The Montclarion at Bay Street Station — Courtesy: Value Asset Management
By Joshua Burd
A developer’s plan to create a sustainably designed, energy-efficient apartment building in downtown Montclair has been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Builder Richard Polton said Thursday the 40-unit property, known as The Montclarion at Bay Street Station, has earned LEED silver certification from the USGBC. Short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the designation is a nod to the property’s practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
The Montclarion at Bay Street Station is located at 125 Bloomfield Ave. and steps from NJ Transit’s Bay Street train station, which dramatically reduces dependence on automobiles, Polton said. Bus service is also available right outside the complex.
The development team, meantime, touted the use of ecofriendly building materials, systems and practices to create a high-performing, environmentally sensitive residential project.
“The Montclarion at Bay Street Station is an excellent example of green residential development and we couldn’t be prouder of this all-important achievement,” Polton said. “To be recognized by the USGBC is a testament to the hard work of a dedicated team of experienced professionals working toward the common goal of responsible design, development and improving the environment.
“The LEED Silver certification also means that tenants have very efficient systems, lowering utility bills every month. This makes the Montclarion even more affordable to our renters.”
The brick and glass property, designed by Sionas Architecture, also includes 1,200 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Renters will have access to an enclosed two-story garage and a host of high-end amenities and common spaces.
The property is the new sister building to The Montclarion, a neighboring 56-unit rental building originally built in 1985 and recently upgraded by Polton. In 2016, the landlord tapped Value Asset Management to oversee leasing and management of the properties.
“The Montclarion at Bay Street Station sets the bar for sustainable design and building in Essex County and we’re honored to be part of the team,” said Jack Linefsky, vice president of property management for Value Asset Management. “There’s a fast growing segment of renters who recognized the many benefits of a ‘green’ lifestyle and are clamoring to reside in a building that provides an overall cleaner living environment.
“This was clearly the case at The Montclarion at Bay Street Station which tapped into that demand and completed its leasing program in shorter order.”
