The imagination of J.P. Newman is responsible for a new development of condominiums in South Austin combining architectural features in the Tudor and Carmel-coast style homes from the 1920s and 30s.

Formerly employed by Sony Pictures as the vice president of family entertainment, J.P. Newman moved to the Austin area in 2004. He had produced animated films for Sony, with plots drawn from traditional European fairy tales. His idea was to build residential space drawing on both the old European folklore and the art deco feel of the 1920s. He bought a double lot in early 2006 and began to plan his project.

His project plan managed to squeak in under size restriction ordinances that went into effect in Austin shortly after he purchased his lot. He and his partner, Debbie Yates, created their vision with the help of a Minneapolis-based architect and building began.

The design of each condominium included stone fireplaces, rubbed bronze fixtures and wrought iron railings on the balconies. Curved interior walls evoke the 1920 era vintage feeling and a rooftop terrace adds a tree house atmosphere with ceramic tile flooring. Even the name of the development – The Grove – echoes that early Hollywood era.

Throughout the condos, rich materials abound. The kitchens boast granite counter tops and glass tile backsplashes. Dry stacked river rock and cobblestone front the garage facades. Gabled roofs suggest quaint village homes with stone walk ways and tree lined streets.

Each condominium has three bedrooms and 2 ? bathrooms and are priced in the mid to upper $500,000 range.