home of distinction
The Pinnacle o f
River Place
Local visionaries transform a blank canvas into
a penthouse design showcase
By Fr i t t s Caus b y
Photogr a ph y b y A ndr ew She rma n
A
T first glance, it may be hard to tell if this is a custom-designed
art gallery overlooking the Cape Fear River, a showcase
for an interior designer and local architect, or a chic
urban penthouse filled with modern finishes and fixtures.
The simple answer is all three, but in a residence that
blurs the line between these classifications.
Resting at the apex of River Place, a new building on Wilmington’s
riverfront, the property represents the culmination of a three-year
process between Rob Romero of Romero Architecture, Danielle
Saintard Valiente, owner and lead designer of Port City Design
Group, and numerous local artists, artisans and craftsmen.
“My design intent was to create something unexpected in a predict-able
shell,” Romero says. “I introduced curves to soften the hard edges,
to let the body and eye flow with the flooring, ceiling and furnishings.”
The commanding penthouse location and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for
panoramic views of the Cape Fear River and downtown Wilmington.
ALLISON POTTER
march 2021 66
WBM