In the heart of Colorado Springs, The Fiona, developed by Greystar, is a Class A luxury multi-family housing development that seamlessly blends modern living with the natural beauty of its surroundings. With 321 units offering a variety of floor plans from 480 to 1,368 square feet, the property caters to diverse lifestyles while maintaining a cohesive and refined atmosphere.

As part of Greystar’s commitment to thoughtful placemaking, the company sought a unique site-specific art commission that would elevate the space and foster a deep connection to the environment and community. To achieve this goal, Greystar partnered with ArtLifting and artist Eliza Redmann, whose sculptural works in The Fiona’s lobby capture the connection between human experience and nature, creating an immersive journey for visitors.

Greystar, a long-time partner of ArtLifting, continuously pushes the boundaries of how art can enhance residential spaces. The collaboration with Eliza and ArtLifting reflects a commitment to high-end design, social impact, and inclusivity, ensuring that the unique artworks carry stories that resonate beyond aesthetics. This project exemplifies how art can bridge luxury with meaning, branding The Fiona as a destination for elevated living experience with meaningful community connections.

“I aim to create a mindbending and perplexing experience that draws people in.”

- Eliza Redmann, Artist

The commission consisted of two distinct but interconnected artworks designed by ArtLifting artist Eliza Redmann: The Journey and Journey Snapshots. Each artwork was conceptualized to reflect a metaphorical ascent — a journey through nature that mirrors the internal transformation we experience when we seek solace, challenge, or inspiration in the outdoors.

ArtLifting facilitated a seamless collaboration between Greystar and Eliza. Eliza was responsible for both conceptualizing and fabricating the artwork, translating abstract themes into tangible, large-scale sculptural pieces that resonate deeply with the environment. 

Additionally, ESG Architects, including Kali Bruhnke and Katrina Weiland, played an integral role in shaping the vision and execution of the space, ensuring the artwork complemented the architectural and design elements of The Fiona.

“The coordination between development, ArtLifting, and the interior design team was incredibly productive — ensuring there were enough touchpoints between all parties was key to the project’s success.”

- Melissa Ricksecker, Senior Director of Development at Greystar

Mounted behind the concierge desk in the main lobby, The Journey is a sculptural piece that captures the movement from chaos to order: compression to release, stress to flow. The design was inspired by the natural elements of Colorado Springs, particularly the rugged bark of trees and the sweeping landscape of Pikes Peak. Through layered forms and an interplay of textures, the sculpture transitions from fragmented, jagged edges to smooth, flowing shapes — echoing the relief and clarity provided by nature.

“The Journey takes the viewer from abstract to literal representations of the local landscape.”

- Eliza Redmann, Artlifting Artist 

Fabricated from MDF in custom shades of brown and gray, the piece carries both an organic warmth and a refined depth, reinforcing The Fiona’s luxurious yet grounded aesthetic. Measuring 11 by 13 feet, The Journey wraps around the walls and dominates the lobby space. The site-specific sculptures sets the tone and provides a welcoming experience upon entering the property. 

Concept drawing for The Journey by Eliza Redmann.

Housed in the conference room of The Fiona lobby, Journey Snapshots serves as an abstracted extension of The Journey, offering glimpses and reflections of its forms. Inspired by the way we hold fragments of memory, this piece reinterprets details from The Journey, rotating and reconfiguring them into a fresh composition.

This artwork reinforces the thematic arc of the project and invites ongoing discovery—each viewing allowing for a renewed perspective. At just over 11 feet tall, the piece is presented in white to capture shadows and light. Journey Snapshots provides a thoughtful contrast to its counterpart, offering a playful perspective that draws viewers in and brands the space with Eliza’s striking designs.

“This design approach creates a dialogue between both artworks spanning the entire first floor, and uniquely allows for rediscovery and renewed interpretation of The Journey time and time again."

- Eliza Redmann, ArtLifting Artist

Concept drawing (left) and virtual mockup (right) for Journey Snapshots by Eliza Redmann.

The collaboration between Greystar and ArtLifting at The Fiona extends beyond aesthetics—it is a model of thoughtful creative placemaking, reinforcing the role of art in fostering meaningful community connections. Through this artist commission, The Fiona was able to brand the property as more than a luxury residence; it is a space with a soul, where art tells a story of inclusion, nature, and belonging.

Beyond the financial impact, the artwork enriches the tenant experience by providing a tangible connection to the local environment. For Joey Bushey, Director, U.S. Strategic Property Marketing at Greystar, the attention to detail and commitment to meaningful design and social impact sets Greystar apart.

“These one-of-a-kind artworks not only enhance the resident experience but also play a pivotal role in distinguishing The Fiona as a premier luxury property.”

- Joey Bushey, Director of U.S. Strategic Property Marketing,Greystar

The Fiona stands today as a testament to the power of collaboration—where artistry, architecture, and community converge to shape a space that is visually compelling and deeply meaningful. The commissioned site-specific artworks demonstrate how art enhances spaces and creates meaningful connections by creating social and emotional resonance. In working with ArtLifting, Greystar met its design goals and reinforced its leadership in innovative and purpose-driven placemaking.

“I intend for viewers to feel challenged to think about complex topics like disability through experiencing the irregularity of my artwork. Providing an experience outside of the ‘normal’ lends a better understanding of the lived experiences of people with disabilities.”

- Eliza Redmann, ArtLifting Artist

Images

1. Banner: Eliza Redmann stands in front of a section of her wall-mounted sculptural piece, The Journey. Dressed entirely in black, she gazes over her right shoulder with a warm smile, her eyes drawn to the brown and grey, organically shaped forms that appear to float effortlessly off the wall.

2. A full view of The Journey reveals its impressive scale as it wraps gracefully around the corner of the wall behind the concierge desk. The brown and grey tones of the piece harmonize seamlessly with the lobby's color palette, enhancing the space's overall aesthetic.

3. A full view of the conference room showcases the sculptural piece, Journey Snapshots, mounted on the far left corner wall. The piece's 3D elements cast shadows that make it stand out against the white walls. The room also features a grey kitchenette, a grey kitchen island with seating, and a tiled wall with a fireplace.

4.  An up-close view of Journey Snapshots highlights how effortlessly it integrates into the space's design. The photo captures the intricate 3D details of the piece, while the nearby window frames the natural surroundings of The Fiona—an inspiration for Eliza's two sculptural works.

5. A second view of The Journey focuses on a single section of the wall it wraps around, offering a complete perspective of how it appears behind the concierge desk and seamlessly integrates into the surrounding space.

6. A full view of The Fiona's lobby showcases modern furniture, white and grey walls, and a blend of wooden and black steel accents. The foreground features a full glass wall that offers views of the street and external landscape. In the back right corner, The Journey is mounted on the wall, seamlessly integrating with the space's design.

7. Eliza Redmann stands in front of a section of Journey Snapshots, highlighting the scale of the piece. Dressed entirely in black, she smiles warmly at the camera.