AUBURN — Next month, the first of 18 market-rate apartments along the Androscoggin River will be available for lease at 186 Main St., one of three housing projects built along the river in Auburn in the past five years.

West Shore Landing is at 273 North River Road and Rivershore Apartments is at 268-272 Main St.

Fallview at 186 Main is described as luxury studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, laundry hookups. Twelve units front the river. The location is within easy walking distance to restaurants, bars, festivals and the downtown area.

“It’s in the final stages of completion after so many years of preparation, and then construction,” Jon Smith told The Buzz on Oct. 8. Smith is president of developer Great Falls Construction.

Smith said the first units should be available starting in November, with the entire building expected to be finished before the holidays in December.

Two commercial spaces are part of the project. One is 1,200 square feet and expected to be retail or office space. The lower level is 5,000 square feet designed with a restaurant or pub in mind.

Mason’s Brewing Co. was originally making plans to lease the restaurant space but decided on a location in Machias in early 2024.

Smith said they have a prospect for the larger space but that The Boulos Company is actively looking for tenants for both spaces.

The project is unique in several ways, starting with its location on the riverfront downtown. It was built on about one-sixth of an acre on a steep incline.

The discovery of contaminated soil on the lot, which was previously owned by the city, delayed the project while a remediation plan was reviewed, approved and executed. Soil was removed down to bedrock, a city official told the Sun Journal in May, 2024.

JCS Property Management is handling the apartment leases, which will range from $1,725 to $2,535.

“We’re excited to be at this phase of the project just on the cusp of bringing 18 units right to the urban center area right on Main Street,” Smith said, adding it was a challenging development. “It’ll be exciting to see the residents take advantage of that … and take advantage of the outstanding views of the falls.”

There is limited parking on site. However, there is parking on Main Street and at the Mechanics Row parking garage a few hundred yards away.

The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or [email protected]