BANGOR, Maine — The city of Bangor is expected to have more affordable housing options for residents soon.
Community Housing of Maine is set to acquire Bangor's Schoolhouse at 183 Harlow St., next to the city's public library, sometime this summer.
"We are creating, ultimately, 66 new affordable housing apartments in Bangor," Community Housing of Maine Executive Director Cullen Ryan told NEWS CENTER Maine. The building currently has 45 units that are considered affordable housing, according to Ryan.
Community Housing of Maine will renovate the historic apartment complex. Six additional units will be added to the building. When the project is finished, the building will have 10 studio apartments, 34 one-bedroom units, 18 two-bedroom units, and four three-bedroom units. A new elevator, kitchens, hardwood floors, and roofing will be included in the renovations, as well as other several key amenities.
"We also just really believe that everybody who lives in housing should have a place that they’re proud of to call home and things that communicate dignity or respect," Ryan said.
Community Housing expects the Schoolhouse project to last 18 months. New tenants will be able to move in after construction is finished or sometime before. Current tenants will be able to stay in the building during the renovations.
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"All These additions that we’re creating, spaces inside for kids to play, places where people can get emotional support, places where people can connect with their neighbors, this is all part of making a nicer community within a community," Ryan said.