Gold Standard

The Standard is a testament to Kody Blake and Eric Goodman’s willingness to roll up their sleeves and to their respect for historical architecture. Blake and Goodman co-own K Blake & Company, a construction management and general contracting business. A gracious 32,000-square-foot multi-use development, The Standard features 14 luxury condominiums and six premium retail spaces.

Together with architect Peter Springsteel and engineer Edward Wenke, both from the area, their vision for The Standard took shape, with nods to the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington Hotel, both icons of early 20th century resort architecture.

Painted a shade of yellow, The Standard is hard to miss yet blends in with its Historic District surroundings. “I hear passersby questioning the date of the building,” Blake said. “It fits in so well.”

That’s no accident. Care was taken to select just the right materials—cedar clapboards, ipe decking, copper gutters, hand bent copper flashing, double-hung windows—and procure them from Ring’s End, a Conn.-based building supply company.

The Standard’s big wraparound porch and rooftop patio overlooking the Mystic River serve as common spaces where tenants can mingle. The views are beautiful, and it was a priority to take full advantage of the location.

Working as a team, K Blake & Company, Ring’s End, and Marvin decided Signature Double-Hung Wood Interior, Aluminum Exterior Clad windows would provide a high level of quality and function. Insulation was especially key, with the building’s proximity to the water.

Marvin worked with K Blake & Company to create a classic window design that could be replicated repeatedly; The Standard has nearly 150.

“When I look out the window and I don’t hear anything, take in the view of the seaport, see the boats going by and the sun glistening off the river—it’s pretty impressive,” says Goodman. “By using products like Marvin that we would want in our own homes, we’re passing on the ability for people to live here for as long as they want and be content,” he adds. “We’re happy providing a product that we know is going to stand the test of time.”

A version of this article first appeared in New England Living magazine.