Developers Collaborative

A late-1920s-era brick building on Forest Avenue is being renovated for yet another life, this time as a mixed-used apartment and retail development.

Situated on 2.5 acres at 118 Maverick St. near downtown Rockland, the 50,000-square-foot building includes 49 apartments, targeted for residents aged 55 and over. 

A roundup of construction news that includes sites in Portland, Scarborough, Biddeford, Sanford and Kittery.

The city determined workforce housing was the highest and best use of the former public works site and entered discussions with Developers Collaborative.

Units will be allocated to households earning 50% to 60% of the area median income or less. Seven vouchers will be reserved for tenants with disabilities.

The plan is to place up to 190 units along Congress Avenue for families at a mix of income levels and who are struggling to find housing.

Work has begun on a near-century-old building at 509 Forest Ave. in Portland to convert the upper two stories from medical office space into 38 loft-style apartments.

Whether affordable apartments or affordable homes for sale, Maine desperately needs more of them. There's been some progress. The state is helping to lead the effort, especially in rural areas.

The 54-unit building will be open to all people age 55 and over and will include support services for LGBTQ+ seniors, for whom affordable, centralized housing is a longstanding need .

The majority of units will be rented to households earning 50% of the area median income or less. Some will have vouchers for use by populations with special needs.