COMFORT & JOY

Embracing Change

By Kim Malakowsky

Photography by Heliostudio

When residents of Fargo’s historic Eighth Street neighborhood learned of the eventual closing of their beloved Shortwell Floral, many feared what would rise in its place. Shotwell Floral had been a long-standing structure and a landmark of the neighborhood, having been established before the land it stood on became part of the city limits.

Terry Stroh of TL Stroh Architects, aware of the community’s concerns, responded by creating a plan that would be embraced by John Shotwell himself and eventually by the neighborhood.

In keeping with the classic, timeless style of the neighborhood, Stroh developed the project so the homes would appear like little houses on Eighth Street. The courtyard between each home became a way to separate the residences, giving them the appearance of single-family dwellings. The homes are joined by a mere 26 feet, which allowed lot lines to be established and offered the perfect blend of private land ownership and the convenience of association living. Concrete block was used to eliminate any possible sound issues.

Adding to the charm of the development, and instilling the idea of separate homes, the exteriors are individualized with four different styles, no two alike are next to each other. And while the exteriors are similar, there’s nothing common at all inside these homes―they are as diverse as the people who live in them.

“Other than a few conceptual things that are in the same place, every one is unique and really different than the others. Every layout is different; every floor plan is different,” Stroh explained.

Most of the homes were sold early on in the process allowing the homeowners to be involved from nearly the beginning. “There were only two walls―basically the stairwell wall held the unit up. Other than not being able to move the staircase the new homeowners could do anything they wanted,” stated Stroh. One homeowner chose to include a butler pantry, another a den, others contain large master suites, huge closets, master bedroom extensions and dining rooms.

The interiors are spacious with an open floor plan. Each one contains 2,785 square feet on two floors. Two of the units have full basements while the remaining ones include a partial basement space adding additional room for bedrooms, storage, or entertainment.

The layouts were designed to accommodate a master bedroom on the first floor and two additional bedrooms on the upper level. All homeowners, however, choose to use the second upper room to expand the first into a suite or as a bonus or flex room offering an additional, comfortable place to gather. Flex rooms have become popular as a means to empower the homeowner with choices. What serves as a family gathering space one day can double as a guest area another, or be converted at whim to accommodate other needs.

Ceilings 10-feet high grace the great room giving a lovely open feeling, while the remainder of the main floor ceilings are a generous nine feet. The ceiling styles of the individual homes are all different. They vary from a beautiful curved ceiling, to square or angled. One home features a square coffered ceiling while another boasts rough beams. One is completely plain.

Other features of the stunning interiors include tiled bathrooms, tiled showers will full-glass doors, custom cabinets throughout, granite countertops and three-zone gas-fired heating and cooling systems.

Kitchens remain the hub of the home. The kitchens at Shotwell Commons are both stylish and efficient. The open plan offers interaction between host and guest. Large counters can double as work or study spaces.

TL Stroh Architects’ interior designer aided each homeowner in making their home unique and special to them. From choosing just the right color to picking out appliances, lighting options, and flooring, a designer’s eye brought the projects to completion.

Today’s homes have trended toward neutrals with accents rather than floods of color. This offers homeowners the options of easily changing and freshening up their space.

Some of the varying styles described by Stroh include the “eclectic mix, Miami Vice, artsy, the Queen, prairie style, old antique, old school 8th street style, Norwegian maple-austere, and one fashioned after an old hotel in Winnipeg, complete with walnut, eight-foot doors, and copper ceilings.”

Lighting, both natural and installed, was an important consideration when designing the homes so close to each other. Roof pitch allowed lots of sunlight to pour into the courtyards. French windows with transoms created a wall of glass to let in tons of natural light. Large windows were added to the master bedroom and other areas keeping all rooms brightly lit.

Installed lighting varies from historic chandeliers to ultra modern. Recessed lighting compliments more decorative lighting and carefully chosen lamps fill in.

Shotwell Commons was one of the first in Fargo to use the stunning Australian spotted gum flooring in one of the homes. Australian spotted gum is striking in appearance and valued for its backsawn grain structure and beautiful color palette. Another unit features a black-stained walnut floor creating a striking contrast to cream-colored walls and light wood. Walnut, maple, quarter-sawn oak and reclaimed oak adorn others.

Exterior features include a two-stall garage with extra space, a private courtyard with concrete pavers, and eight-inch thick concrete block walls for privacy. Many homeowners have added gas fire pits and seating areas to enjoy the North Dakota summers. The structures are finished with beautiful Hardie Board siding, known for holding its color, and brick wainscoting which offers a stylish curbside appeal. Pyramid or round pillars, accent windows in varying shapes, fencing and various door styles and colors add interesting accents to the exterior.

In keeping with the times, lighting controls, security systems and sound systems are just some of the technology homeowners have embraced. High-tech televisions are seen throughout and bathrooms boast modern spa-like features.

The project that began in 2012 was watched closely by the neighborhood as it developed. The Seventh Street side was done first followed by the Eighth Street side. What emerged was a bridge between the historic surroundings of the neighborhood and the comforts and conveniences of the modern world. And though there may have been some concern in the beginning, that concern has now been replaced with pride.