409 Cumberland Avenue

Location: Portland, ME

Architect: CWS Architects

Photographer: James R. Saloman Photography

409 Cumberland Avenue, by Wright-Ryan

409 Cumberland is comprised of 57 efficiency, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and is designed and built to be 30% more efficient than the typical apartment building. The building features a super-insulated building envelope, energy efficient windows, low levels of air infiltration and a high-efficiency heating system. Other green features include zero-VOC paints, low-VOC flooring and other materials, ample bicycle storage, and a U-Haul Car Share service.

409 Cumberland was also developed as a new “urban healthy living community.” A 750 square-foot, four-season greenhouse and 1,600 square feet of raised garden beds on the building’s roof allow residents to grow and harvest their own vegetables year-round. There is also a Healthy Living Center on the first floor with a demonstration and teaching kitchen.