Micro apartments on Territorial Road scheduled to open in August

With construction underway since January, RAY, a new “smart living” micro-unit apartment complex at 2326 Territorial Rd., is on track to welcome residents on Aug. 1.

The project, owned and developed by Brad Johnson, principal of RAY Residential and one of the owners and developers Carleton Place Artist Lofts and The Lyric Apartments, builds on the fast-growing micro living craze  driven by a more minimalist lifestyle, smaller apartments, tiny homes and the evolving “no-baggage” culture.

Seventy-five percent of RAY’s 79 units are “micro studios,” ranging from 372 to 505 square feet, with rents starting at about $1,100 per month. The development also offers a mix of larger market-rate one- and two-bedroom units, featuring sleek, modern finishes in kitchens and baths, along with underground parking and special pet-friendly amenities.

Distinguishing itself from other studio and micro-oriented living spaces, RAY’s smallest units provide wider views to the outdoors, with 50% more glass area and window space than a typical studio apartment.

Included on its list of features is a rooftop deck with bar, grill and fire pit. For canines in residence, there is a separate “woof-top deck” relief area, an indoor washing station, and a treadmill. Common areas provide high-speed fiber-optic internet with Wi-Fi in all public areas, a secured dry-cleaning drop-off site, a substantial fitness room with up-to-the-minute equipment plus multiple seating areas in a stunning glass-walled lobby. To entertain large groups without squeezing them into their compact apartments, residents can reserve “The Chef’s Table,” a private dining room with pro-grade kitchen. Another special feature is a library/media lounge which has books for borrowing, can serve as a conference room and includes a turntable with vinyl records stocked by a neighborhood record store.

The architect for the project was UrbanWorks Architecture of Minneapolis.