Developer Gene Kansas left no detail undeliberated as he worked for nearly two years with city and neighborhood leaders to create a parkside condo that would fit seamlessly into Grant Park's historical charms.

He hired esteemed Atlanta architect Bill Harrison, known for his signature work in luxury single-family homes, to design an eight-unit, three-story structure that would adapt Victorian flourishes and coastal elan to the design criteria of the Grant Park Historic District.

Becky Stein / AJC Special/special (ENLARGE)

Developer and homeowner Gene Kansas stands in the entrance hallway in his One Grant Park Condo in front of his favorite painting of Billie Holliday.

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"I wanted it to be as close as it could to something you would see on St. Charles Avenue or on Audubon Park in New Orleans without looking out of place," Kansas said.

His ardor wasn't just about selling condos. Kansas was also fashioning a home for himself on the top floor of the three-level building.

Describe your decorating style: Call it urban classic, a fusion of traditional styling with contemporary flourishes. The front door of his 2,200-square-foot condo on the third floor of One Grant Park swings open to reveal a heavy, wall-mounted abstract of twisted metal, a gift from his parents.

The giant wailing face of jazz singer Billie Holliday waits right behind the door in artist John Bader's painting titled "Hush Now." Kansas commissioned the painting to evoke the things he holds dear: art, music and graceful living.

"I'm a big fan of jazz," said Kansas, a real estate developer and broker who moved to Atlanta 13 years ago. "I'm from New Orleans and it goes back to my roots."

Kansas lets the vivid hues and rich textures of his sculptures and canvases sing while the ivory, taupe and chocolate tones of his decor provide a unified backbeat.

Coolest feature: Limited-edition lamps from designer Rob Kennedy's Coalition Society collection provide classy grace notes amid the condo's urbane vibe.

Unexpected bonus: Closet space. Kansas's unit offers storage possibilities not always available in a condo. A jaunty wooden bench between the generous closets offers Kansas a handy spot to perch and tie his shoes.

Intangible benefit: Grant Park. From the rustic table perched strategically before the windowed turret defining the dining room, to the wide balcony stretching across the length of the living room, Kansas gets a bird's-eye view of Grant Park's leafy canopy season by season.

On quiet days, Kansas said he can hear the lions roar at Zoo Atlanta.

Favorite feature: His business office on the first floor of the building.

"It's a nice commute," he said.

But Kansas sheepishly confesses that his new home is so inviting he doesn't arrive at work any earlier than before.

Home highlights:

• Bird's-eye view of Grant Park; you can hear the lions roar at Zoo Atlanta on quiet days.

• Floor plan provides two secluded suites so guests can enjoy their privacy.

• Wide balcony features a decorative wrought-iron rail.

Do you have a tip or a nomination for Private Quarters? Email writer Chris Reinolds (creinolds@ajc.com) or call her at 770-326-8958.