The Armature | 52 Hanover St | Portland

I don't see a Soho House ever in Portland. Last year with my work, I was able to go to the one in the Meat Packing District (Manhattan) and the energy and fun of what it could be is not there. The big "L shaped" bar had Gen Z'ers (Google workers, mostly) all sitting buried in their laptops drinking mocktails, oblivious to socializing. The private club thing only works now when it gets up to the 50K or more per year level (older members). And the New York one rarely accepts anyone over 40. Join the Cumberland Club on High Street. The parties are fun, though rare.
 
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I remember. Back in the day, Portland planning required all development to bury its lines within the development. Remember when the building next to the Custom House that it was required to bury the lines due to historic issues? so now its the wild west..I know its expensive to bury lines and maintain them due to weather issues.
 
PWMFlyer said:
I remember. Back in the day, Portland planning required all development to bury its lines within the development. Remember when the building next to the Custom House that it was required to bury the lines due to historic issues? so now its the wild west..I know its expensive to bury lines and maintain them due to weather issues.
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Maintenance of underground utilities is incredibly cheaper in the long run than the cost of having to be constantly trimming trees away from lines and the repairs to lines caused by storms. I grew up in a city out west with buried utilities and never once did we lose power.
 
A couple of pictures taken earlier today.
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Nice pics. Question. Looks like the street is being bricked over to become a pedestrian only walkway? If so, that would be great.
 
A few new pics from today. Exterior is very near completion.
 

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Looks like the rooftop deck for Banded Brewing will never be done because they are, done. But I'm guessing someone will take over this lease with such a dynamic adjoining social promenade. I'd love to see the Bissell brothers create another space. Maybe even Maine Beer Company (their echoey cathedral like space is a fail).
 
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How many retail units? Any guesses on companies or what type of retail will be targeted? Would love a small market, cafe, and maybe a local brand!
 
The first occupants moved in yesterday. Not sure anyone is using the pool yet, but next Friday looks promising (60 degrees). I like the artificial grass space. The kids always have fun with this idea, running around and chasing one another. But then again, this place doesn't look like too many families will be moving in. The Armature is perhaps the most contemporary apartment living in Portland, with co-working spaces that include "phone booths." On the top floor a furnished 2 bedroom is listed for $5,800 per month. It's not Maine in Maine, as I like to say. And quite the contrast with the homelessness experience around the corner.

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Update: There are seven 2 BR units listed at $5,000 and above (monthly). The furnished one's price has now gone up to $5,900. I had a friend with a 2 BR apartment who lived in midtown Manhattan last year, in Kips Bay, which is one of the priciest neighborhoods for apartment living in Manhattan. He and his wife paid $5,800 per month, though unfurnished, with a stunning view of the city from the 19th floor. With Portland, it's not so much about generally less supply as it is that there is NO SUPPLY with features that people with money (under age 50) want or MUST HAVE for apartment living. If one has a family and works a big salary job in Boston, and can work much of it remotely from the Armature's dynamic co-working and private "phone booth" spaces, why not live here? Portland and its recreational attractions nearby are far more family friendly, yes? That's a HUGE lure. It's also the easy and work friendly 2-hour ride in Amtrak's business class. In NYC, many do or did commute up to 2 hours from the family friendly 'burbs for a high paying job in Manhattan. The work/live/commute dynamic has changed everywhere. I see only more growth for Portland because of how the much bigger cities have devolved in lifestyle. I have a friend who used to work in San Francisco years ago. He went back last week for a meeting and walked around downtown. He nearly cried on the phone describing to me his recent experience there.
 
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