The LL Bean Outlet, developed and managed by OVP Management, Inc. was recently awarded the prestigious LEEDS certification for ecologically designed and operated retail store. It is the first LEEDS certified retail building in the town of Conway. Shown at the unveiling of the LEEDS plaque are left to right, OVP Management, Inc. principal Robert Barsamian, LL Bean staff members, Jane Riseman, Alina Pierce, Joyce Boudreau, Deb Devlin and Raina McCarthy and OVP Management, Inc. Project Director, Roger Williams.

NORTH CONWAY, NH -Settlers' Crossing developers have received the prestigious LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the LL Bean Outlet located in North Conway, NH. Designed by Cambridge, Massachusetts architects Prellwitz Chilinski Associates, the $1.6 million dollar building is among the first projects certified under the USGBC's LEED for Retail Pilot Program, which recognizes the unique nature of retail environments within the sustainable building movement.

Located at 1390 White Mountain Highway, the building is owned by MRM Development LLC, managed by OVP Management, Inc. and houses the LL Bean Outlet. The design and construction of the store took two years to complete, with the grand opening in September of 2008. According to Jason Cohen, LEED AP, the Project Architect, "We were able to successfully integrate L.L. Bean's sustainability mandates with the aesthetic, performance, and budget requirements of the building's owner."

The building's energy-efficient plumbing, lighting, heating and cooling systems combine with air-quality monitoring technology to reduce its environmental impact and utility costs while increasing occupant health and comfort. Beyond these performance benefits, the design offers a marketing opportunity for L.L. Bean, as the retailer showcases the store's features through signage and tours.

Project Manager for OVP Management, Roger Williams, steered the construction project through the involved and detailed LEED certification process. At $1.6 million dollars in building costs, construction took place using primarily local contracts and tradesman including Donald Whitelaw & Sons Construction, G.B. Carrier, Robert McDonald, Inc., Accu-Temp Services, Northern Building Supply, Coleman Concrete, and Gordon T. Burke & Sons.

As a LEED for Retail Pilot project, the building has helped the USGBC evaluate the standards required to develop guidelines for future sustainable retail projects. "We were excited to be part of this pilot," commented Cohen. "It was an opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable design can benefit both a retail landlord and tenant. Within budget, the team delivered a resource-efficient, healthy building that will bring long-lasting value."

OVP Management, Inc. has developed and manages over 500,000 square feet of retail investments in North Conway, NH including Settlers' Green Outlet Village, home to over 60 outlet stores including Coach, Banana Republic and Nike, Settlers' Crossing home to Starbucks, Eastern Mountain Sports and Northway Bank, and Settlers' Corner, home to Staples and Home Depot. The developments generate over $750,000 in property taxes for the Town of Conway. For more information regarding leasing or development contact Robert M. Barsamian, rmb@ovpmanagement.com, or 617-965-9700 or on the web at ovpmanagement.com