Buyers prepare to close on Renaissance Lofts
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

Marlborough - The first condominium sales at the Renaissance Lofts are projected to close at the end of January. The multi-million dollar loft project has been a career-long mill rehabilitation dream for MIT-trained architect Deborah Fairbanks and features 29 green-friendly open living and working spaces.

The condo building, located on Lincoln Street, is the first of several proposed historical Marlborough revitalization projects featuring architectural highlights such as an open center courtyard.

Fairbanks said she had always wanted redevelop an antique mill, but because of conditions such as hazardous waste and structural issues it was hard to find a mill that would be suitable for her vision.

"Before I began the project, I surveyed thousands of artists," Fairbanks said. "My first vision was to create a 'live/ work space' for artists and musicians."

Her research filled her with visions of what artists were looking for and the confidence that artists would venture the 30 miles west of Boston to live and work. With the approval and support of the city, Fairbanks started the project as the third owner of the Marlborough Wire Good factory site.

Nearly two years later the building is nearing the end of construction.

"I find it appealing," Fairbanks said. "You can't tell from the outside what it looks like, you just have to come in."

Realtor Doug Stamm, who is handling the sale of the condos, said that the individual units are nearing completion.

"The gallery is the least completed area," Stamm said.

He explained that they held off on finishing that space to allow the residents moving in some choice in the final decorating decisions.

The mill now off ers 1,300- to 2,600-square-foot open floor plan living space on one to three levels. All of the units boast different floor plans and luxuries like workspace sinks.

"I have tried very hard to make each one unique," Fairbanks said.

Through construction, Fairbanks worked to create green-friendly spaces, including renovating as a way to recycle building materials, using salvaged timbers and other materials, and purchasing supplies from companies that support sustainable forestry.

The condos are also outfitted with 95 percent energyefficient gas and air-conditioning units, energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, bamboo and polished concrete flooring.

"Most of the common spaces are outside and are lit with compact fluorescent lights," Fairbanks added.

This keeps heating costs down in common areas as well as reducing the amount of energy used.

"The building is still zoned 'live/work space' but we have recently opened up to the general public," Stamm said.

Fairbanks plans to move into Renaissance Lofts herself.

"I have met a lot of wonderful and supportive people and the reactions of people touring the mill has been reassuring and inspiring," she said. "So far all of the prospective owners are artists or musicians. It may turn out as I planned."