Avesta Housing, a Portland nonprofit that develops affordable housing, recently challenged its staff to suggest names for three new affordable housing developments in Portland.
“We received dozens of thoughtful and creative submissions, and staff drew inspiration from local history, Maine culture, architecture and the surrounding natural environment to help shape names that feel rooted in place and community,” Avesta said in a news release.
The Bellwether at 89 Elm St. is a name that reflects the axiom, “As Maine goes, so goes the nation.” The Bellwether is a nod to Portland’s heritage and the property’s mix of affordability, sustainability and modern design that promises to serve as a template for future developments. When completed, the property will provide 201 affordable homes.
The Prime at 197 Oxford St. will provide 47 affordable homes — a prime number — of highest (prime) quality on the site of a former homeless shelter — a prime location.
Dashaway Commons at 15-19 Cedar St. will consist of 30 units to be built on land donated by Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine. The Dashaway Club was an early iteration of what would become Boys & Girls Club of America.
Home for good
The staff also named a future Home for Good property.
The Dawn at 1871 Forest Ave. will be Avesta’s fourth Home for Good property in partnership with Preble Street, providing affordable homes and 24/7 support services for those who have experienced chronic homelessness.
Its namesake is Dawn Wade, one of the first tenants to move into Avesta’s Huston Commons Home For Good property when it opened in 2017. Wade spent the rest of her life advocating for others to have what she did — another chance at life, people to love, delicious food and a place to call home.
Last year, Avesta created 133 new affordable homes, renovated 90 existing homes and connected more than 20,000 people with resources and programs that help communities thrive, from community meals to after-school and educational opportunities.
The nonprofit also broke ground on its first Domus condominium building, designed to create homeownership opportunities to low- and middle-income households through Avesta’s new “A Path Forward” program.
