Realty Check: Sand Castle
This upscale new build in downtown’s St. Joseph neighborhood has the verticality of the area’s signature rowhouses. But the inspiration hails from much farther away: Rosemary Beach, Florida. Both Brad Litz, one of the developers, and Alex White, the architect, vacation in the neo-urban village on the Panhandle and love the predominant aesthetic, a crisp blend of modern and traditional.
One house Litz rented with other families lived so well, he brought its layout to Indianapolis. The kitchen and adjacent sitting area open onto a tight patio with a 14-by-16-foot pool that abuts the three-car garage. In Florida, the indoor/outdoor scheme functioned larger than it looked, so Litz thought it would work well on this 48-foot-wide lot. He upgraded the backyard with a fountain that spills into the pool (which has a tanning shelf) and firepots that shoot flames up about three feet, he says. A stairway leads to a rooftop deck on the garage with skyline and sunset views.
The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission had several stipulations for the house, including the size of bricks and a rose trellis in front. Litz and his partner, John Eaton, also kept original walkways. Parapets add to the traditional feel, while a black metal roof adds a thoroughly modern contrast. Inside, luxe materials and abundant moldings feel sophisticated. The front room, most exposed to the street, won’t be used as often as secluded spaces like the basement home theater and wine bar. Behind the kitchen, a large pantry and prep space provide smart (and hidden) function for entertaining.
Litz & Eaton homes usually hit the top of the market, and this one is no different at $330 per square foot. “That’s pretty common for our brand,” Litz says. “You’re getting top materials, and it’s a smart home. It comes with the whole-home automation and 120-inch theater screen, for example.” IndyCar champ Tony Kanaan took the house for a test drive in May, living there with his family. Now the race is on for permanent owners.
WANT TO BUY IT?
Address
1025 N. Alabama St.
List price
$1.5 million
Agent
Margaret Litz,
Litz Real Estate,
317-797-2745
