Bath Housing is actively working to increase the supply of affordable housing in the region. The development plans of Bath Housing are derived based on recent data and information about the housing needs in the area. On a daily basis, Bath Housing staff are working with local families to help them navigate their complex housing issues. With this information, the organization has a clear sense of need.
Bath Housing staff have extensive experience in real estate development including legal, financial, community planning and construction skills. The organization also draws on deep relationships with the financial industry, funding sources, community leaders, and housing advocates. Ongoing, candid conversations with community leaders and neighbors is a core commitment of the organization.
Rental Housing
- In September 2023, Bath Housing Development Corporation (BHDC) announce plans for its first new construction, multi-family housing project since 1984. The property is located at 520 Centre Street. Bath Housing envisions two phases of development, with the first to include 18 two-bedroom apartments on the upper three floors with Bath Housing’s administrative offices on the first floor.
- In May 2019, Bath Housing Development Corporation acquired two parcels in downtown Bath, including the Moses and Columbia Blocks and a parking lot located at 195 Front Street. This acquisition facilitated the preservation of the character of downtown Bath, encouraged economic stimulus in the walkable central core, and maintained the rental housing at modest prices for those that live and work in Bath. In 2022, the Moses and Columbia Blocks were sold to The Uptown, LP and are now part of a 60-unit housing project that combines new construction and historic preservation, with 75% of the apartments set aside for households at or below 60% Area Median Income.
- In 2018, Bath Housing Development Corporation purchased 41-43 Lincoln Street, Bath. This six unit apartment building is slated for rehabilitation in 2019 using Community Development Block Grant Funds.
- In 2017, Bath Housing Development Corporation purchased 470 Washington Street. Using Using Community Development Block Grant funds, this property was rehabilitated and now serves households at or below 80% of area median income.
- In 2016, Bath Housing Development Corporation purchased 28 Maple Street and 49 Elm Street. Using Community Development Block Grant funds, both properties were rehabilitated and now serve households at or below 80% of area median income.
- In 2016, Bath Housing Development Corporation purchased, rehabilitated, and reintroduced 806 Middle Street as affordable family apartments. We are proud to now own and operate four quality properties on that block.
- In 2006, Bath Housing Development Corporation acquired and rehabilitated 19 Oak Street. Originally operated as a cooperative housing project, the building was converted back to five rental apartments in 2013.
- In 1998, Bath Housing Development Corporation created 8 affordable family apartments on Middle Street through the acquisition and rehabilitation of three blighted homes with funding from MaineHousing’s New Lease Program.
- In its history, Bath Housing Authority developed four properties for elderly and disabled households including the Anchorage, built in 1977; the Moorings, built in 1979; Seacliff, built in 1981; and Dike’s Landing, built in 1984.
- In 1977, Bath Housing Development Corporation worked with Bath Region Vocational Technical Center to build a new office building adjacent to the Anchorage on Congress Avenue. Students from BRCTC constructed the building, where the organization is still housed.
Homeownership
Between 2000 and 2004, Bath Housing Development Corporation acquired, rehabilitated, and sold a series of homes in Bath to eligible low-income families. Using land donated to the organization by Bath Iron Works, Bath Housing partnered with Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers to enhance the housing stock and make homeownership a reality for families. Properties that were part of this program include three homes on Tarbox Street and two homes on High Street.
In 2005, Bath Housing partnered with Bath Regional Vocational School, Bath Rotary, and the City of Bath. Students built houses that were then moved to vacant lots in the community. Bath Housing then sold the houses to eligible low-income families. Houses built through this program include 88 Dummer Street (2005), 3 Federal Street (2004), and a house on Tarbox Street.
In October 2020, Bath Housing Development Corporation completed and sold 57 Chestnut Street in Bath. It took a village to make this happen — the project was a partnership between Bath Regional Career and Technical Center, Rotary Club of Bath Maine, USA, and Bath Housing Development Corporation, with a land acquisition grant from MaineHousing and finish work from Vaillancourt Builders. The new owner shared that she’s so pleased to have found a home to live and retire in that is “user friendly”, easy to care for, and doesn’t need work. She said, “It’s perfect for me! To be able to find a home that meets my needs and is affordable is amazing.” Click here to see a short movie about the project.