Website
Free Subscription!
Click here to
learn more!
Free Subscription!
Click here to
learn more!
|
| Turning a ‘Common’ Area into an Extraordinary One |
| |
by Marge Lennon
Owner
Lennon Communications Group
|
| |
After completing the interior design for hundreds of resorts and hotels in all corners of the globe, Robb & Stucky Interiors accepted a challenging assignment from the developers of The Resort at MarinaVillage: create an impressive design for the common areas and residential units of a 19-story building that would appeal to the distinctively different needs and desires of potential purchasers of both fractional and whole ownership residences.
An equally serious challenge was to design elegant, luxurious interiors while working within the boundaries of a limited budget. Spending less for furnishings and design would enable the developer to sell the units at a lower cost, thus enhancing the potential for financial success.
Commented Dan Lubner, President of the Resort Division of Robb & Stucky Interiors, “Common areas don’t have to be common. Our experience has taught us that adding a bit of drama to the design and installation of the perfect furnishings and accessories can have a huge impact on the sales and rental success of a resort or hotel. Nothing sets the tone any more than an impressive lobby and reception area. Although it has been said many times, it is still true that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Creating an inviting common area can be just as critical to the success of a project as your landscaping and the building’s façade.
The Resort at MarinaVillage is located within the 147-acre planned use development of Tarpon Point Marina and overlooks the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, Florida. The $150 million resort complex features a 175-slip deep-water marina, three luxury high-rise buildings, custom estate homes and coach homes with residences priced from $400,000 to over $7 million. The price for fractional ownership residences begins at $74,000 for a 1/12 (four-week) share, clearly limiting the buyers to an above-average income group.
With such a specific target market in mind, the Robb & Stucky team, led by Design Consultant Jan Wallace, knew that not only were the units’ interiors important, but the common areas and reception lobby of the building had to create a impressive sense of arrival for prospective customers and future guests.
In addition to the total interior design for the fully furnished 184 two- and three-bedroom units at MarinaVillage, ranging from 1,235 to 2,195 square feet in size, Robb & Stucky Interiors was responsible for all resort common areas. This included the ballroom and lobby, with its spectacular two-story water feature and sweeping staircase as well as the elegant check-in area, owners’ lounge, gym, and outdoor pool bar. Design work included everything from the floors and walls to the windows furnishings, and accessories.
The architect’s original plans for the lobby included a 1,500 square foot sundry shop. The developer questioned the shop and wondered if there might be a better utilization of the space. Designer Jan Wallace envisioned something different and convinced the developer to move the gift shop away from the lobby. This provided the space to install a curved staircase and two-story fountain, which now serves as the resort’s focal point centerpiece, adding to the uniqueness of the property.
Added Wallace, “Because of the resort’s location with amazing views of the slow-moving river below, our intention was to create a gentle feel of coastal elegance in a unique, romantic and contemporary setting by enhancing and enriching the incredibly beautiful piece of property. Rather than create a sleek and sophisticated but cold resort, we wanted the design to serve as an elegant reminder of slow river serenity below. We wanted it to be admired as the perfect retreat for a lazy weekend, a boating adventure, a wedding site or spa vacation, whisking the owner or guest away from the hustle and bustle and noise of the big city. We wanted it to be all about romance, spectacular waterfront sunsets and lifestyle … the ideal place for relaxing, wonderful service and relaxed adventures … everything a fractional resort should be to its owners.”
According to Bob Hensley, CEO of Grosse Pointe Development, Inc., developer of MarinaVillage, “Since both the fractional and whole ownership units are being sold completely furnished and to an upscale market, having the right company to handle the interior design work was an integral element to our success. We selected Robb & Stucky because of their impressive credentials and their understanding of the shared-use concept and the expectations of this special market. Not only did they create custom-designed furnishings, finishes and accessories specifically for our property, resulting in a ‘Florida chic’ design style, they also coordinated every aspect of the manufacturing, shipping and installation process, relieving us from potential headaches associated with such a complex project.”
Added Lubner, “Even if you don’t have the advantage of furnishing a newly constructed lobby like MarinaVillage, and have a much smaller area with more intimate spaces from which to check in your guests, you should still place an emphasis on this area. Whether your canvas is the size of the Sistine Chapel or the smaller Mona Lisa, the right designer can create a masterpiece on any scale.
Founded in 1915 in Fort Myers, Florida, Robb & Stucky Interiors is a nationally respected interior design and premier furnishings retailer with showrooms in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and Costa Rica and one of the nation’s largest team of licensed interior designers. The company is an Alliance Partner for the internationally respected Preferred Hotel Group, providing interior design services for Preferred Hotel Group’s 700 member hotels, resorts and fractional properties, as well as a member of Interval International’s prestigious Interval Affiliate Advantage program, making its design services available to Interval International member resorts.
For more info, visit www.RobbStucky.com
|
|
|
|
Print this page
