If you’ve driven down Grand just south of Nichols Hills recently, you may have seen a sight so unexpected you thought it was a mirage.
Ten townhomes—with six more in the works during the third phase of the project—comprise a new, upscale housing development designed by renowned Oklahoma City architect Rick Brown, principal of Richard R. Brown Associates.
Arising from the Oklahoma prairie, this new community, called 6100 Grand (6100grand.com), looks like nothing else you will find in the state or region. Reminiscent of certain Upper East Side New York or Parisian neighborhoods, the exteriors feature white stone facings, large arched windows and richly detailed, exquisite columns and balustrades manufactured by Renaissance Cast Stone.
Project’s Inspiration
Rick said that he designed the new townhomes based on American architect Ogden Codman Jr.’s unrealized vision of a grand community in New York City. (Codman was known for his collaboration with author Edith Wharton on her book, The Decoration of Houses, published in 1897.)
Together with his wife, Tracey—who owns an original Codman Townhome in NYC and is an expert on French design—the couple drew on Codman’s principles of harmony and proportion in designing both the sophisticated interior and exterior of the townhomes, which “pay homage to the past while embracing the future of luxury living.”
It’s All in the Details
“Our desire was to create a timeless project, with great volume (12’ ceilings), classic detail to both the interior and exterior, and a design that could be either classic traditional, or modern,” Rick said, noting that units range from 3,350 square feet to 7,000 square feet.
Inside, the townhomes feature exquisite details such as antique French fireplaces, custom iron railing high-end Waterworks fixtures, soaring ceilings and grand staircases.
Among the exterior features that first draw the eye to the townhomes are the columns and balustrades. Rick said this project was the first time they had collaborated with Renaissance Cast Stone, describing the experience as an integral part of realizing the vision the couple had for the project, based on Codman’s earlier designs.
“The project is an amazing synthesis of French design and modern detail,” Rick said. “It stretched the limits of the craftsmen in Oklahoma City (Renaissance Cast Stone and the general contractor for the project, Van Hoose Construction), but we got excellent work when they were challenged. It is at once monumental and intimate.”
A Personal Perspective
The couple began producing drawings of the planned new development five years ago, and the second phase was recently completed. Two years ago, Rick and Tracey moved into one of the Phase 1 townhomes, which they have furnished with 19th-century furniture and accessories and modern art.
As residents, the couple enjoys 6100 Grand’s walkable environment, which is close to shopping, restaurants and other entertainment venues, as well as the community's numerous amenities, including a pool, state-of-the-art workout center and conference room for residents’ use.
“Our target market is well-established professionals, both those still working and retired, who desire Oklahoma City’s finest design,” Rick said.
FMI
With its impressive architecture and amenities rivaling those of prestigious resorts, 6100 Grand sets a new standard for upscale living in the heart of OKC. For more information and to schedule a showing, contact David Oliver @ Sotheby's International at 405.532.3800.
Renaissance Cast Stone
For this large-scale project, Renaissance Cast Stone (RenaissanceCastStone.com) founder and owners Juan and Genaro Arriaga said they were asked to produce and install wall veneer, balustrades, columns ornate panels, quoin corners (stone or brick that form the corner of a building) and window surrounds.
“It was one of the largest projects we have done,” he said, noting additional challenges that involved coordinating different crews during the production and delivery process.
He added that they were grateful to be asked to be a part of this project.
“It is exciting to see these types of grand projects coming to Oklahoma City,” he said. “We are very proud of the outcome of this project, and we know the client is happy, which is very important to us.”
About Richard R. Brown Associates
Richard R. Brown Associates was established in 1985 as a full-service, architectural, interior design and planning practice. RBA is licensed in over 30 states, and has provided services throughout the United States and Mexico. RBA has achieved 15 design awards for the firm’s work, including three Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects.
With a passion for creating timeless spaces that blend classical elegance with modern sensibilities, founder/principal Rick R. Brown has garnered acclaim for his exceptional design work and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“The project is an amazing synthesis of French design and modern detail."