Condominium a Housing Trend in Saco

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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	October, 2005	Return to newsletter index

There is a pronounced trend in Saco and the region toward more condominium development, particularly in and surrounding the downtown. Last year 57 condominium housing units were approved in four projects. Some 20 other multifamily units and 135 lots were also approved. Exactly 100 condominiums were approved the year before. These figures don't even count the conversion of apartments to condominiums, such as the 64 units at Academy Place, which are now being converted.

The condominium developments come after a decade when almost no multi-family housing, other than elder projects, were constructed. The long term impact of the condominium projects, which tend to be higher density and more centrally located, bears close observation. In some ways the projects are consistent with Smart Growth principles and the City's Comprehensive Plan which call for adding density near town centers. The condos are also providing a great housing option for single people and younger retirees. But other aspects of the condominium developments depart from traditional new dwellings. Most of the developments have very few children, for instance. While this may be a positive for the city budget, is it positive for a sense of community?

Perhaps related to the condominium development, and contrary to all expectations and experience in nearby towns, school enrollments in the public schools and in Thornton Academy have been steady or declining, not growing.

One of the condominium developments stood out. The Park Street Lofts were developed in the former Lunder Shoe shop on Park Street. This five story mill has a colorful history. The old Board of Trade built the plant as an economic development project and attracted Sears and Roebuck to manufacture shoes. Later World War II troops lived in the building. Lunder moved last year to Spring Hill Section of the industrial park. Gorham developer Peter Bass turned the building into 34 condominiums, with many of them marketed to artists as live-work space. This is a great re-use of a building which might have become a white elephant.

One of the concerns that we hear from residents most in the city planning is concern about the impact and appearance of the new multi-family (including condominium) housing and commercial developments. The Planning Board proposed and the Council has now adopted architectural design standards for all new commercial and multi-family projects. We are optimistic that these standards, in the hands of our excellent Planning Board, will help improve the design of future developments and lessen the impact on established neighborhoods.

-Peter Morelli, Development Director