By Callan Smith | Social Media Coordinator
There was an unusually high turnout at the Roosevelt Action Association meeting on Tuesday, with approximately 50 neighbors in attendance. The highlight of the evening was the presentation by Tim Sprague of Habitat Metro, LLC., developer of Portland on the Park and Portland Place. Sprague gave an overview of his new development project that will be located on 3rd Avenue and Roosevelt called R Cubed—rethink, reuse, recycle.
A six-story, 120-unit apartment project, ranging from 300 sf -1398 sf, with retail and commercial outlets on the ground floor and various environmental amenities. The development would include, a solar canopy on the roof with the goal of powering the entire project. A rain water catch system to reuse water for landscaping, laundry and more. A community laundry facility, using bio-friendly detergent to reclaim water. An onsite car sharing program to encourage public transit, along with light rail and biking. There is even a plan to have a GRID bike share station out front.
Sprague disused macro and micro metabolism plans, working to save resources with the development such as energy and water. Habitat Metro also has a plan for multipurpose resource furniture, serving dual roles such as a kitchen table becoming a bed, or a sofa turning into a bike rack, transforming living spaces.
The price point is $2.25 per square foot, including community laundry and the car sharing program.
Mr. Sprague went on to talk how the development will have tree lined pedestrian-friendly streets with benches and greenery on every terrace. They plan to encourage restaurants to locate at the project, allowing them to grow their own herbs and vegetables, using the recycled water system. Sprague and his group Habitat Metro are seeking a Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET), stating the property will give back to the community. He also spoke about the thought put into the project and the hope that others will follow his lead. Based on the positive reaction to the presentation, such a development may be a welcome and attractive addition to the neighborhood.
