Chicago-based Mary Cook Associates (MCA), a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm, released new photography of Notion, a mid-rise apartment community located outside of Atlanta in Decatur, Ga. MCA designed more than 8,000 sf of interior and exterior amenity space at Notion, which celebrated its grand opening earlier this spring.
Located at 125 N. Arcadia Ave., Notion is part of the larger Sam’s Crossing Village mixed-use development, which includes 12,000 sf of retail anchored by a Publix grocery store. The community’s 290 upscale apartment residences include studios, one- and two-bedroom units.
Mary Cook Associates-designed interiors with coffee shop atmosphere
The design team at MCA worked closely with developer Toll Brothers Apartment Living and design architect Dwell Design Studio to develop an interior concept for Notion inspired by Decatur’s tree-lined streets, boutique retail and vibrant restaurant and coffee shop scene. Notion features a mix of contemporary furnishings, inviting textures, curated accessories and artwork—including a colorful branded wall made up of repurposed book spines—and three separate coffee bars to accentuate the coffeehouse atmosphere.
“The unique makeup of downtown Decatur presented our design team with an opportunity to create a living environment that mirrors the eclectic energy of the neighborhood while speaking to the sophistication and active lifestyle of today's renters,” said Mary Cook, president and found of Mary Cook Associates. “MCA’s researched design approach is guided by our deep understanding of the psychographics—the values, attitudes, interests, lifestyles and aspirations—of the end-users, allowing our team to execute aesthetically pleasing and high-performing spaces that foster creative expression, productivity and social engagement among residents.”
Notion incorporates high-end design elements that provide optimal functionality in its common areas, such as a hospitality-inspired lobby lounge and mailroom; expansive co-working space featuring communal and private workstations; a well-appointed exhibition kitchen and adjacent library lounge; and a 24-hour gaming lounge offering billiards, a beverage hub with beer and wine on tap, and a variety of seating options.
Additional amenities include a resort-style pool with cabanas; a landscaped courtyard with grills and lawn games; a dog park and “paw-spa;” a self-serve bicycle shop and storage area; and a club-quality fitness center with state-of-the-art machines for cardio and weight training, a fitness-on-demand studio and WellBeats for HIIT.
“It was important to understand what motivates residents and how they can interact with the spaces,” noted Cook. “Our research showed residents value functionality, flexibility and productivity, so we designed the common areas to support a variety of activities, and also transition seamlessly from day to night use. The end result provides multiple opportunities for residents to gather, converse, read, peruse social media, enjoy a beverage and collaborate on professional work.”
According to Cook, the holistic and site-specific interior design approach at Notion contributed to the community outperforming original leasing projections, quickly approaching full capacity following its grand opening. Notion represents the latest partnership between Mary Cook Associates and Toll Brothers Apartment Living and the second Atlanta-area collaboration between the two firms, following the completion of Oleander in Brookhaven in 2019.
About Mary Cook Associates
Established in 1986, Mary Cook Associates (MCA) is a fully integrated interior architecture and design firm nationally known for creating innovative interiors for leading owners and developers of real estate. The firm’s projects include multifamily, model homes, student living, senior living, clubhouses, restaurants, and hospitality environments. MCA’s work emphasizes functionality, showcases possibilities, and delivers a measurable Return on Environment (ROE℠). MCA’s team includes more than two dozen designers and architects that are strategic, imaginative and skilled at designing a wide variety of spaces that respond to demographic, geographic and lifestyle influences of target markets. Smart, functional spaces that establish immediate connections with their users and boost Living Better by Design℠, increase property value, and accelerate sales and occupancy rates are the hallmarks of the results MCA consistently achieves. In its 36th year, the firm continues to expand its national presence with award-winning work across the country.
Related Stories
Green | Dec 9, 2022
Newly formed Net Zero Built Environment Council aims to decarbonize the built world
Global management consulting firm McKinsey recently launched the Net Zero Built Environment Council, a cross-sector coalition of industry stakeholders aiming to decarbonize the built world. The council’s chief goal is to collaboratively create new pathways to cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
High-rise Construction | Dec 7, 2022
SOM reveals its design for Singapore’s tallest skyscraper
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has revealed its design for 8 Shenton Way—a mixed-use tower that will stand 63 stories and 305 meters (1,000 feet) high, becoming Singapore’s tallest skyscraper. The design team also plans to make the building one of Asia’s most sustainable skyscrapers. The tower incorporates post-pandemic design features.
Office Buildings | Dec 7, 2022
Software giant SAP opens engineering academy for its global engineering workforce
Software giant SAP has opened its new SAP Academy for Engineering on the company’s San Ramon, Calif. campus. Designed by HGA, the Engineering Academy will provide professional development opportunities for SAP’s global engineering workforce. At the Engineering Academy, cohorts from SAP offices across the globe will come together for intensive, six-month training programs.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 7, 2022
Canada’s largest net-zero carbon residential community to include affordable units
The newly unveiled design for Canada’s largest net-zero carbon residential community includes two towers that will create a new destination within Ottawa and form a striking gateway into LeBreton Flats. The development will be transit-oriented, mixed-income, mixed-use, and include unprecedented sustainability targets. Dream LeBreton is a partnership between real estate companies Dream Asset Management, Dream Impact, and local non-profit MultiFaith Housing Initiative.
Student Housing | Dec 7, 2022
Cornell University builds massive student housing complex to accommodate planned enrollment growth
In Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University has completed its North Campus Residential Expansion (NCRE) project. Designed by ikon.5 architects, the 776,000-sf project provides 1,200 beds for first-year students and 800 beds for sophomore students. The NCRE project aimed to accommodate the university’s planned growth in student enrollment while meeting its green infrastructure standards. Cornell University plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
Office Buildings | Dec 6, 2022
‘Chicago’s healthiest office tower’ achieves LEED Gold, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum
Goettsch Partners (GP) recently completed 320 South Canal, billed as “Chicago’s healthiest office tower,” according to the architecture firm. Located across the street from Chicago Union Station and close to major expressways, the 51-story tower totals 1,740,000 sf. It includes a conference center, fitness center, restaurant, to-go market, branch bank, and a cocktail lounge in an adjacent structure, as well as parking for 324 cars/electric vehicles and 114 bicycles.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 6, 2022
Austin's new 80-story multifamily tower will be the tallest building in Texas
Recently announced plans for Wilson Tower, a high-rise multifamily building in downtown Austin, Texas, indicate that it will be the state’s tallest building when completed. The 80-floor structure will rise 1,035 feet in height at 410 East 5th Street, close to the 6th Street Entertainment District, Austin Convention Center, and a new downtown light rail station.
Geothermal Technology | Dec 6, 2022
Google spinoff uses pay-as-you-go business model to spur growth in geothermal systems
Dandelion Energy is turning to a pay-as-you-go plan similar to rooftop solar panel leasing to help property owners afford geothermal heat pump systems.
Contractors | Dec 6, 2022
Slow payments cost the construction industry $208 billion in 2022
The cost of floating payments for wages and invoices represents $208 billion in excess cost to the construction industry, a 53% increase from 2021, according to a survey by Rabbet, a provider of construction finance software.
University Buildings | Dec 5, 2022
Florida Polytechnic University unveils its Applied Research Center, furthering its mission to provide STEM education
In Lakeland, Fla., located between Orlando and Tampa, Florida Polytechnic University unveiled its new Applied Research Center (ARC). Designed by HOK and built by Skanska, the 90,000-sf academic building houses research and teaching laboratories, student design spaces, conference rooms, and faculty offices—furthering the school’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) mission.