LEWISTON — The developers behind the Hartley Block building on downtown Lisbon Street will begin taking housing applications in January ahead of the expected completion date this spring. 

Construction for the mixed-use development at 155 Lisbon St. began in February and quickly took shape over the summer, filling a large gap of storefront downtown that had been lost to fire a decade earlier. 

The project has been applauded by city officials for its mix of uses that will feature 63 mixed-income housing units and 4,000 square feet of commercial space. The first floor is designed to bolster a section of Lisbon Street that has already seen an influx of new restaurant and retail space.

According to Amy Cullen, development officer for Hartley Block developer The Szanton Co., the group will host a “sneak peek preview” from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 4 to show off a model unit. 

It will also mark the first day applications are accepted. Leading up to it, however, the group is taking names of those interested, who will receive first choice of units when applications are processed. 

In a news release this week, Szanton Company president Nathan Szanton said, “We’re tremendously excited to be on the threshold of adding over 100 new residents to Lewiston’s arts district. We’ve had really strong interest from the public at this location.”

Of the 63 units, 22 will be market rate and the remaining units will be a mix of workforce housing. Cullen said that means there will be units set aside for households earning 50 percent of area median income, as well as 60 percent of area median income. She said market rate units don’t have an income restriction, but tend to serve households at between 80-120 percent of area median income. 

Saco Falls Management, the sister company to Szanton for property management, states the one, two and three-bedroom apartments vary from 595 square feet to 1,080 square feet.

Included in the rent are a fitness center, community room, children’s playroom, indoor bike storage room, Wi-Fi and one covered parking space directly behind the building. 

Cullen said construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of March.

As it nears completion, Szanton also plans to commission public art for the building’s exterior. Cullen said an official announcement is forthcoming.

Lincoln Jeffers, director of Economic and Community Development in Lewiston, said he’s excited to see the project finally open. He said he’s watched over the past few weeks as crews are readying to install the exterior cladding. 

“I think people are starting to see that it’s real, and it’s soon,” he said. 

Jeffers said the retail aspect of the building is important for the downtown and is uncommon for a Szanton project. 

“They were willing to do it to make sure the project worked well for the city, and adds to the vitality of the street,” he said.

Asked about the first-floor commercial space, Cullen said, “We have had some serious interest recently,” adding that if and when leases are signed, the team will make official announcements. 

arice@sunjournal.com 

A concept design shows the completed Hartley Block building at 155 Lisbon St., which features 63 apartments and 4,000 square feet of commercial space. The developers will begin taking applications for the units in January. The building was designed by Auburn-based Platz Associates. 

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