Brunswick Development

[Still Tom Nevers]

This sharp proposal would add approximately 34 homes, 11,000 sf of retail space, and underground parking to downtown. The site is currently occupied by a vacant building formerly used as a dry cleaner. I suspect the project will have some regulatory hurdles to clear.

The projects detailed in posts 4 and 55 of this thread never came to fruition but hopefully we’ll have better luck this time. Replacing a vacant building with a more attractive structure that provides much needed housing and generates significantly more tax revenue would be a big win for the town.

Current Structure

Proposed Structure

 

[nomc]

Actually not bad! Much better than post 4. Is height one of those regulatory hurdles? Seems like this one might go a tick over the 40ft limit, assuming that's still the limit. The gable roof is pretty unobtrusive, though- the Dunlap side in general does a nice job softening the height.

 

[Still Tom Nevers]

Actually not bad! Much better than post 4. Is height one of those regulatory hurdles? Seems like this one might go a tick over the 40ft limit, assuming that's still the limit. The gable roof is pretty unobtrusive, though- the Dunlap side in general does a nice job softening the height.

Yes, the 40’ height limit imposed in this zone strikes me as the biggest regulatory challenge. My recollection is that there are certain allowances if providing affordable housing. We’ll see if that’s part of the proposal.

 

[Still Tom Nevers]

Brunswick published an RFP today seeking developers interested in purchasing and developing the Hawthorne School. Housing is the preferred outcome.

It’s an attractive building designed by Felix A. Burton, a Bowdoin grad who designed several buildings downtown and on Bowdoin’s campus. The lot is sizable and could accommodate an additional structure.

I’ve toured the building and believe it could comfortably house 12 residential units. Eager to see what’s proposed!

https://brunswickme.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12460/Hawthorne-RFP-v1-FINAL-Amended-05202026

Cc’ing @Redfern in case you’re interested in venturing up the coast!


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Proposals are available for review here https://brunswickme.gov/803/Hawthorne-School-Redevelopment .
Very encouraging to see several proposals, some of which include new construction! Quite the range in the number of units proposed. I favor proposals that feature a larger number of units, higher purchase price, and will generate the most tax revenue.

I’ve included a few screenshots from proposals that feature new construction.

CHOM, New Construction of 18 Units of Senior Housing

Dooryard, New Construction Features 8 One Bedroom Units Open to All

LB Development Partners, New Construction Features 12 Two Bedroom Units

Developers Collaborative, 35 Units of Affordable Senior Housing Total (unclear to me how many are in the addition)

 

[Island Frye]

Brunswick named No. 4 on list of nation’s charming Main Streets

The Travel + Leisure Magazine article praised Brunswick's small-town vibe and great local businesses.

www.pressherald.com

Brunswick got a nod in a travel magazine’s recent list of charming Main Streets — or, in this case, “Maine” Streets.

Maine Street landed at No. 4 out of 10 on Travel + Leisure’s July 6 list of the “Most charming Main Streets in the U.S., from Florida to the Pacific Northwest.”

 

[Still Tom Nevers]

Brunswick named No. 4 on list of nation’s charming Main Streets

The Travel + Leisure Magazine article praised Brunswick's small-town vibe and great local businesses.

www.pressherald.com

Nice to see Big Top Deli got a shout out.

Just off of Maine St. but certainly a nice addition to town is the redeveloped fire station. Moderation Brewing occupies the first floor and a handful of apartments are on the second, which you can sort of make out in the 2nd photo. There’s usually a food truck on site while the brewery is open, worth checking out if you’re in the area. Black Pug Brewing occupies Moderation’s old location about two blocks away on Maine St.

Just need to find the cash to restore the pediment! I wish they’d open a community fund raising drive to accomplish that.