Despite a down economy, slow home sales, and uncertainty about the future, locally-owned OceanView at Falmouth, a 60 acre retirement community just minutes from downtown Portland, is currently finalizing a large construction project, expanding their Main Lodge with 27 luxury apartments. A major project, despite the economy, was 90% sold out prior to construction beginning in the fall of 2010. The final few apartments have subsequently been sold prior to completion and now have a waiting list. With gas fireplaces, spacious floor plans, and balconies or patios, many of these large two bedroom, two bathroom apartments overlook Casco Bay and Portland. New residents are moving into their customized new apartments between Halloween and Christmas.

For Fritz and Betty Hessemer, the decision to move to OceanView from Rehoboth, Delaware was about being closer to their family. “Our daughter, Jane, asked us to move closer in case we needed her. She knew about OceanView, heard about the expansion, and when we saw the plans we were sold,” said Fritz from his apartment’s private, third-story deck. Motioning to the Presumpscot River Estuary and beyond to the Portland skyline, he said, “we have the most beautiful view of the water. Not to mention that as an energy conservationist, I love the fact that solar energy is being utilized.” His wife, Betty paints both with oils and watercolor and has her studio set up. With the walls of their apartment covered with beautiful portraits of their grandchildren or scenic beachscapes from Rehoboth, Betty has been eyeing the view out her window for her next piece of inspiration.

“We’re so excited about this very successful project and the new residents who are joining our active, stress-free community, ” said Sales and Marketing Manager, Gloria Walker. “Plus, we’re celebrating 25 years this fall, since OceanView first opened in 1986, so to finish our new Main Lodge Expansion while we celebrate our silver anniversary is a real testament to the OceanView lifestyle. It also speaks volumes about our owner and his commitment to being a leader in smart growth, sustainability and quality service in the retirement industry in Maine.”

Locally owned and managed by John Wasileski for 25 years, OceanView at Falmouth, along with his two other communities, The Highlands of Topsham and Highland Green, has always maintained a focus on controlled, smart growth, conservation, and alternative energy sources to reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint. This leadership earned John Wasileski the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence several years ago.

Today, numerous solar hot water systems are in use at OceanView at Falmouth, including a 360 tube array on Hilltop Lodge, 12 flat plates on Falmouth House, heliocol collectors for the 60 foot pool. A new installation of 14 collectors on the roof of the Main Lodge Expansion furthers this commitment. Solar energy will be part of the planning of any future projects.  Resident John Radebaugh feels strongly about OceanView’s commitment  to environmental responsibility. “I’m a part of Earthcare, a group of residents at OceanView who want to be aware of what nature offers. One of the things we’re very interested in is solar power,” says Dr. Radebaugh. “It isn’t developed very well in this country and we’re appreciative of any efforts to try and develop solar at OceanView and other areas nearby because that’s the future of energy sources and really makes a difference.”

For more information about OceanView at Falmouth, visit www.oceanviewrc.com.