Photo / Courtesy Amanda Prouty Photography
BangorHousing recently completed a $4 million renovation of its administration building at 161 Davis Road into an Opportunity Center.
Updated: November 11, 2024
BangorHousing completes $4M renovation for children and resident programs
Photo / Courtesy Amanda Prouty Photography
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, joined by the Boys & Girls Club of Bangor, cut the ribbon.
BangorHousing recently completed a $4 million renovation of its administration building at 161 Davis Road into an Opportunity Center that will accommodate expanded children’s programming and resident services.
BangorHousing is a quasi-governmental agency that provides housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income households.
BangorHousing has been in the building since the 1970s, Michael Myatt, the executive director, told Mainebiz.
BangorHousing and the Boys & Girls Club of Bangor worked together on the joint concept and design for the facility’s renovation.
“Previously, the club was based in two small clubhouses across the street — and their staff was constantly walking over to 161 Davis to utilize the gym and other spaces,” Myatt said.
Building swap
In 2020, BangorHousing staff went fully remote.
Photo / Courtesy Amanda Prouty Photography
BangorHousing offers resident services programming geared toward parents and caregivers, such as financial advising, parenting workshops and driver’s education.
The Boys & Girls Club of Bangor restarted its programming as soon as it was able to.
“That was where the idea came in to switch buildings,” said Myatt.
The club runs several children programs, including before and after care, summer camp and teen camp.
BangorHousing offers resident services programming geared toward parents and caregivers, such as financial advising, parenting workshops and driver’s education.
Photo / Courtesy Amanda Prouty Photography
BangorHousing and the Boys & Girls Club of Bangor worked together on the joint concept and design for the facility’s renovation.
Since BangorHousing didn’t need as much space as the club, the idea was to combine all of the programming that both organizations were doing under one roof, with a goal to make it easier for entire families to participate and benefit.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to be more accessible and support the families in our community,” said Myatt.
Renovations
Renovation started in January. Dan Miller of TAC Architecture was the designer and Lajoie Brothers the general contractor. Half of the project cost was provided through a $2 million Congressionally designated allocation supported by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
“The programs and guidance offered by BangorHousing have helped hundreds of Maine households get on solid financial footing, providing them with the skills they need for long-term stability,” Collins said in a news release.
The remaining $2 million was provided by BangorHousing through its capital fund.
The renovation involved approximately 17,000 square feet and included the creation of four classrooms and room for staff.
Family accessibility
The building was upgraded with better insulation, security upgrades and mechanical systems.
“We see a need in our community to provide more opportunities for entire families to participate in programming,” said Myatt. “By including different types of programming for different people in the same building, we are working to make things easier.”
BangorHousing has a portfolio of 846 affordable and market rate apartments in 11 developments throughout Bangor. The agency also administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher program in Bangor and four surrounding towns.
New properties include Blueberry Ridge, an affordable housing development for residents age 55 and older that opened in October 2023. Two other projects in the works will add another 100 affordable housing units for the same demographic.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments