Portland, ME – Developer Tom Landry, owner of Benchmark Real Estate and CornerStone Building & Restoration as well as general contractor Great Falls Construction, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to introduce Solaris, a carbon-conscious, seven-unit condominium project on Portland’s popular East End.
Landry said that he and the development team are putting the environment first. “We could have selected less expensive materials to maximize profits. But as a developer, I’ve always valued quality over profit, and in this time of accelerated climate change, I have as much a responsibility to my investors as I do to the planet and its future generations.”
What Landry is calling eco-lux, the units will include low/no VOC paint, recycled and sustainable materials, energy efficient AC/heat pumps, and triple pane insulated windows. Each unit comes with its own organic garden plot and electric car charging. “My favorite aspect of the project is the rooftop solar farm,” said Landry. The panels are estimated to offset 50% of the owners’ electric use and owners will share $22,000 in tax credits. Landry said that with Solaris, the development team wanted to create a building healthy for both the inhabitants and the environment.
The general contractor and builder for the project is Great Falls Construction. “The Great Falls Team is looking forward to this unique and exciting project," said Jon Smith, owner of Great Falls Construction in Gorham."Sustainability initiatives are such an important factor in today’s build environment. This project has many features baked into the design and its performance will raise the bar moving forward.We can’t wait to get started.”
“Solaris is somewhat unique from many of the recent and planned condo projects in Portland,” said Landry. “It’s market rate, a smaller building with spacious units, double decks, an elevator, first floor garage, and eco-friendly amenities.” Landry said it’s also located only a block from the desirable Eastern Promenade in a residential area where new zoning rules means few condominium projects of its kind can be builtin the future.
Solaris hit the market in early 2020, but like most projects it was delayed. The pandemic caused the development team time to make some changes. First, they reduced the number of units from nine to seven and reconfigured the building to allow for more decks and less shared inside spaces. All but one unit now has three bedrooms to accommodate working from home, double decks to get outside,and sophisticated air exchange systems for healthier indoor air.
“The pandemic shifted our thinking, and gave us an even better product to offer,” said Landry. He reported that already four units are under reservation and interest in the remaining units continues to be strong. He expects all to sell out before projected occupancy in Fall 2022. The development team includes Benchmark Real Estate, Great Falls Construction and CornerStone Building & Restoration.
Click Here to watch the full Groundbreaking Ceremony on Youtube
Image one: From left -Jon Smith of Great Falls Construction, Lauren Reiter of CornerStone Building and Restoration, Quincy Hentzel of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tom Landry of Benchmark Real Estate, Amy Landry of Benchmark Real Estate and Josh Fifield of the Maine Real Estate Development Association
