Portland housing officials unveil 45-unit redevelopment in East Deering neighborhood

Photo / Molly Haley Portland Mayor Mark Dion cuts the ribbon for the Portland Housing Authority’s Front Street redevelopment alongside state Senator Jill Duson and MaineHousing Executive Director Dan Brennan on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Other attendees, from left to right: Portland Housing Authority Executive Director Brian Frost, City Councilor At-Large Pious Ali, Portland Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Chair Christian MilNeil, City Councilor At-Large Roberto Rodriguez and City Councilor Anna Bullett.

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By Peter Van Allen

Portland Housing Authority and Portland Housing Development Corp. recently cut the ribbon on the second phase of the Front Street redevelopment project in the city's East Deering neighborhood.

Overall, the project will create a 113-unit development with a range of living options for families and individuals across all ages and income levels.

The second phase, unveiled last week, added 45 units of affordable senior housing designed to support aging in place. Most are one-bedroom units, though six have two bedrooms. It was designed to meet Passive House Institute US standards for energy efficiency, resiliency and comfort. (The first phase, which opened last year, had 60 units.)

The project replaces what was to have been temporary housing from Portland's urban renewal in the early 1970s.

“In 1971, Front Street offered temporary housing for 50 families displaced by Portland’s urban renewal. Built on a former landfill, these prefabricated units faced issues like wet basements and cracked foundations,” said Brian Frost, executive director of Portland Housing Authority.

“Thanks to Brownfield’s funding and a $41 million redevelopment investment, this project is a clear example of our commitment to addressing housing needs and creating sustainable, welcoming communities. It’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together towards practical solutions.”

Zachau Construction, of Freeport, was the builder. Boston-based Utile Architecture & Planning was the architect.

What's ahead

The third phase, which has not yet broken ground, will be Portland Housing Authority’s inaugural affordable home-ownership development. It will have eight townhouse condominiums in two buildings, with six units designated for households earning at or below 120% of the area median income and two units unrestricted.

About the developers

About Portland Housing Authority

Established in 1943, Portland Housing Authority provides long-term, affordable fair rental housing and assistance to more than 3,000 low-income families, seniors and disabled individuals through its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs. It houses over 6,500 residents, close to 10% of the city’s population.

About Portland Housing Development Corp.

PHDC was created in 1983 as the real estate development arm of Portland Housing Authority. In 2015, Portland Housing Authority and PHDC began a Strategic Visioning process for the renovation and re-development of some of the major properties within PHA's portfolio of over 1,000 units of housing in Portland.