News Coverage

Advertorial Sentinel 
April 21, 2007
Classic urban lifestyle comes to Northshore Town Center
By Mitch Moore

Imagine a downtown neighborhood of the 1930s or ‘40s. Multilevel buildings line the street, and residents have only footsteps to travel between their upper-floor homes and the rows of shops and service providers at ground level. It’s an environment where—to borrow a line from a well-known sitcom theme song—everybody knows your name.

These days, such a scene is more imminent reality than nostalgic memory now that construction on The Villages section of Northshore Town Center is underway. Located near the development’s main Northshore Drive entrance, The Villages is attempting to recreate the urban lifestyle of yesteryear in a virtually self-contained community.

“Because it’s more of a cityscape, The Villages is designed for people to live and work there,” says Eric Smithers, executive vice president of operations and marketing for the project’s developing firm, the James Doran Company of Charleston, South Carolina. “It’s for people who want to live in an urban setting but not downtown, such as empty nesters or young professionals.”

Two of the first buildings going up will be home to ISIS, a collective of condominium units located on the upper two floors, above the first-floor retail and office spaces.

Each building will contain 15 residential units ranging in living area from 834 to 1,432 square feet. Layouts include a two-bedroom, a one-bedroom with den and a smaller one-bedroom plan. Each design provides single-level living that will be easily accessible by elevator.

Inside the units, developers are including features such as crown molding, nine- and 10-foot ceilings, ceramic tile in wet areas and recessed lighting. Kitchens will offer granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, while bathrooms will boast touches like garden tubs, glass showers and double vanities.

“ISIS will have all the amenities that you would expect from a high-end condominium. It will be full-style urban living,” says Smithers. All features will vary according to the individual floor plan.

Each building’s common areas will have well-appointed lobbies and corridors and controlled elevator and lobby access for residents.

Outside, the condos will embody the essence of urban village architecture. Brick and Hardiplank veneers, balconies, porches and lush landscaping will set the stage for what developers expect to be a throwback to a more genteel era.

“The look and feel of the buildings is very old-school,” Smithers says. “We’re trying to create an environment where you can get to know your neighbors again, where you can walk down the streets and you know the merchants and they know you. We don’t expect this to be a transient society.”

According to Smithers, the first-floor commercial spaces will be occupied by businesses such as doctors’ offices, dry cleaners and restaurants.

“These aren’t necessarily national retailers but services that people use in their everyday lives,” he notes.

Residents can take advantage of a number of amenities both at The Villages and within the broader context of the Northshore Town Center development. Collectively, homeowners will have access to a swimming pool, a clubhouse, four parks and a jogging trail that will run the perimeter of the entire site.

Just across the street from The Villages will be a four-acre lake with boardwalk and a gazebo, all ultimately surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Presales have already begun on the ISIS condominiums, which start at $199,000. Prospective buyers should contact Steve Fogarty of Realty Executives Associates to learn more about the property.

ISIS Condominiums
Location: Northshore Town Center
Homes for sale: 15 (two are currently under contract)
Price: Starting at $199,000
Directions: From the intersection of Pellissippi Parkway and Northshore Dr., go west on Northshore approximately a half-mile. The entrance to Northshore Town Center is on the right.
Listing agent: Steve Fogarty, Realty Executives Associates
Phone number: 865-588-3232