Tower of luxury: Adelicia showcases urban, upscale living
By HOLLIE DEESE • For The Tennessean • February 10, 2008

This is the first in an occasional series touring some of the many condo properties opening in 2008.

Graphite drawings by Lori-Gene provided by Gallery One.

From the moment the condo tower was announced in 2004, promising luxury living at a premium price, The Adelicia has been one of the most highly anticipated projects in Nashville. Now its doors are open. Are the condos, which have averaged more than twice as much as other recent high-end Nashville condos, worth it?

See for yourself this week, as the 186-unit building in Midtown hosts a design tour Thursday-Feb. 17.

The Adelicia, from developer Corner Realty Partners, is the first of six towers with more than 1,000 condo units set to open in 2008.

The building between Vanderbilt University and Music Row began as more of a square design, but it evolved to the curvy structure it is now to fit into the neighborhood and, the developer hopes, to stand the test of time.

The stylistically modern building is 18 stories, with graceful curves in brick and limestone. The front lobby is quietly impressive, with tall ceilings and minimal furniture. The soft, Ultrasuede walls around the elevator banks beg to be touched — and often are.

Designer: Amy Pierce, Dana Goodman Interiors

The tour begins on the 15th floor with this unit, selling for just under $500,000. The 1,276-square-foot space features southern views of Nashville, and the green views blend well with the neutral color palette of creams, browns and grays. Pops of color appear in the artwork by Sydney Reichman, provided by Gallery One. Green design elements — a cork lampshade, eco-friendly paint — marry the design with the view.

"We wanted to create warmth and use many tactile, green elements," Goodman says. "It needs to be functional and livable."

Soft suede fabrics and a thick, twisted silk shag rug are matched with clean furniture lines to create a space with an element of zen. Dark stained floors add depth, and in the bathroom countertops are at the higher European height for added comfort. And of course, the thick bed with crisp, white sheets just invites you to relax and enjoy the view.

In the spring, miro district will open on the ground floor. This 6,000-square-foot Northern Italian restaurant is from the owners of Watermark, who plan a cafe atmosphere and hope it becomes a neighborhood hotspot.

a view for all tastes

Upstairs, each condo unit showcases a different skyline view. If you face the south, you get the Capitol, green space and residential views. Face north and you see the skyline and bustle of the city. For the truly indulgent, some condos have views on both sides.

Buyers have multiple open floor plans to choose from, although all feature floor-to-ceiling windows and tall ceilings. The closets are walk-in, providing plenty of storage, and there is a choice of granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. The units are outfitted in GE Profile stainless steel appliances and the standard bathroom has frameless showers and garden tubs. The units offer a choice of stain on the hardwood floors and Mission-style cabinets.

Residents who have already moved into their condos get first dibs on the private trainers in the 3,000-square-foot fitness center filled with top-of-the line equipment.

The center has all of the bells and whistles you would expect in a gym, including treadmills, recumbent bikes, elliptical trainers, free weights, weight machines, jump ropes and balance balls.

The rooftop deck is large enough to host plenty of residents, but with the added luxury of hidden nooks to keep conversations intimate. Private parties are encouraged in the poolside lounge, complete with catering kitchen and tucked away banquettes.

design, art involved

The curious can check out what all the buzz has been about this weekend.

Showcasing the work of seven local designers and nine local artists, the Adelicia Design Tour shows off the complex to its full advantage. Set up like a waterfall, the tour of seven units starts on the 15th floor.

"As a native Nashville designer I have seen the skyline change," says Dana Goodman of Dana Goodman Interiors. Amy Pierce from her company designed one of the condos on the tour. "This project has been a real treat to work on and be involved in."

Three of the condos featured on the tour are already sold, but they all represent floor plans that are still available to purchase.