Built on re-developed land previously occupied by an old gas station and a vacated restaurant, Marvel 29 has received the top Platinum level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S Green Building Council. This is the highest award and Marvel 29 is the first ever project in the US to receive this award executed under a HUD 221(d) (4) loan program. In addition it is the only residential building in St Johns to receive any LEED certification.
Marvel 29 sits at the base of the iconic St. Johns Bridge and at the gateway to downtown St. Johns. In building the multifamily, mixed – use development the team of developers always assessed first recycled, reclaimed, or sustainable materials which were long lasting and earth friendly.
Patrick Kessi of PHK Development Inc. said “our firm’s intent is to create great quality spaces with timeless materials which are both environmentally and economically sustainable.” He added that his teams paid constant attention during design and construction, to the indoor environmental quality, to the natural light, to fixtures which use less energy and less water and non invasive native plants in the green spaces which have less need for fertilizers or pesticides. Wherever possible, local or regional materials were chosen to reduce the carbon footprint.
Marvel 29 was built with input from the St. Johns community. From developer PHK Development Inc, to architects Ankrom Moisan, to builder Walsh Construction, all major entities involved in this project are based originally and currently in Portland. Much of the functional art work is by local artists and the many gathering spaces, including a roof top terrace with views of three mountains, the Willamette River and the St. Johns Bridge give residents a strong sense of community.