Mike Hanes of Falmouth has assembled a team to redevelop the Odd Fellows Hall, left, on Main Street in Norway. The iconic Opera House is at right. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal file

NORWAY — Renovations are expected to begin on the Odd Fellows Hall next month, according to building owner and developer Mike Hanes.

Hanes addressed the Norway Select Board Dec. 5 asking to create a 15-minute drop-off parking spot to satisfy MaineHousing requirements. The state housing authority is funding the project to create 16 affordable housing units, including one first floor Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant apartment.

“To my knowledge, that will be the only ADA unit in Norway, at least on Main Street, will be the one at the Odd Fellows building,” Hanes said.

The select board authorized Interim Town Manager Jeffrey Campbell to take next steps and look into what it would take to allow for that parking spot to be created.

“That will give us an idea of what the steps might be, if it’s just [Maine Department of Transportation] approval, or if it’s something we need to address in the ordinance, then we would have to schedule a public hearing,” he said.  “I would hate to see the project stalled because of one parking spot.”

Hanes said the Norway Opera House and a few other businesses were in favor of the spot.

“I don’t want to put this in if the other business owners don’t want it,” he said.

Mike Hanes, the developer who is transitioning the vacant Odd Fellows Hall into affordable housing, shows where makeshift block supports have been removed from the south side of the building wall and proper repairs will be made in March 2023. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat file photo

The plan involves creating 16 affordable apartments and an 1,800-square-foot commercial space on the first floor.

“From a street point of view, it will look commercial just like the Opera House does,” Hanes said.

Built in 1893, the Odd Fellow Hall has been vacant for more than 22 years. Plagued by broken windows and pigeons, the hall was listed in 2013 by Maine Preservation as one of the 10 most endangered historic buildings in the state.

A golden rule of the Odd Fellows, which originated as a tradesmen fraternity and dates back to 18th-century England, is to teach goodwill and tolerance and to support communal welfare.

The Norway Planning Board approved the renovation plans in February 2023.

Hanes said the architectural and engineering work has been completed, and he is ready to begin renovations next month.

“It’s my ardent goal to get this project going,”  he said.

“It’ll be good to see some activity there and start work on the building next month,” Board Chair Russell Newcomb said.

The Norway Select Board will next meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 19.