Construction has started on a 39-unit apartment complex, on Grandview Avenue in Bangor, for those 55 or older.
Ground broke for the $7 million, 45,000-square-foot building earlier this month. The development, Stephen B. Mooers Village, is being coordinated by Penquis, the Bangor-based community action program for Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties. It’s financed through MaineHousing. The contractor is Benchmark, of Westbrook, and the architect is Merritt Associates, of Eddington.
“This $7 million development will help to meet a growing need for affordable housing for older adults,” Penquis said in a news release.
The complex, which will be across the street from Bangor High School, will have 39 one-bedroom apartments for adults 55 and older whose income is 60% or less of the area median income. Construction is expected to be completed in fall of 2020.
The development is named in honor of Stephen B. Mooers, who was Penquis housing development director.
“It commemorates the 35 years [Mooers] committed to providing safe, affordable housing for Maine citizens,” the release said. “During his tenure, Penquis and its subsidiaries established affordable housing projects in eight Maine towns and cities totaling nearly 300 units.”
Mooers, who died in 2014, was also “a kind, compassionate individual with a quick wit and friendly smile,” the release said. “We are thrilled to pay tribute to our dear friend and colleague by creating a lasting memorial to demonstrate Penquis’s appreciation for his commitment to affordable housing in Maine.”
Besides MaineHousing, other financing partners are Northern New England Investment, People’s United Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. Engineering work is by Carpenter Associates, of Old Town, and CES Inc., of Brewer.