Waltonwood Lead Mine

Residents also enjoy inviting outdoor areas, including a 2,200-SF third-floor balcony and an interior courtyard featuring a heavy timber-framed pavilion with a stone fireplace.

As the project sits on a constrained and technically complex site, Choate carefully coordinated construction activities within the tight footprint bordered by a four-lane, curved roadway. As such, a comprehensive site logistics plan was developed with input from the city, owner, and Choate, establishing access points, delivery sequencing, and traffic management to maintain safety in this high-traffic area.

Rather than leveling the site, this four-story building steps across three distinct grade elevations, resulting in three separate ground-floor elevations designed to follow the natural topography. The team used cast-in-place stepped foundation walls and a three-step slab system to accommodate the existing grades. Once complete, the lowest level houses all back of house functions, including laundry, maintenance, and staff break areas, while the main entrance is positioned on what is technically the second floor due to the elevation changes.

Due to site elevation changes, the fully enclosed courtyard sits at the building’s second-floor level. The team built a sloped dirt ramp to bridge the elevation change and enable the movement of concrete, landscaping materials, and other supplies. Because the courtyard is fully enclosed, the team used a crane to lift and set the wood timbers used to frame the 1,000-SF pavilion sitting within.

The pavilion serves as the courtyard’s focal point and offers a year-round gathering, grilling, and gaming area for residents. A gas fireplace with a brick surround provides heat in cooler months, while the roof delivers shade during hot North Carolina summers.