A Portland-based housing developer broke ground Tuesday on 50 new apartments in downtown Bath, MaineHousing announced.
The Szanton Co. will build the new development at the site of the former YMCA at the corner of Summer and Front streets and will include a complete rehab of the historic YMCA gym for use as a community room and fitness center for residents.
The project includes rehabilitation of nearby Moses and Columbia Blocks, which were built in 1897 and designed by architect John Calvin Stevens. The current tenants will be kept in place in the 10 residential units and six ground-level rental spaces. Four new apartments will be added as well.
“MaineHousing shows there is a need for 180 similar units here in Bath and over 14,000 in Maine,” MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan said in the release, noting that the project is possible because of partnerships like the one with Szanton Co. and the Bath Housing Authority.
Most of the apartments will be for households age 55 or older. About 70% will be reserved for households earning $30,000 to $42,000 per year with rents ranging from $790-$953 per month for a one-bedroom unit, according to the press release. The rest will be rented at market rates without regard to tenant incomes.