SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT | MOST POPULAR | 
RSS | REPRINTS
Ziegler Cooper Designs Resort-Style Complex on Gulf Coast
Published: October 18, 2007
 |
By Kelly Sheehan, Online News Editor
South Padre Island, Texas—Ziegler Cooper Architects has designed a resort-style condominium complex for developer Randall Davis Co. Situated at the southern tip of the Texas Gulf Coast on South Padre Island, The Sapphire will include two 31-story towers with 200 condos, 14 townhouses and a three-story parking facility. The towers will be connected at the 20th floor, providing residents with access to terraces between the structures.
Scott Ziegler, Ziegler Cooper Architects principal in charge of living places studio, tells MHN that the project has already topped out, and units will be delivered in June 2008. The community was initially planned to be developed in two phases, but because of strong sales, the community is now being built as a single phase.
Condos will range from $450,000 to $900,000 in price, and from 1,400 to 1,900 square feet in size, Ziegler says. They will include 10-ft.-high ceilings and dual views of the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay. To provide residents with this feature, Ziegler Cooper Architects designed separate balconies that will be located across the corridor from the units. This concept will help create a sense of community, allowing residents to gather on these balconies to enjoy sunsets and Friday night fireworks over the bay.
Two- and three-story townhouses adjacent to the towers range in size from 1,800 to 2,400 square feet, and in price from $700,000 to $1.1 million, Ziegler says. They will feature private pools, yards and garages.
Ziegler Cooper Architects have incorporated several protective techniques into the design of The Sapphire in response to its tropical environment. The complex will feature a waterproofing membrane and elastomeric coating to protect it from moisture. To deter rusting, the firm has also specified aluminum railings, stainless steel and rust-proof plastic instead of galvanized steel for the project’s construction. Green glass, double thermal-paned windows with white frames will adorn the outside of the development. These white frames have been designed to reflect the sunlight, creating the illusion that they change colors throughout the day.
Ziegler says that one of his favorite parts of the project is the illuminated lanterns that residents and visitors will see while crossing the causeway to the island. The Sapphire will also include cupolas that will not only be decorative but also serve as a beacon for travelers. In addition, they will screen mechanical equipment. Common amenities will include a private movie theater, spa, fitness center, teen game room, wine room and a 300-ft.-long infinity edge pool with cabanas.
