State grant keeps them affordable for 90 years
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
HOULTON — A state grant of $4 million is guaranteeing affordable rents for 90 years when the new senior complex in downtown Houlton opens next summer. Thanks to a grant of stimulus money, funneled through MaineHousing, the developer, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., was able to salvage the 28-apartment complex after delays due to the country’s financial collapse. “It’s the first recovery project in Maine under construction,” said Daniel Brennan, director of development for MaineHousing who added that two more similar projects with stimulus money will be under way soon in the state with as many as 10 more to come.
At the official ground-breaking ceremony last Thursday on the lot next to the Temple Theater where a foundation had already been put in place, local officials, company representatives and residents expressed optimism at what the new set of buildings will mean for the community.
“I’m so excited for our community in general to have a project like this going on. I think it will be a boost for the downtown area in general and a nice location for seniors and, hopefully, spur businesses to serve them,” said Nancy Ketch, a Houlton town councilor.
Doug Hazlett, the town manager said there is a critical need for affordable senior housing. “It’s an exciting project. It’s the first new downtown construction in 40 or 50 years. It helps to accent and complement the park and more importantly, it brings residential occupancy downtown. It makes the downtown area alive.”
Market Square Commons, with a projected opening next July, will have five of the 28 units designated for visually impaired seniors. The three-story building will have a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments with an elevator, secure entry, laundry facilities on each floor, common meeting rooms, and a main gathering area. There will be 19 parking spaces for residents. Rents will not be subsidized and will range from $425-$565.
The environmentally friendly building will be among the greenest in the state according to CEI president Ronald Phillips who said air quality, heat, hot water, insulation and other environmental considerations have been taken into account in the planning. Blane Cacey Building Contractors of South China is the general contractor that is using local subcontractors.
Jon McLaughlin, executive director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation said he had worked with CEI on marketing and feasibility studies over a three-year period and sees the new residential complex for seniors as “a great boost for the area and a great anchor for the downtown community.” Lori Weston, executive director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, said she sees real opportunities for entrepreneurship. 
Pioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
DIGGING IN — The developer, local officials and residents attended the official groundbreaking of the new 28-apartment complex scheduled for a July 2010 opening. From left, Ronald Phillips, president of Coastal Enterprises, Inc.; John Egan, CEI’s director of housing development; Doug Hazlett, Houlton town manager; Sonia Charest, construction analyst for MaineHousing; Daniel Brennan, director of development for MaineHousing; Jason Merriam, project architect; and Glen Morse, Blane Cacey Building Contractors; and Jon McLaughlin, executive director of SADC.
Although they were not at the Thursday ceremony, U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins as well as Rep. Mike Michaud sent congratulatory letters read by their staff.
Calling the Market Square Commons a “perfect match” between the town and its need for affordable, quality senior housing, John Egan, CEI’s director of housing development said he has been getting a lot of inquiries regarding occupancy.
“Many seniors have been calling me about moving out of the countryside to town where things are happening. After four years, it’s been a long haul to finally get it going thanks to many hands with great help from MaineHousing and the federal government.”
Paul Cleary, town council chairman, calls the project “an investment in the future of Houlton. Its great to see an expansion of business downtown which will help with the stores. It’s great to see construction downtown.”
Hazlett said he appreciated the patience of the neighboring businesses during the construction phase which will continue during the winter months.
For more information on the apartment complex or the waiting list, contact CEI at 882-7552.
Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
SHOVEL READY PROJECT — Market Square Commons, with a projected opening next July, will have five of the 28 units designated for visually impaired seniors. The three-story building, taking shape in the former KeyBank lot next to Temple Theatre, will have a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments with an elevator, secure entry, laundry facilities on each floor, common meeting rooms, and a main gathering area. Blane Casey Building Contractors of South China is the general contractor.
