Throwback Architecture Star Attraction Of Leander Housing Village

LEANDER, TX -- Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack would've felt right at home at the Starlight Village, a neighborhood of mid-century-style buildings under construction in Leander.

The project has gotten quite a bit of buzz in the statewide and even national press given its uniqueness. Some say it's reminiscent to "The Truman Show" movie, given its clean style and neat appearance.

But to Sinatraphiles, just the font style of the name evokes the spirit of the Rat Pack during their Las Vegas era when they ruled Sin City. The top tier of housing offerings gives this homage away: It's called "The Chairman," and features hand-laid terrazzo floors, Eichler paneling, Roman brick and custom mid-century modern lighting.

The Chairman home models are accentuated with high-end cabinetry and floating walls of glass, according to a description on its website.

Then, one sees a description of the architecture involve, and one knows indisputably that architects have taken their inspiration from the Rat Pack -- an era of cool to which we shall never return.

"Pick a Rat Pack pad or an incredible floating house and make it your own," its developers beckon. "With walls of glass, private courtyards, double-height stone fireplaces and daring roof lines, you can choose your space-age dream."

The place might be a nod to MCM (mid-century modern) architecture, but its floor plans are decidedly 21st century, developers insist. The community will contain at least 30 such throwback dwellings starting in the $200,000, although no completion date has been announced.

Below The Chairman, there's The Case Study models, featuring upgraded kitchens and appliances, engineered wood or ceramic flooring, upgraded tile in the kitchen and bathrooms and solid-core interior doors. The Capehart is "...for those on a strict budget," developers note on their website, models featuring polished concrete floors on ground level, Berber-carpeting on second-story levels and mid-range appliances in the kitchens with Delta baths and vanities.

Homes will range from 1,300 square feet to 2,928 square feet.

Take a look for yourself by clicking here. It's pretty groovy, cuckoo stuff.

And don't forget: It's still Frank's world, and we're just living in it.