In Gardiner and Waterville, Governor Mills Celebrates Revitalization of Historic Downtowns

In two iconic Kennebec County downtowns, Governor celebrates progress on housing supported by historic investments under her Administration

Gardiner and Waterville, MAINE-- Governor Mills today visited two iconic central Maine downtowns, Gardiner and Waterville, where investments under her Administration are supporting new housing developments that are strengthening the local economy and supporting future growth.

In Waterville, Governor Mills, Mayor Michael Morris, and Maine Economic & Community Development Commissioner Michael Duguay surveyed progress at Head of Falls Village -- a commercial and residential development poised to create 63 new apartments. The development is supported by the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program, created by Governor Mills in 2021 through her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, which over the past three years has spurred the construction of more than 400 new apartments in Maine communities from Sanford to Presque Isle.

"Waterville and Gardiner are experiencing a renaissance, and my administration has been proud to support the work of the community members, investors, and small businesses owners who are transforming these historic downtowns," said Governor Mills. "I was pleased to see how my administration's investments in housing are making a real impact to not only help address the housing crunch in central Maine -- but are supporting the local businesses and entrepreneurs who are fueling further growth in these communities."

Downtown Waterville has seen tremendous growth in recent years, supported by downtown investments led by Colby College. A recent economic impact study released by Colby projected that the college generated $1.33 billion in economic impact in greater Waterville between 2019 and 2024.

While in Waterville, Governor Mills, Commissioner Duguay, and Mayor Morris visited the Waterville Rotary, Dirigo Labs, Genotyping of America, and new businesses along Waterville's Main Street.

"I'm truly grateful to the Governor for spending some time with us today," said Waterville Mayor Michael Morris. "It's always a joy to share the remarkable developments and community spirit that define our city."

Over breakfast at the historic A1 Diner in Gardiner, Governor Mills, State Senator Craig Hickman, State Representative Karen Montell, and City Councilor Gay Grant discussed the Iron Heights Project -- located just across the Cobbosseecontee Stream from the diner -- where funding provided by Governor Mills and the Legislature is supporting the construction of 32 new affordable housing units.

Gardiner has recently saw the renovation of the historic Johnson Hall Opera House. Constructed in 1864, the performing arts center recently experienced a $9 million renovation and is attracting national performers. The new Iron Heights housing project is expected to increase foot traffic downtown.

"We were delighted to have Governor Mills visit Gardiner. Our historic downtown is home to many hardworking small businesses who have been honored by Downeast Magazine -- A1 Diner, Bintliff's Corner Brew, Alan Claude Studio, and Gardiner Renys -- as well as the beautiful restoration of Johnson Hall Opera House which is bringing world class performers to our community," said Gardiner Mayor Pat Hart. "We are grateful for her administration's collaborative investments in the downtown with the recent bridge replacements and workforce housing projects."

"It was a pleasure to join the Governor and community leaders at A1 Diner and discuss all the great thing happening in Gardiner," said Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Kennebec County. We appreciate her Administration's work to help support our local economy and create new housing options in our historic downtown."

"I was honored to join Governor Mills, fellow legislators and local officials in Gardiner to more deeply discuss the issues facing our community,"said Rep. Karen Montell, D-Gardiner. "Like many communities in Maine, we are currently looking for ways to address our housing affordability and availability crisis, the impacts climate change has had on our health and infrastructure, as well as continuing to navigate everyday life during ongoing economic insecurity. I appreciate the Governor's attention to finding solutions that will help us mitigate these core issues and put our families and children in a position where they can thrive."

Since 2019, the Mills Administration has dedicated nearly $315 million to alleviate Maine's housing crunch, with many of these investments occurring in -- or adjacent to -- Maine's historic downtowns. These investments -- nearly five times the amount the state spent on housing from 2000 to 2018 -- have resulted in 2,100 new apartments and homes to date, with more than 1,800 under construction, and more than 1,500 units in the pipeline for construction.

In the past few months, financing for the creation of nearly 400 new homes and apartments has been announced for around the state, including:

• $13.4 million to create 129 new apartments in Portland and Lewiston, including 41 affordable apartments for seniors in the Time and Temperature building, and 88 affordable apartments in Lewiston -- 44 at the former Martel School location, and 44 at a site at the corner of Ash and Bates Streets.
• $23.5 million to build 137 apartments in 9 communities through the latest awards from the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program.
• $9.3 million to construct 125 new single-family homes in 10 communities like Sanford, Rumford, Waterville, Monmouth and Bangor.

In addition to these investments, several new housing developments have also opened recently around the state, including the revitalized Spinning Mill in Skowhegan, a long-vacant industrial site now transformed with 41 new apartments, and the Picker House Lofts in Lewiston, which features 72 units in the renovated Continental Mill.