On the warmest day thus far in 2015, GrowSmart Maine Staff and Board convened a group of 14 for another Smart Growth Tour. Led by Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative, we explored the impeccable Nathan Clifford Residences seeing the tangible outcomes of the historic tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures. This is Developers Collaborative's fifth historic tax credit project. Also present was David Lloyd, architect on the Nathan Clifford Residences project.
The Nathan Clifford Residences preserve a historic elementary school building while providing a modern lifestyle to its residents. Historic features such as built-ins, chalkboards, high ceilings, large windows, and student murals are preserved throughout the building and complemented by modern conveniences such as in-unit washer/dryers, air-conditioning and efficient natural gas heating, as well as a variety of building amenities.
Building amenities include guest suites for visitors with reservation, community kitchen, fitness center with yoga room, garden plots, library, and a backyard park.
The Nathan Clifford School was built from 1907-1909 and served as an anchor of the Oakdale neighborhood in Portland, Maine for over one hundred years. The school offered a number of important contributions to the educational and social history of the neighborhood and greater region.
The tour was one to remember as this project is a true smart growth development project. The juxtaposition of the historic and the modern portrayed a beautiful finished project. For more information visit www.nathancliffordresidences.com.
