MRLD prepared a 90-acre master plan for the mixed-use redevelopment of an industrial site in the Portland / Westbrook Gateway Zone. MRLD designed all aspects of the Master Plan including buildings, streetscapes, open spaces and transit connections. As part of the master plan, MRLD also analyzed Main Street Gateway for potential job creation and tax benefits to the city. The project balances the needs of pedestrians and vehicles with well-defined street networks and a series of open spaces. Views of signature buildings and the reclaimed quarry lake are established through street alignments and strategically located parks. Parking is incorporated into mixed-use structures, on-street parking and surface lots placed behind buildings. Existing and proposed transit stops are integrated into the development. Proposed buildings address existing perimeter streets, further integrating Main Street Gateway with the site context
MRLD developed a site master plan and building program for the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath, ME. The goal is to preserve and promote the historic church as a premier performance space and architectural gem, while developing an integrated urban campus supporting new and existing programs, establishing the Chocolate Church Arts Center as the premier regional arts facility. The existing site and buildings do not engage the city nor best support the programs provided by the Chocolate Church. The plan calls for new gallery, teaching, theatre, lobby, dance studio, workshop and office space, a restaurant, and a green roof accommodating a range of programs. The roof garden spans the distance between the existing church and a new building defining the intersection. The roof garden works with the topography to create a campus setting above the embedded black box theatre and multi-purpose support areas.
MRLD is collaborating with Standish, Maine on the first ?Model Town Community Project? established by GrowSmart Maine. GrowSmart states, ?For the past three years, GrowSmart Maine has been talking with the leaders and residents of Maine communities about the increasing growth pressure that many towns are facing. We?ve learned that many towns feel unprepared to deal with these often rapid changes in a way that is both effective and fair. We?ve also found that where residents are more fully engaged in shaping the vision of a town?s future, fewer problems arise when it comes time to implement changes or enact ordinances.We initiated the Model Town Community Project to provide tools and advice that will help a growing Maine town shape its future. The project will mobilize local, state and regional resources, enable local leaders to explore new growth strategies, and fully engage local residents by combining the best elements of New England town meetings with groundbreaking new technologies.? GrowSmart Maine is teaming with the Orton Family Foundation to aid the visualization and public outreach process. The visualizations will be based on the growth scenarios that MRLD develops with the Village Implementation Committee. Standish was selected by GrowSmart Maine for the Model Town Community Project following the successful completion of the Standish Corner Design Master Plan by MRLD.
The Standish Corner Village Design Master Plan was unanimously adopted by the Town Council. The Master Plan was a key recommendation in the Comprehensive Plan. By adopting the Master Plan, Standish is showing a strong committment to curbing sprawl and changing land use regulations to support a village at Standish Corner. This Master Plan is also an example of MRLD?s ongoing committment to work with Maine communities in the resolution of complex issues resulting in responsible growth. Below is the Master Plan, not including the all the Figures.
Danforth on High
Danforth and High Streets, Portland
26 Small Condominiums with Shared Amenities
2 Cars Owned in Common
Construction Begins in May
The small lot at Danforth and High Streets presents a perfect opportunity for an urban infill project that combines development concepts that Random Orbit has used in the past with new tools to achieve affordable ownership. It is located in an already densely developed part of the City, within walking/biking distance of jobs and many urban amenities, and has public transportation options available. Someone living here could get the best of city life with limited needs for a car. This is an attractive location to target an underserved but vital demographic for Portland-the young (twenties) professional, single, first time buyer. This is a group that is both attracted to Portland's vibrant scene and helps to create it. It has been reported that Portland is one of only a few cities with an influx of this demographic but appropriate affordable housing is difficult to find. This forces difficult decisions as to whether to stay in Portland or leave for outlying communities or other cities where housing is more affordable. Random Orbit has proposed to the City of Portland, a progressive, urban development that combines density, small unit size and unique common amenities as primary tools to achieve affordability and urban excitement at this site.
The Project Includes:
* 26 small condominium units ranging
in size from 445-812 square feet.
* Interesting shared amenities to offer big living for small spaces and to create community. These will include: shared lounge, guest room and laundry.
* 2 cars owned in common for the use of the condo owners. Live car free-pay for use of a car only when you need it and save money!
* Energy efficiency and Maine State Housing Green Building Standards.
Who should take a close look at this opportunity:
* A prime group for this project is the young, twenty-something newly minted professional. This person doesn't have a lot of money but has their first good job. They are attracted to the excitement of urban living, want to be able to walk to work and amenities, and would like the ability to save money by not owning a car. They appreciate the community created by interesting common spaces.
* Older singles (50-60 years old) would be attracted to the convenience of the location and economics. Retired couples who want to have the excitement of urban living and the convenience of living close to cultural and shopping amenities.
* People from out of town who work in Portland or just want to have a small convenient getaway in one of the most attractive cities in the Northeast. Possibly local island dwellers.
This project will offer a hip and stylish, progressive living choice to Portland. It takes a unique approach to address some of the areas perennial housing issues. Get a toehold into the benefits of home ownership while having a dynamic connection to a great city.
