as opposed to the Hinterhof I mentioned before in respect of another of your questions. In contradistinction to closed courtyard perhaps.

In April 2009, Bethesda, Md.-based Metro Properties Inc. celebrated the grand opening of The Allegro Apartments, a $52 million residential community in Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C. Dubbed “an urban sanctuary” by its developer, the 353,000-square-foot complex features two private courtyards surrounded by 297 luxury apartment units on a two-acre parcel. According to President and owner Jeremy Rubenstein, The Allegro’s substantial use of outdoor green space is highly unique in an overdeveloped metropolis like the nation’s capital.

“While two acres in a suburban or rural area may sound like a lot, it’s pretty hard to get your hands on in the middle of Washington, D.C.,” Rubenstein says. “To have a huge open courtyard with cedar decking, benches, water features and plantings, as well as a closed courtyard at the rear of the building, is something quite unusual, especially in an area of the city that had been needing revitalization for many years.”
http://www.buildingandconstruction-northeast.com/cms2/index....



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Note added at 10 hrs (2010-04-01 21:54:54 GMT)
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Sorry I think I mentioned the Hinterhof in answer to someone else's very recent question, but nonetheless the distinction holds true.

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Note added at 10 hrs (2010-04-01 21:56:25 GMT)
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Urrrgh, it looks as if seehand got there before me - really sorry. He/she should be encouraged to post. Perhaps a case of great minds .....

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Note added at 10 hrs (2010-04-01 21:58:17 GMT)
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The main pedestrian entryway into the building will be located on 13th Street. A lay-by is proposed to be located along 13th Street in front of the building entrance. The rooftop will include private rooftop terraces for units located on the fourth floor of the building. An exercise room, theater, billiards room and community room will be located on the garden level of the building, all of which will be available for use by residents. The design of the structure includes an open courtyard on the north side of the building and a closed courtyard on the south side. The courtyard will be landscaped and will include grassy areas, plantings and bench seating available for use by all residents of the building. Private balconies will be provided to dwelling units facing the courtyards on each above-grade floor of the building.
http://www.republic-land.com/RhodeIsland.html

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Note added at 4 days (2010-04-06 07:32:01 GMT) Post-grading
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Thanks, Wolfgang