Oaktree Projects

Oaktree Green was originally founded as Unihab, Inc. in 1969 as a design/build company specializing in factory-produced, urban, multifamily housing with a vision of maximizing quality and value by emphasizing good design. In the early stages of the company's evolution the path followed to realize this vision was the utilization of a patented modular housing system created by the company's founder, Arthur Klipfel. The construction of some prototypical modular projects created within the company an expertise in the development process. Through the seventies and eighties many projects were developed, some modular, some rehab, and a great deal of new construction in the form of townhouses and mid-rise buildings. Many projects were large, comprising of more than 100 units. The focus remained on the vision of design quality and value in urban infill multifamily housing. 

All the company's projects embody a sense of community not often found in residential development. A cohousing project was completed in the 1990’s. In the early nineties a commitment to sustainability was added to the vision. As the new millennium opened, Oaktree made a further commitment to develop multifamily communities that are fully serviced with communication technologies. With these changes and the addition of new partners the company was reorganized as Oaktree Green.  Oaktree Green projects are characterized by the following three major characteristics:

Sustainable Development:  Oaktree concentrates in developing in urban sites that are near nodes of public transportation.  With the introduction of the residential sustainable design standard (LEED), we strive for every building to have at least a bronze LEED certification.   Cambridge Park Place, a 311-unit apartment project next to the Alewife subway station in Cambridge, is anticipated to be the first, large­-scale, American, multifamily structure to be LEED certified by the  US Green Building Council.   Cambridge Cohousing, a 41-unit cohousing community in Cambridge, won the American Institute of Architect’s Top 10 Green Design Awards and was featured in the 1998 Building America calendar (July).

Innovative Communications Infrastructure:  The advent of the internet has created many opportunities to better serve residential customers, especially those living in multi-family buildings.  Oaktree proactively designs its building communications infrastructure (web interface, network etc..) to be a key differentiator in its housing, providing the basis for improved services to the residents. Cambridge Park Place features a modern high-speed internet and satellite-based private cable system.  Bradlee House, a 24-unit condominium conversion of a 1930’s apartment building, features a building intranet, a computer in each home w/ high speed internet service included.  Residents will use the computers for access control as well as to communicate with property management, IT and other services.

Enhanced Community:  Throughout its projects Oaktree has endeavored to promote community in its projects by thoughtfully designing of the common spaces.   In Cambridge Cohousing (1997) and in  Bradlee House (2002), Oaktree went a step further by including future residents in the development process so that they can play a role in shaping their future community at the earliest stages.