🔒Building Business: Hebert Construction restores Lewiston landmark for affordable housing

Hebert Construction’s renovation of Lewiston’s 19th century Dr. Milton Wedgewood House was “a labor of love,” according to COO Simon Hebert. The year-long restoration was handled by Hebert, Avesta Housing and Lewiston Housing Authority as the centerpiece of an 82-unit, nine-building affordable housing complex, covering an entire block in downtown Lewiston. The project is being recognized by Maine Preservation for excellence in historic preservation. “The building had been vacant and had deteriorated into very poor condition, requiring a comprehensive scope of work to bring it back to life,” Hebert says. Extensive structural improvements were required, as fires had left many framing members with excessive charring. Original moldings that could be salvaged were meticulously restored, while others that were beyond saving, were replicated in Hebert’s wood shop. “Much of the wood siding was restored and reinstalled, with new siding installed to match original profiles and details wherever replacement was required,” Hebert says. Heritage Co. Coppersmiths, based in Waterboro, removed and replaced the slate roof, adding new copper flashings, coping and other details to honor the building’s original character while ensuring long-term performance. The project team included architects from Kaplan Thompson and Barba+Wheelock, both based in Portland.

Construction news from around the state

Doten’s Construction, based in Freeport, is building a new headquarters for Green Pest Defense at 298 U.S. Route 1 in Freeport. The building will add individual workspaces, a drive-in warehouse area for technicians and space for in-house training. Green’s owner Andrew Melden said the budget for the project is $2.3 million, and he expects the building to be completed this summer. The project’s designer is Stephanie Lull with Portland-based SRL Architects. Turner-based Rowe & Sons handled site work.

Portland-based Reveler Development, in partnership with two Massachusetts firms, Woburn-based Dolben Co. Inc. and Middleton-based Procopio Cos., is developing a 204-unit, apartment community on Spring Street in Westbrook. The Ledger complex will include six three-story, wood-frame residential buildings, a 7,400-square-foot clubhouse and 90 garages. Some apartments will feature private balconies or patios. The first residents will move in when the initial phase is completed in early 2027. The entire build is anticipated to be finished by the start of 2028. Total cost of the project will be close to $70 million, $50 million of which is being financed through Rockland Trust and Camden National Bank. North Andover, Mass.-based CUBE 3 Architects is also on the team.