Westbrook, ME

[nomc]

Is that the MAS building I see in Maps? On the one hand I'm glad to see development, but WCD isn't very pedestrian friendly. I wish this sort of thing could be worked into Main St instead.

 

[Dr. StrangeHat]

Is that the MAS building I see in Maps? On the one hand I'm glad to see development, but WCD isn't very pedestrian friendly. I wish this sort of thing could be worked into Main St instead.

Yes, the MAS building. That will be torn down.

This screen shot of the site plan shows some of the improvements the State DOT is planning to make to William Clarke Drive between Mechanic Street and the intersection of New Gorham Road and Main Street (top of the screen). They're planning to try to make it more pedestrian friendly but at the same time get rid of the bottleneck at the intersection of WCD and Saco Street. We'll see how successful they are with that.

 

[Cosakita18]

Not sure if this has been shared, but here's a more "polished" rendering of the Vertical Harvest Buildout

 

[Dr. StrangeHat]

Progress on a couple small "in-fill" projects across from Riverbank Park in Westbrook. I put "in-fill" in quotes, since technically these are replacing smaller structures. I'm guessing we'll see more of this type of redevelopment around the park in the coming years.

Probably a pipe dream that they eventually put utilities underground along all of Main Street in Westbrook. Right now they're only underground between Spring Street and the William Clarke Drive/Conant/Longfellow intersection.

660 Main Street
Article: https://www.pressherald.com/2020/03/11/planning-board-oks-first-plan-to-expand-up-on-main-street/

630 Main Street (site work began today)
Plans: https://www.westbrookmaine.com/DocumentCenter/View/2477/630-Main---Subdivision---Public-Hearingpdf

 

[DanielPWM19]

Westbrook Senior Housing Project near the HS:

$15 million Westbrook senior housing project gets preliminary nod

The project will help meet the need for some of the approximately 1,200 older people on a waiting list for apartments in Westbrook. With it comes a new ice rink.

www.pressherald.com

 

[Dr. StrangeHat]

Aw man, I always thought that was the perfect location for an indoor hockey rink.

 

[markhb]

The new building at 100 Larrabee Road, next to Terminal St. and across from Rock Row.

 

[DanielPWM19]

The 4-Story Elevator Shaft has been constructed for 630 Main Street, Westbrook. I haven't heard much about the Parking Garage/Mixed Use at Mechanic Street or or 21 Saco Street Developments in a while. Land has been cleared and leveled for the New England Cancer Institute & Parking Garage at Rock Row (separate thread)

What I find interesting is 7 Dana Street in Westbrook is for sale for $1.2m on the river. There are two structures there and a ROW. The Dam and pump building (?) have been taken out. The small brick building could be a cool restaurant if salvageable. If not, the entire area would be an awesome location for a 4-8 Story building.

Portland Press Herald Article today:

New Westbrook downtown buildings going higher with more density

Changes made last year are a plus for developers and the city, the city planner says.

www.pressherald.com

 

[Dr. StrangeHat]

I haven't heard anything about the parking garage/mixed-use development since this article back at the end of November: https://www.pressherald.com/2021/11...wo-years-of-construction-disruption-downtown/

It was supposed to be underway already, then got delayed to starting this month. I wonder what's up? They'll need to get an extension from the Planning Board if they don't get permits and underway by April 6th.

I'm surprised 7 Dana Street hasn't gone on the market until now. That is prime real estate right on the river and connected to the river walk, and it is a fairly large parcel (including the land behind The Armory). The gap in the GIS map is the old rail ROW to Saccarappa Island.

 

[DanielPWM19]

I haven't heard anything about the parking garage/mixed-use development since this article back at the end of November: https://www.pressherald.com/2021/11...wo-years-of-construction-disruption-downtown/

It was supposed to be underway already, then got delayed to starting this month. I wonder what's up? They'll need to get an extension from the Planning Board if they don't get permits and underway by April 6th.

I'm surprised 7 Dana Street hasn't gone on the market until now. That is prime real estate right on the river and connected to the river walk, and it is a fairly large parcel (including the land behind The Armory). The gap in the GIS map is the old rail ROW to Saccarappa Island.

View attachment 20283

I believe the listing includes 4 & 7 Dana for $1.2m, so more than what you circled above. Which is an even bigger area and prime for development (@ .65 acres).

 

[markhb]

I wonder if Harry Foote's family has plans for the former American Journal building at 4 Dana. I just checked and they still own it; maybe waiting for the right offer?

 

[Tom Nevers]

Really encouraging article in the Press Herald and I’m hoping we’ll see more local changes like this that allow and encourage more vibrant downtowns.

“Year-old ordinance changes allowing developers to build higher and with more residential density in downtown Westbrook are already making a positive impact, developers and the city planner say, with one new Main Street building completely leased out and a few others on the way.”

New Westbrook downtown buildings going higher with more density

Changes made last year are a plus for developers and the city, the city planner says.

www.pressherald.com

Apologies, missed DanielPWM19’s post above on the same topic.

 

[DanielPWM19]

I wonder if Harry Foote's family has plans for the former American Journal building at 4 Dana. I just checked and they still own it; maybe waiting for the right offer?

Both 4 and 7 Dana are included in the $1.2M listing

 

[markhb]

Both 4 and 7 Dana are included in the $1.2M listing

Duh, you just said that, didn't you!

 

[DanielPWM19]

Not sure if this has been shared, but here's a more "polished" rendering of the Vertical Harvest Buildout

View attachment 13199

This was supposed to begin in January. I haven't seen any site-prep. Any insider knowledge?

 

[Portcity75]

Account Offline

 

[DanielPWM19]

Development on the outskirts of Westbrook near IDEXX and heading toward the Mall area.

This development seems appropriate for the area and much-needed. The designs look "okay" as well. Hopefully their displacement of current tenants is legitimate.

200 apartments proposed at site of Westbrook mobile home park

The council approved zoning changes 5-2, with Councilors Mike Shaughnessy and David Morse against the measure, saying they were concerned the current tenants may not be able to find affordable places to live.

www.pressherald.com

 

[nomc]

Looks like the development that was built years ago across from the (now former) golf course on Spring St.

 

[PlantArch]

After long delays, site work has finally begun for the Vertical Harvest development on William Clarke Dr.

 

[Dr. StrangeHat]

Some major changes to the Vertical Harvest/parking garage/residential development on the Mechanic Street lot due to cost overruns. The Vertical Harvest building is actually a little taller now, but the garage will use cheaper pre-cast materials. The residential component is no longer on top of the garage but instead shifted the east side of the development. They state the residential will now be 3 to 5 stories, depending on ultimate costs.

Some screen shots from last night's Planning Board meeting. I'm disappointed in the downscaling (though understand given that this is partially funded by the City) and color palette (or complete lack thereof).