Auburn is offering several properties for sale in a move to attract new development to the city.
The city is accepting bids for the Lake Street School, a property at 121 Mill St. and a development known as Winter Oaks.
“Each of these projects can help increase housing stock in Auburn,” Jay Brenchick, Auburn’s director of economic development, said in a news release. “They will also help stabilize rental and real estate prices, which are currently being driven by high demand and low supply.”
There is a minimum bid of $1.2 million for 121 Mill St., Brenchick told Mainebiz. The other two do not have minimum bids.
“As part of the decision making process for all the RFPs, the city is also considering proposals with the greatest benefit to the community,” Brenchick added. “The city has the need for developments that offer homeownership opportunities, and the city has the need for more childcare facilities, although all proposals will be strongly considered.”
Lake Street School, at 80 Lake St., is closing at the end of this school year. In the news release, the city said it hopes to attract a developer who will “reimagine the space and bring new life to the beloved building, which was built in 1923.”
The 14,820-square-foot structure sits on a 1.88-acre parcel that is flanked by two city-owned lots on Fern Street.
The property at 121 Mill St. is in the New Auburn neighborhood. The 4.58-acre riverfront site has “vast potential, including unique recreational opportunities,” the city said. The property includes a 15,000-square-foot building built in 1964.
Winter Oaks is at Vickery Road and South Main Street and comprises two adjacent properties of 3.01 acres and 34.24 acres.
“We would really like to see this project focus on encouraging home ownership,” said Brenchick.
“Selling city-owned properties to private developers to help add taxable value within our city is a key element of our growth strategy,” said Mayor Jason Levesque. “I’m looking forward to seeing what creative opportunities the private market brings forth for us to consider.”
To view the city’s requests for bids, click here.