature which contains existing mature trees.   The south end of the square is sculpted to serve as a rain garden.  Driveways are separated by a landscape element, which divides the front of each unit into an area of identity which extends from the front of the unit to the adjacent roadway.  A sea of pavement across the fronts of the townhouses is avoided.  There will be no parking around the square.