Validation can come in a lot of shapes and sizes.

For the Twin Cities, it’s coming in the development of a new residential subdivision off Randall Road in Lewiston.

Developer Rick Tonoli purchased a 35-acre parcel of land there back in the 1980s, but the cities – and the real estate market – weren’t right for a significant development. Now they are, and Tonoli is putting his plans into action with Chestnut Hill Estates.

Tonoli plans a mix of 130 condos and 15 single-family homes on the site. During the first phase of construction, which includes 32 condominiums, 31 condos have already sold. He has made significant investments in infrastructure, including $1.5 million on building roads and underground utility and power lines.

“The bureaucrats in the city have done a significant job over the last four or five years of improving Lewiston-Auburn. There are some exciting things going on,” Tonoli told the Sun Journal, when asked about what triggered the project.

People are paying between $145,000 and $155,000 for Tonoli’s new condos. They’re upscale and attractive, and have the potential to draw new residents to the area.

New home construction isn’t cheap – for the developer or the city. It adds to the tax base, but also increases the number of children in the schools and expectations for city services. But it is also an indicator that a place is a desirable location to live. As Chestnut Hill Estates shows, that’s the case with Lewiston and Auburn.