(Portland, ME) – Located in downtown Portland, the Oak Street Loft Apartments have ushered in a new style of affordable housing focusing on sustainability.

Together with Avesta Housing, Wright-Ryan Construction completed the LEED Platinum registered apartments in January 2012. The central location of the building off Congress Street is just steps from many local businesses and amenities.

As a LEED Platinum building, Wright-Ryan used their extensive LEED knowledge and experience to incorporate many sustainable features while following the MaineHousing Green Building Standards. Features include dedicated parking for alternative transportation, designated space for bicycles to encourage reduction of tenant’s carbon footprints, as well as solar collectors to help harvest natural energy and reduce utility costs. The building includes 37 efficiency apartments, which include heat, hot water, electricity and shared WiFi. Other amenities include a shared work space for residents and gallery space on the ground floor to encourage and promote artists. The area also includes a lounge and coffee area for tenants to converse. Applications for apartments are currently available through Avesta Housing.

Avesta Housing was founded in 1972. Over nearly four decades it has grown, as a leader in affordable housing, into the largest non-profit housing agency in Maine.