Oak Street Lofts

The Oak Street Lofts project is the first affordable multifamily building in Maine to achieve LEED Platinum for Homes.

Congratulations to Avesta Housing, Oak Street Lofts as the recipient of the 2012 LEED for Homes award for Outstanding Affordable Developer

The four-story, 37-unit building is located in the heart of Portland's Art District within walking distance to many basic amenities and transit lines. The project stands out as it incorporates many design innovations illustrating that even affordable housing projects with limited capital budgets can achieve high rates of energy efficiency and enhanced occupant comfort. The building achieved a preliminary energy savings of 35% better than ASHRAE with a 40.94% energy cost savings.

The project is particularly noteworthy in that it was designed specifically with local artists in mind. There are many local artists in Portland but a lack of housing affordable enough for them. The Oak Street lofts provide local artists with affordable rental apartments and project workspace, all under one roof. Studio space was incorporated into the design of the building to provide occupants with easily accessible and free spaces in which to create. This project is vitally important in helping to maintain the vibrant culture of the City of Portland. With the proven energy savings from this building and others, Avesta Housing is better positioned to provide more affordable, green housing throughout the state of Maine.