The Orchard in downtown Farmington ready to close out phase I

One more condo, that’s all Steven Schneemann needs to sell to close out the first phase of The Orchard condos in downtown Farmington.

So far 15 of the 16 brownstones have sold since opening in 2005. If the last unit sells this summer, the developer has plans to start the second phase of construction next year.

“It’s going to be dependent on sales,” says Schneemann, who also owns Farmington-based S³ Architecture, that designed the condos.

The units are a classic brick town home built for a dense urban area that stresses walkability and community. They are located on Slocum Road 1.5 blocks south of Grand River Avenue behind the Ace Hardware.

The units come in either 1,215 square feet or 2,200 square feet and are priced at $149,900 and $219,900 respectively. Each unit comes with bamboo floors, a balcony, high ceilings and large skylights. The floors are considered environmentally friendly because bamboo grows so quickly and the skylights reduce the need for interior lighting and electricity.

“Natural light was very important in all of these units,” Schneemann says. “You can go into any unit and not turn on the lights and there is a great view out of every window.”

There is also a large underground parking garage underneath the building. It’s big enough that each condo can have at least one parking space. More are available upon request and the garage is heated and secured. Some of the units also have private elevators built into them to connect the main home to the garage, making it handicap accessible.

Source: Steven Schneemann, developer of The Orchard
Writer: Jon Zemke