There are many advantages to long-term client relationships and in the case of the collaboration between AG Architecture and Fiduciary Real Estate Development, these advantages have benefited renters in suburban communities in Wisconsin, Illinois and North Carolina. The team has designed, delivered and branded a distinct multifamily experience—a building typology, unit offering, amenity mix and neighborhood setting that is redefining suburban living.
A History of Success
AG’s experience designing multifamily apartment complexes dates back to earlier generations of the firm in the 1960s. Decade after decade, the AG Team pushed the design envelope and adapted to market challenges and expectations helping local developers introduce marketable apartment options in southeastern Wisconsin.
In 2008, AG began work with the up-and-coming real estate and property management company HSI Properties as founding partners Ryan Schultz and Brett Haney made their mark on the local real estate market. Work on The Enclave in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin led to a series of multifamily projects bringing the best of walkable urban environment design principles to the heart of suburban communities. From multiple projects in Wauwatosa to projects in Delafield, Cedarburg and Oak Creek, the successful collaboration was delivering a portfolio of award-winning and sought-after apartment complexes.
“AG played an instrumental role in HSI’s growth. From the start, they approached us with a true partnership philosophy.” — Ryan Schultz | Shareholder and Executive Vice President of Fiduciary Real Estate Development
When HSI Properties merged with Fiduciary Real Estate Partners (FRED) in 2019, the team took the change in stride, continuing their successful partnership and looking for ways to leverage their market success. With the completion of Drexel Ridge prior to the merge and the Orchard Hills project in progress during it, the team was tracking successful design elements and beginning to evolve key components of the community model. From the site planning and neighborhood-style setting to the walk-up style apartments and distinct clubhouse experience, the team was creating a desirable apartment living experience. The evolution of this product inspired the introduction of a branded multifamily portfolio—Seasons. And as the Orchard Hills project was completed, it was introduced to the market as Seasons at Orchard Hills.
“After working in partnership with AG on Drexel Ridge and seeing how well received the product was to such a broad demographic group, we felt as though we were on to something even greater than just a single development project,” says Fiduciary Real Estate Development Vice President Tony DeRosa. “This was a design that could appeal to those from age 22 to 82 in all different geographic markets with all different economic conditions. This design was something that municipalities could embrace given its strong curb appeal and relatively low density. Creating this unique brand identity has allowed us to efficiently grow the portfolio in a way that we’ve never previously experienced.”
The Signature Seasons Experience
Since 2018, the team has completed eight Seasons communities in Wisconsin and Illinois as well as the recent introduction of Seasons at Charlotte in North Carolina. While a few of the projects have been sold and renamed, FRED continues to operate the majority of the properties.
“The Seasons development strategy is very programmatic,” says Schultz. “It’s about optimizing economies of scale, be it through design and construction, or operationally speaking. We are relentless in our pursuit of efficiencies while keeping current with design trends and tenants’ preferences. There is plenty of competition, but we feel we offer a best-in-class product.”
Each project is carefully integrated into the surrounding community or neighborhood with careful thought given to architectural context, market-specific considerations as well as opportunities to enhance and evolve the product offering.
A Neighborhood Feel
The first priority in the design process is creating a master plan that achieves the desired neighborhood feel. The team evaluates the opportunities and challenges of the existing typography and then organizes buildings to create clear roadways with parallel parking, crosswalks, and tree-lined streetscapes.
In 2023, the team will wrap up construction and open the doors to Seasons at Braun Road. A highlight of the Braun Road property is the centralized green space that connects seven of the 14 buildings on the site. This provides a pedestrian connection that creates a walkable experience leading to the clubhouse. Buildings anchor a newly created public right of way with guest parallel parking for an urban residential feel.
Each project elevates the pedestrian-friendly experience. Site design continues to focus on an engaging entry sequence with a guardhouse and clear signage followed by a landscaped boulevard leading to a clubhouse and residential streets branching out along the way.
Garden-Style Apartment Living
A key component of the Seasons brand is the garden-style apartment design. Instead of buildings with elevators and long corridors, the two-story walk-up style buildings offer 11,15 and 20-unit configurations. This typology provides residents with individual unit entries, and some have direct access garages. As the brand has evolved, the 20-unit buildings have proven to offer the best density and overall unit mix. Each new market presents opportunities to respond to regional and local influences, such as creating a three-story walk-up style for Seasons at Charlotte in North Carolina.
The buildings and units are thoughtfully oriented to take advantage of courtyards and other natural features. The projects typically include a total of 220-360 units with a mix of studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. Unit designs feature high-end finishes and fixtures, oversized windows and large balconies or patios.
The Style
The exterior design blends desirable urban and suburban elements to create the distinct Seasons style. Typical features include large gable forms, balcony projections, board and batten details and brick accents. These components of the brand are carried through each development and can be modified or enhanced to meet the desires of different municipalities.
For example, the design for Seasons at Randall Road explored a more articulated garage with additional brick, gable forms and carriage lights. The City of Elgin had a higher masonry percentage required in their zoning code, so the team further developed the exterior to meet the needs of the community. Seasons at River View required modifications to the exterior design of the clubhouse entry canopy and façade materials to better fit the vision of the community.
The color palette and materials evolve based on the use and success of previous developments or to meet market needs. There has been an exploration of forms and materials to create deeper shadow lines or to provide a more contemporary appeal. At Franklin and North Aurora, a black-and-white palette with modern farmhouse elements was explored. Each modification respects the brand while deepening the Seasons’ connection to a specific community—reinforcing the suburban experience with the right urban touches.
The Clubhouse
In addition to marketable luxury units, the Seasons brand prioritizes amenities and a community-focused lifestyle. Each project features a vibrant clubhouse with an exterior pool, grilling area and socialization opportunities inside and out. Typical spaces include a leasing office, fitness room, club room, hospitality kitchen and bathrooms (with showers). Other site amenities include interconnected sidewalks for walkability as well as secondary grilling communal areas on the property that are accented with seating and festoon lights. Pet areas provide convenience for those with dogs, and there is also a car wash and pet washing station for resident use.
The clubhouse design has evolved at each property and the team continues to explore new ways to increase resident engagement. At Seasons at Orchard Hills the fitness area, clubroom and hospitality kitchen were positioned facing the outdoor pool and overall development. Then at Seasons at Randall Road, the team wanted the clubhouse to have a stronger, more branded first impression so a tower element with the brand name was added to the structure. For Seasons at Romeoville, the planning and entry sequence was reconsidered to create clear views from the front door to the pool area. Other clubhouse design enhancements have included larger leasing offices, additional workspace for remote work options and ongoing improvements to the outdoor experience.
Seasons at River View in Wisconsin premiered the latest exciting enhancements. New to this clubhouse is a movie room with a custom television wall, dry bar and a fireplace. A modern pergola with an integrated television adds to the already amenity-rich pool area. A playground is also integrated into the master plan for the younger residents of the River View neighborhood.
“In collaboration with AG, we strive for continuous improvement while continuing to focus on exceeding our customer expectations. While all Seasons branded communities look and feel very similar to each other, we continue to fine-tune the design. We adapt to the ever-changing market so that we continue to be recognized as the best in class for luxury housing options in every market we invest in.”— Tony DeRosa | Vice President of Fiduciary Real Estate Development
Life at Seasons
The design of Seasons properties is carefully considered to perfectly suit the context of the region and the local community. These projects provide a desirable and marketable home environment and lifestyle, but it is the management of these properties that solidify their position in the market.
“I am continuously impressed by the services and programming that FRED offers its residents. We evolve the design to meet residents’ needs and encourage engagement, but the staff at each property provides thoughtful personal touches and coordinates amazing events from movie nights to the end of the pool season doggie dips,” says AG Senior Associate Justin Koeppler. “It is a pleasure to be a part of a process that continues to elevate resident life and create a true sense of community.”
