Westbrook Development Corp. is partnering with the city of Biddeford to build a 40-unit affordable housing complex at 37 Barra Road — the first phase of the nonprofit’s broader housing development plan for Biddeford.
Thatcher Brook apartments will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in an energy-efficient building affordable to households with an annual income between $37,000 and $75,000.
An earlier version of the project was originally proposed to be built in Cumberland, but was rejected by voters in 2024. Biddeford reached out to Westbrook Development, and donated a parcel of land for the development.
Westbrook Development is not a municipal entity, explained Tyler Norod, corporation president.
“We were originally created to serve as the development arm of the Westbrook Housing Authority, but today WDC operates as an independent organization, separate from the city of Westbrook,” he said.
“As the housing crisis has intensified across southern Maine, WDC has expanded its work beyond Westbrook, so we can help meet the need where it’s greatest.”
Westbrook Development Corp. has close to 400 affordable apartments in various stages of development across Westbrook, Windham and now Biddeford.
Housing essential to future
Thatcher Brook apartments marks Westbrook Development’s first project in the city, part of a planned four-building collection of affordable housing developments, which when completed, will add a total of 166 affordable apartments to Biddeford.
The next project will be Quebec Commons, a 45-unit affordable senior housing complex to be built on part of the former Maine Energy Recovery Corp. site in Biddeford’s historic mill district on Lincoln Street. Construction is anticipated to begin later this year or in early 2027.
“Biddeford has made clear that addressing the housing shortage is essential to our city’s future,” commented Mayor Liam LaFountain. “Thank you to WDC, the Biddeford City Council, Planning Board, city staff, and former Mayor [Martin] Grohman for their work to make this project possible.”
Financing for Thatcher Brook apartments includes support from MaineHousing’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, a Tax Increment Financing arrangement with the city of Biddeford and tax credit syndication through nonprofit Evernorth, which has offices in Portland and Burlington, Vt. Additional financing comes from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and Maine Community Bank.
The Thatcher Brook project team includes Portland’s Kaplan Thompson Architects, South-Portland-based Gorrill Palmer civil engineers and AlliedCook Construction, headquartered in Scarborough.
Westbrook Development Corp. and the city of Biddeford will host a groundbreaking ceremony at the Barra Road site on April 29, at at 3 p.m.
