Bath Housing is actively working to increase the supply of affordable housing in the region. Plans are derived based on recent data and information about the housing needs in the area. On a daily basis, Bath Housing staff are working with local families to help them navigate their complex housing issues. With this information, the organization has a clear sense of need.
Our team has extensive experience in real estate development including legal, financial, community planning and construction skills. We draw on deep relationships with the financial industry, funding sources, community leaders, and housing advocates. Ongoing, candid conversations with community leaders and neighbors is a core commitment of the organization.
Rendering of Anchorage South to be located at 80 Congress Avenue, Bath courtesy of Ryan Senatore Architects
Current Projects
- Congress Avenue Corridor:
- Anchorage South: This will be a new construction project located at 80 Congress Avenue. Containing 47 one-bedroom apartments, it will serve low-income elderly residents, most of who will relocate from the existing Anchorage apartments at 100 Congress Avenue. This is Phase I of Bath Housing’s master plan on Congress Avenue. Click here for proposed architectural renderings of the project. Bath Housing received project financing in November 2024 and expects to break ground in 2026.
- 520 Centre Street: In September 2023, Bath Housing Development Corporation (BHDC) announced plans for its first new construction, multi-family housing project since 1984 . Containing 18 two-bedroom apartments, this project will also include Bath Housing’s new administrative office. Construction is underway with completion expected in summer 2025.
- 540 Centre Street: In April 2024, Bath Housing secured funding for 540 Centre Street. This is the second phase of the Centre Street project and will include 24 one-bedroom apartments.
Historic Projects
- 2019: Acquisition of Downtown Bath Parcels
- Properties: Moses and Columbia Blocks, along with a parking lot at 195 Front Street.
- Purpose: Preserved downtown Bath’s character, stimulated economic activity in the walkable central core, and maintained modest rental prices for local residents and workers.
- 2022 Update: The Moses and Columbia Blocks were sold to The Uptown, LP as part of a 60-unit housing project combining historic preservation and new construction.
- Affordability: 75% of apartments designated for households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Completion: Project opened in May 2024.
- 2018: Purchase of 41-43 Lincoln Street
- Details: A six-unit apartment building slated for rehabilitation in 2019 using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
- 2017: Purchase and Rehabilitation of 470 Washington Street
- Outcome: Renovated using CDBG funds, now serving households earning at or below 80% of AMI.
- 2016:
- 28 Maple Street and 49 Elm Street:
- Purchased and rehabilitated with CDBG funds.
- Currently serving households at or below 80% of AMI.
- 806 Middle Street:
- Purchased, rehabilitated, and reintroduced as affordable family apartments.
- Bath Housing now owns and operates four quality properties on this block.
- 28 Maple Street and 49 Elm Street:
- 2006: 19 Oak Street
- Details: Acquired and rehabilitated. Initially operated as cooperative housing, later converted to five rental apartments in 2013.
- 1998: Middle Street Affordable Housing
- Details: Created eight affordable family apartments through the acquisition and rehabilitation of three blighted homes, funded by MaineHousing’s New Lease Program.
- The Anchorage (1977)
- The Moorings (1979)
- Seacliff (1981)
- Dike’s Landing (1984)
- 1977: Office Building Construction
Homeownership
Between 2000 and 2004, Bath Housing Development Corporation acquired, rehabilitated, and sold a series of homes in Bath to eligible low-income families. Using land donated to the organization by Bath Iron Works, Bath Housing partnered with Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers to enhance the housing stock and make homeownership a reality for families. Properties that were part of this program include three homes on Tarbox Street and two homes on High Street.
In 2005, Bath Housing partnered with Bath Regional Vocational School, Bath Rotary, and the City of Bath. Students built houses that were then moved to vacant lots in the community. Bath Housing then sold the houses to eligible low-income families. Houses built through this program include 88 Dummer Street (2005), 3 Federal Street (2004), and a house on Tarbox Street.
In October 2020, Bath Housing Development Corporation completed and sold 57 Chestnut Street in Bath. It took a village to make this happen — the project was a partnership between Bath Regional Career and Technical Center, Rotary Club of Bath Maine, USA, and Bath Housing Development Corporation, with a land acquisition grant from MaineHousing and finish work from Vaillancourt Builders. The new owner shared that she’s so pleased to have found a home to live and retire in that is “user friendly”, easy to care for, and doesn’t need work. She said, “It’s perfect for me! To be able to find a home that meets my needs and is affordable is amazing.” Click here to see a short movie about the project.