McGovern House
Associated Projects
A 74 UNIT, 127,000 SF.,RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT BUILDING
Located at the corner of Central Avenue and McGovern Street, this project was developed to boost the population density within Highland Park’s central business district. This six story building stacks five floors of apartments, utilizing wood frame construction, over a concrete podium parking garage. Taking advantage of a moderately sloping site, the east side of the podium parking level tucks below grade along McGovern Street to effectively reduce the visible building height to five stories.
The top floor is sculpted with setbacks and trellised roof terraces at the corner and ends of this “L” shaped building to create visual interest and texture that softens the bulk of the building. A rich tapestry of exterior materials in three colors and textures clad the façade, while projecting balconies create shadows that contribute to a sense of depth and rhythm in the exterior wall.
A combination of Studio, One and Two Bedroom units are equipped with elegant kitchens and bathrooms, large living areas, sustainable HVAC systems, and generous outdoor balcony spaces. Simple and classic interior corridors link the units to elevator lobbies highlighted with large windows that allow natural light and views to the street below. Building amenities include a fitness center, storage on each floor, and a sixth floor community room with access to the adjacent exterior roof terrace at the prime corner of the building.
Privately, for the benefit of the tenants, the wrap-around shape of this building forms an exterior landscaped courtyard complete with a fire pit and areas for sitting, dining, and outdoor grilling. Publicly, for the benefit of the neighborhood, a landscaped “pocket park” with pavers and comfortable seating within the parkway along McGovern Street and a vertical sculpture that adorns the Central Avenue façade from top to bottom serve as highlights to a building that helps enrich the fabric of this vibrant community.
Owner: Nextstep Realty
Contractor: MR Construction of St. Charles
Structural Engineer: Virgilio & Associates Ltd.
Civil Engineer: Cross Engineering & Associates
