Sen. Vitelli delivers remarks at grand opening for new housing complex in Bath

Posted: May 09, 2024 | Senator Vitelli

The Uptown adds 50 mixed-income units for residents 55 and older

Sen. Vitelli speaks at a grand opening ceremony of The Uptown housing project.

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, joined other local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of The Uptown, a mixed-income housing project in downtown Bath, across the street from the Patten Free Library.

“In Augusta, housing is a near constant topic of conversation. In the House and Senate, and across party lines, lawmakers see the impact of Maine’s housing crisis with our own eyes. It’s clear that the housing crisis is complex, and it will require holistic, creative thinking to find a path forward. Our needs are diverse, and so our solutions must also be diverse. Projects like The Uptown are helping to address these needs. This is a combination of new construction and rehabilitated, historical buildings. And it will be home to Mainers from a variety of income levels,” said Sen. Vitelli. “I want to thank Nathan Szanton, for inviting me to join in this celebration. And I especially want to applaud Deb Keller at Bath Housing, who has been an incredible leader in expanding housing options in Bath, making our city a shining example for Maine to follow.”

Sen. Vitelli speaks with developer Nathan Szanton in the refurbished YMCA gymnasium.

The Uptown is part of a three-building housing complex that also includes the original YMCA Building (aka The Moses Block) at the corner of Front and Summer streets; and the 1893 Columbia Block, next door to the Moses Block on Front Street. The historic YMCA gymnasium in the Moses Block, which first opened in the 1890s, has been converted into an Activity Center for residents.

Development of the three-building complex was aided by the Maine Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, which helps developers refurbish historical buildings to be used as housing. The credit is meant to help increase housing stock in Maine, while preserving downtown character and historical architecture.

The project consists of 10 renovated one- and two-bedroom apartments in the Moses Block, four new one-bedroom duplex apartments in the Columbia Block, and 46 new one-bedroom apartments at The Uptown. Of the 60 total units, 42 are designated as affordable and have an income limit for residency, while 18 are market-rate apartments. The project is also limited to households headed by someone who is 55 years of age or older.

According to the Szanton Company, which developed the project, residents are scheduled to begin moving into the new units on Friday, May 10.