Biddeford/Saco Developments

lunardinosaur said:
That is some serious nightmare fuel right there...
Click to expand...
I assume (but am not certain) that it was a proposal to build a version of the originally-planned tunnel under Cumberland Ave. and Congress St.? So there would be the existing two lanes going up the hill and the other two going straight under to Middle?
 
I mean G-P is just executing on behalf of its client, like and other civil would. Not sure if you'd get a better product with Acorn or Stantec or someone else if the project is scoped out the same. The developer, the developer's vision, the capital stack and demand for ROI, and the land development code drive the choice of typology more than the particular civil chosen, IMO. And that typology is admittedly subpar in this case.
 
Fitch Bronson said:
I mean G-P is just executing on behalf of its client, like and other civil would. Not sure if you'd get a better product with Acorn or Stantec or someone else if the project is scoped out the same. The developer, the developer's vision, the capital stack and demand for ROI, and the land development code drive the choice of typology more than the particular civil chosen, IMO. And that typology is admittedly subpar in this case.
Click to expand...

To be sure, other civil engineering firms put their names on similar dreck, but Gorrill-Palmer isn't just doing the engineering, they're also doing the site design with their in-house landscape architects.

Look at their past projects – almost all of them are strip malls, cul-de-sac subdivisions, or suburban office parks.

gorrillpalmer.com

Land Development - Gorrill Palmer Consulting Engineers Inc.

a list of land development services and jobs that Gorrill Palmer has completed
gorrillpalmer.com gorrillpalmer.com
markhb said:
I assume (but am not certain) that it was a proposal to build a version of the originally-planned tunnel under Cumberland Ave. and Congress St.? So there would be the existing two lanes going up the hill and the other two going straight under to Middle?
Click to expand...

Yep, that was the pitch. IIRC they actually proposed a four-lane below-grade expressway in the trench, next to the existing four-lanes, which would have become a sort of Texas-style frontage road. It would have gotten even wider down by I-295.
 
nomc said:
View attachment 37518

Rendering of Port Property's Landing on the Levee (32 units) - this is one of the structures on Upper Falls Rd, off Elm St, adjacent to Lofts at the Levee (96 units) and two other proposed buildings. Occupancy is planned for fall 2024.
Click to expand...

Snapped a couple of photos while passing on the Downeaster.
IMG_8969.jpeg
IMG_8970.jpeg
 
Some photos taken while walking around today.

Construction on The Levee continues.
IMG_9090.jpeg

IMG_9087.jpeg


A couple of pictures showing early stage work on Saco Harborside at Factory Island East which will consist of 24 townhouse style duplex units.
IMG_9086.jpeg

IMG_9082.jpeg



The project described in post #39 is moving forward. Incredibly small building footprint!
IMG_9088.jpeg
 
I drive past that location almost every single day. IMO, from a streetscape and placemaking perspective, it's getting better, but still not quite there, as is still the case with the mill district. I'm in the mill district frequently and even with all of the millions of SF worth of adaptive reuse to residential, the vibe is still tumbleweeds most of the time except for summer evenings - and a walking and biking culture has yet to emerge despite all of the additional density being brought online and despite the young professional/retiree mix that have moved into the mill units. You might see the occasional remote worker walking a dog but that's it, and rarely any families. I have a theory that it's due to two things: 1) the people who want that life are still self-selecting to Portland and SoPo if they can afford it, and 2) a lot of origins and destinations in town accessible by foot or bike require walking or biking along some of the traffic sewer-y arterials like Elm St and Main St. There are some sketchy street crossings involved and neither feels that safe to bike except off peak. A Complete Streets makeover would do wonders. I don't expect it to become the West End or the hill but we can do better here in terms of giving it a little urbanity.
 
Fitch Bronson said:
There are some sketchy street crossings involved and neither feels that safe to bike except off peak. A Complete Streets makeover would do wonders. I don't expect it to become the West End or the hill but we can do better here in terms of giving it a little urbanity.
Click to expand...
This was it for me when I was in the area more. Not that it needs to feel urban, but it needs to be more pedestrian friendly. Any not that there aren't areas in Portland that are unfriendly, see Franklin or Commercial.
 
There's a new development of attached townhomes going in on Main St in Saco, directly across from 110 Main St on Saco Island. This site had been in a disturbed state for several years before moving forward, so glad to see something happening here finally. Rumor has it that DOT will be granting a signal warrant for a new four way stop here given how hairy it is making a left out of 110 Main Street as it stands currently. Just wish these structures were a little more architecturally contextual with what's around them - these pitched roof forms aren't really found anywhere in the immediate vicinity given that the mills and two downtowns are so close by, and the site driveway is this sort of curvilinear thing that feels out of sorts in a mixed use district. But otherwise, glad to see a little densification here - baby steps on making this stretch feel less like a highway.

IMG_20240520_123723815.jpg
 
A row of detached two-story townhomes is a disappointing waste of space for this parcel. This type of development belongs out on the far side of Windham not in a prominent waterfront location directly between downtown Saco and Biddeford and within walking distance of a train station.

It's even more disappointing given what had been proposed for this site several years ago. A much higher-density mixed-use project. My understanding is that this project was killed off by the Saco River Corridor Commission...which has jurisdiction over all development happening close to the river and by site remediation challenges.


1716226141108.png
1716226119359.png
 
I'm 100% with you. I think it's because the site is on the Saco side instead of Biddeford. This community just can't seem to figure out how to capitalize on placemaking opportunities when they present themselves. Scenic falls, *two* closely proximate downtowns, a functioning sidewalk grid, and heavy rail present one of the best potential canvases for good design and densification anywhere in Northern New England. It's being squandered, and as a resident, I really hate to see it. There's a chance to extend some of the investment and typologies emerging over on Lincoln St in Biddeford in this direction but Saco seems to want nothing to do with it.
 
I grew up in Saco and one of my high school alums who has a business there said the city "leadership" is well, let's say not up to par. But Biddeford's is the opposite. We've seen the evidence of that. Any land available within walking distance of the train station should be developed into denser housing. The idea of a train is to be used for mass transportation and if few live near the stations, then they will need to get there by car. It defeats the purpose of it, really.
 
I took the train a couple of weeks ago for the first time since Covid and it's amazing how much that area has grown! It's probably the most conspicuous change on the route since Haverhill rejuvenated. (Everything that has happened in Boston owes very little to the Downeaster, so I discount that.)
 
Biked the Eastern Trail to Biddeford today and was wowed by all the new (to me) restaurants downtown. If you’re looking for a smoothie and banh mi, Vickie’s Veggie Table and BiddoBanh will treat you well. Work continues on Landing on the Levee and the project first described in post 39 is nearly complete


IMG_0074.jpeg
IMG_0070.jpeg
IMG_0073.jpeg
 
Just need that covered pedestrian bridge to the train station and this will be a great place to live (or work).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top