MEREDA 2024 Notable Project: Stacey M. Symbol Apartments, Westbrook
Photo / Courtesy of Trent Bell Photography
Photo / Courtesy of Trent Bell Photography
Photo / Courtesy of Trent Bell Photography
Photo / Courtesy of Trent Bell Photography
Photo / Courtesy of Trent Bell Photography
Photo / Courtesy of Trent Bell Photography
Stacy M. Symbol Apartments is a three-story, 60-unit affordable housing community for seniors, with a focus on wellness.
Situated near downtown Westbrook, Westbrook Development Corp. partnered with WORG LLC as part of a larger 358-unit mixed income, multi-phased residential development on the former River Meadow Golf Course.
This project donated 40 acres of scenic land along the Presumpscot River to the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, enabling public access to trails and linking a missing section of the Sebago to Sea trail system.
Developed during the pandemic, the project emphasizes resident wellness. Amenities include onsite walking trails, free wifi for telemedicine access, indoor bicycle storage, fitness area, library and a community room.
The building is designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating solar panels, energy-efficient mini-split heating and cooling, EV charging station infrastructure and all-electric systems.
Symbol Apartments addresses the urgent need for affordable housing while enhancing quality of life and contributing to environmental conservation and overall community wellbeing. Additionally, by addressing the need for affordable housing, the project enables many residents — predominantly seniors — to continue participating in the workforce, with over 70% anticipated to hold full- or part-time roles, often as essential workers. This boosts the local economy by reducing commuting costs and enhancing workforce stability, while also fostering long-term community development. The architectural approach to this project embraced New England vernacular, mimicking colonial single-family design principles to blend the building seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. Scaled facades and familiar rooflines made the larger building appear cohesive with its surroundings, addressing community concerns about increased density.
The development was made possible through collaborative support from federal, state and local government, leveraging Cumberland County ARPA funds, affordable housing TIFs, low-income housing tax credits and innovative subsidies directed by Maine’s Legislature and Gov. Janet Mills’ administration.
Mainebiz web partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments