Trillium's first project, Snowater set the standard for the firm's subsequent endeavors: bold thinking, patient collaboration, shared access to natural features and excellence in execution.
In the early 1970s there was little, if any precedent for a project that held environmental features as assets to preserved, let alone shared in common.
Trillium founder David Syre was just starting out in real estate development when he undertook Snowater.
But he knew one thing for sure: maintaining the natural features of a beautiful site and reserving them for common enjoyment was key to its value.
He envisioned a refined destination in a rustic setting with four-season recreational opportunities for the whole family - imagining himself as a typical purchaser.
The 176-unit Snowater is located alongside the Nooksack River in a secluded wooded area near Mt. Baker. While small by today's standards, it was ambitious in its time, not only for its size, but in its design approach.
Trillium surveyed every tree and stump larger than six inches. Then, buildings, parking lots were carefully located to preserve trees, river access and views for all.
The project includes woodland tennis courts, two indoor pools, sheltered picnic areas, trails and quiet natural spaces.
