Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in HILLHOUSE Lakefront Residences at the beautiful and exclusive NorthRiver Yacht Club!
We have prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you as you consider purchasing a residence at HILLHOUSE. Our team is ready to assist you with any additional questions you may have that are not listed in this document.
Development Team
Who is the developer of HILLHOUSE?
The developer is HILLHOUSE, LLC, whose members include:
Andy Turner, Owner of Spaces Management
Kenny Short, Owner of Elite Building
Joe Gillis, Owner of Dutch Oil Company
Miller Mobley, Globally recognized photographer and creative director
Who is the architect for HILLHOUSE?
Poole & Company Architects is a full-service architecture and design firm located in Birmingham, Alabama. Poole & Company brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as they have designed and completed most of the luxury condominium projects in Tuscaloosa, including The Chimes, Champions Place, and Camellia Place.
Who is the general contractor for HILLHOUSE?
Elite Building is owned by development partners Kenny Short and Joe Gillis. Elite exclusively builds projects in which they are invested as a partner in the development. Elite has completed numerous projects throughout the Southeast and notable projects in Tuscaloosa including The Chimes, Champions Place, Camellia Place, Crimson Commons, Legacy Park Retail Center, the Spaces office building, and The Walk Tuscaloosa.
Who is the sales team for HILLHOUSE?
The sales team is made up of the top producing agents in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and include:
Tommy Ford, Spaces Management www.tommyfordrealestate.com
Alice Maxwell, Keller Williams
www.alicemaxwell.com
Donna Petty, Hamner Real Estate
www.donnapetty.com
John Randall, Keller Williams
www.thegraygroupal.com
Wes York, Hamner Real Estate
www.wesyorkteam.hamnerrealestate.com
Who is the property manager for HILLHOUSE?
Spaces Management is owned by development partner Andy Turner. Spaces is a full-service association management company focused on the needs of homeowner and condominium associations. They emphasize stellar customer service backed by industry-specific training and education to provide quality management for community associations. They institute time-tested policies and processes supported by the latest technology to provide consistent operations of the association for the board of directors and homeowners.
Project Basics
What is HILLHOUSE?
HILLHOUSE is the only luxury condominium community on Lake Tuscaloosa. Each residence has a western view of Lake Tuscaloosa and the interiors are designed with both the permanent resident and the second home owner in mind. The six-story construction project consists of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with an adjoining parking deck. The building is clad in stone, cementitious boards, stucco, and glass. The residences are designed to foster beautiful lake views with a window-wall and French doors opening to a large balcony for outdoor enjoyment. The large kitchen, living, and dining spaces are all open with views of the lake. The community is amenity rich with an infinity pool, fitness center, wine and billiards room, and hearth room and library available exclusively to owners and their guests.
How many residences does HILLHOUSE have?
34 residences with the following unit mix:
Residence A |
6 |
Residence B |
7 |
Residence C |
5 |
Residence D |
6 |
Residence E |
4 |
Residence F |
1 |
Residence G |
5 |
How many stories are in HILLHOUSE?
The north section of the building has five stories, while the south section of the building has six stories.
Amenities
Who can use all the HILLHOUSE amenities?
All amenities are exclusive to owners and their guests.
Is there a fitness room?
Yes. The fitness room is 555 square feet and includes: Precor Recumbent Bike, Precor Treadmill, Precor Elliptical, Peloton Bike, Precor FTS Glide Functional Trainer, Free Weight Station with Precor Half Rack, Power Lift Collegiate 0-90 Bench, TAG Vertical Dumbbell Rack (5-50 lbs.), Escape Rack5 Accessories, and Escape Hanging Stretch Mats.
Is there a pool?
Yes. There is a heated 20’ x 40’ saltwater infinity edge pool. Use of the pool is exclusive to owners and their guests. (Tentative hours of operation are 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.)
Is there a hot tub?
Yes.
How are mail and packages handled?
Mail and packages will be delivered to the onsite mail and package room located inside the building.
How many wine lockers are in the wine and billiards room?
There are 24 climate-controlled 2’ x 6” x 3’ wine lockers.
Who can dine at the lakeside restaurant?
The lakeside restaurant is exclusive to owners, marina members, and members of NorthRiver and guests.
Who can use the Captain’s Cabin?
The Captain’s Cabin is available for rent to owners, marina members, and members of NorthRiver and guests.
Who can use The Lawn?
The Lawn is exclusive to owners, marina members, and members of NorthRiver and guests.
Are there bicycle racks on the property?
Yes.
Do condo owners get priority in renting a boat slip at the marina?
Yes. Condo owners will have priority to rent a boat slip in the marina. If there is a waitlist, condo owners will be placed at the top of the waitlist.
Who can buy gas and supplies at the marina store?
Anyone can purchase gas, supplies, food, and beverages from the marina store.
Will there be walking access from the condominiums to the marina?
Yes, the seawall between the Captain’s Cabin and the marina will be improved and include a walking path to connect the two areas.
Unit Details
How many square feet is each residence?
Residence A |
1,315 |
Residence B |
1,522 |
Residence C |
1,826 |
Residence D |
1,991 |
Residence E |
2,852 |
Residence F |
2,218 |
Residence G |
921 |
Is the balcony square footage included in the residence square footage?
No.
How large are the balconies?
The balconies are either 10 feet or 11 feet deep and extend the full width of the residence.
Are televisions allowed to be hung on the balconies?
Yes.
Are grills permitted?
Yes, each residence includes a Blaze gas grill built in on the balcony with an overhead vent.
What are the ceiling heights?
Ten feet.
Are trash chutes available on each floor?
Yes.
What type of appliances are in the residences?
Barring any supply chain issues, the residences will have a Wolf gas range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf Microwave, Cove Dishwasher, and full-size General Electric washer and dryer.
How is hot water provided?
Each residence will have the appropriately sized electric hot-water heater.
What kind of heating and cooling units will be used?
Each residence will have a Heil Heat Pump.
Do the vent hoods completely vent outside?
Kitchen hoods, grill hoods, water heater vents, and bathroom exhaust fans are all ducted to the exterior.
Does each unit come with a storage closet?
Yes.
Parking and Access
How many parking spaces per residence?
Each residence comes with two reserved parking places inside the parking deck. Owners pick their parking spots at the time of purchase, and they are recorded at closing.
Are there charging stations in the parking deck for electric vehicles?
Yes.
Where do guests park?
There are a total of 56 additional parking places for guests and patrons of the restaurant as well as parking at the marina.
How do I access my condominium?
Each unit will have a Bluetooth lock that enables your phone to be your key. You will also be able to issue temporary keys to guests or service personnel.
How do I access the building?
Building access will be on the same Bluetooth lock system as your unit so that your phone gives you access to the building.
Is the property gated?
Yes, and gate access will work on the same system as your unit and the building.
Where do customers of the restaurant park?
They will park in the available 56 guest parking places as well as shared parking with the marina.
Sales and Rentals
How much is the sales deposit?
Twenty percent (20%) of the purchase price is due with the execution of the purchase agreement. The funds are non-refundable seven days after executing the receipt of the offering statement as part of the purchase agreement. The funds will be used as part of the hard costs once construction of the project starts.
Do you allow for a financing contingency?
No.
Once the 20% deposit is paid, do I owe any other deposits prior to closing?
You will not owe any additional funds until the day of closing on the condominium at completion when the full balance is due.
May I rent my residence?
Yes, but only if you purchase one of the 10 available leasing certificates. (There will only be 10 leasing certificates issued.) The cost is $25,000 for the certificate and it allows your unit to be rented through the designated management company. Vrbo, Airbnb, or any other type of self-management companies are not allowed. The leasing certificate can be sold to another owner if you decide you no longer want the certificate.
Condominium Owners Association (COA)
How much are the projected monthly association fees?
The following projections are good estimates for planning purposes:
Residence A |
$481 |
Residence B |
$557 |
Residence C |
$668 |
Residence D |
$728 |
Residence E |
$1,043 |
Residence F |
$811 |
Residence G |
$337 |
What is included in the COA monthly fees?
The monthly fees include insurance policies, building common area maintenance, custodial services, landscaping, pest control, termite warranty, water, sewer, Internet, trash service, gate maintenance, and building reserves.
How am I billed for utilities?
The association pays for water, sewer, and Internet. Owners will be billed directly by Spire for natural gas, and by Alabama Power Company for electricity.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, once they are registered and approved through petscreening.com. The following breeds are restricted and are not allowed: Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Mastiff, Wolf dogs, and hybrids.