Manning the Planning
The man behind the design of The Manning
The Tennessean
Architect Don Meeks has always loved construction and design. And after that fateful decision in high school to make it his future career, he hasn’t looked back.
Meeks, part of the Meeks + Partners firm based in Houston, Texas, is the architect for The Manning at Belle Meade. His design will be seen for miles after the construction of the 10-story luxury condos, slated to begin in July.
The architect has worked with Manning developer Richard Rhea for more than 30 years on other projects. When approached in 2004 to work on The Manning, he said he knew a luxury development was an appropriate fit for the area.
“There’s such a need for this for empty nesters across the U.S., and Nashville is no different,” Meeks said.
‘Learning the Language’
To gauge what best suits the area, Meeks said he and his partners learn the language of the area. Is it traditional? Or perhaps contemporary? After these questions are answered, the planning begins.
For The Manning, Meeks calls the style of the future Woodmont Boulevard condos “neo-classical with a twist.”
Outside, terraces jut from the dark red brick high-rise. Space for formal gardens and cabanas line the grounds. Balustrades give regal support to the condos’ structure.
Inside there’s the option to convert the family room into an informal dining area. The ceilings are tall, and the closets are customized for shoe aficionados and tie lovers with removable shelves.
And the interior design seals this luxurious deal. Meeks, who works with the project’s interior designer, Marjorie Feltus Hawkins, said the inside matches the theme right down to the baseboards and cabinets.
Condos feel like Home
Rhea said it’s important that these condos not feel small like other condos, but spacious. “This is not a condo, but a home,” Rhea said.
Meeks uses his previous architectural designs to apply to projects like The Manning. He’s worked on designs in Spain, China and locations across the United States.
The Belle Meade high-rise has private elevators just like the condo he designed in South Florida. He applied a summer kitchen idea from a recent Colorado project.
But some things will be signature to The Manning.
Space sets this project apart, Meeks said. There’s room for massage parlors and rooms for Pilates workouts. The bathrooms are spacious, and the balconies are large enough to entertain guests.
“It’s a beautiful project,” Meeks said. “I wish Houston was doing something like this. It’s a good product.”
