Affordable housing in Biddeford slated for renovations

A Portland-based developer announced it will invest more than $4 million to renovate a Biddeford affordable housing development.

Bateman Partners stated in a press release that it is embarking on a major construction project that will “significantly improve” all 32 elderly and affordable housing units in the Summer Street Block, located at the corner of Summer and Alfred streets, near Pizza by Alex. The project will begin in 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Summer Street Block is comprised of two buildings: a 12 -unit building at 1 Summer St. that was built in 1880 and a 20-unit building at 87 Alfred St. that was built in 1975, according to city records. The Summer Street Block is owned by Phoenix Management.

The affordable housing complex was established more than 4 decades ago. A $4.7 million budget to rehabilitate the housing was developed after a needs assessment performed by the Maine State Housing Authority, according to the press release.

“It was an arduous, six-year process to figure out what needs to be done, and put the financial building blocks in place to make this possible,” said David Bateman, President of Bateman Partners in a written statement. “But we invest in Maine communities for the long-term, and the city of Biddeford is committed to expanding housing options that older folks and working families can afford. When we wrap this up, almost the entire building will be brand new.”

Improvements to be made in individual units, according to the press release, include new kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances; new bathtubs, vanities, toilets and fixtures in bathrooms; new flooring, replacement of doors, upgraded energy efficient lighting fixtures and new paint on all surfaces.

Overall building renovations include new roofs, windows, doors, decking, and handrails. A new community room is planned with a new floor, kitchen and ceiling, as well as new furniture and a computer with internet access. Common areas will have new ceilings and paint, and new floor and LED lights will be installed. A sprinkler system will be upgraded, new insulation will be placed, and a new intercom will be installed. Surveillance cameras will be installed, the parking lot and walkways will be resurfaced, landscaping will be improved and the boiler will be replaced.

Bateman Partners is located at 470 Fore St. in Portland. Over the course of 45 years, the company’s principals have built commercial and residential projects in Maine and New Hampshire worth in excess of $380 million, according to the press release. The company’s portfolio includes workforce housing as well as the Portland Harbor Hotel and The Inn at Diamond Cove.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.