NORWAY — Brighter days and continuing renovations are ahead for the historic Gingerbread House on Main Street.

Paris Hill-based real estate agent Holly Bancroft Brown has confirmed that the property is under contact, with the closing set to happen before the end of the year.

The buyer, whose name has not been disclosed, lives locally and is working with one or two supporting investors, making the property’s next stewards a hometown partnership.

The Gingerbread House’s future involves long- and short-term residential and community use.

Two, one-bedroom apartments are planned to be built on the east end of the building, with the rest dedicated to a boutique-style Airbnb containing three or four private suites. That section of the Gingerbread House is also to be available for local parties to lease for private or public functions.

“The Airbnb will feature a common living space with fully functioning kitchen, dining and living room area, with separate ‘en suites,’” Brown said. “The buyer is very community-minded. Loves the art installations that have been featured. They picture exhibits as a potential use of the space going forward.

“They also may do some fun local projects, like sponsor a gingerbread cookie contest. Something of that sort to play off the gingerbread theme.”

Apparently, the buyer came to the Gingerbread House to view recently installed art exhibits but was moved to stay for good.

“They were first shown the house about three weeks ago,” Brown said. “It got them thinking about what could be. They’re excited about working with Norway Downtown” about other uses.

“We as a board are satisfied that the potential buyer had a firm and achievable plan in place to continue with the renovation of the Gingerbread House,” said Richard McSherry of the Norway Landmarks Preservation Society. “We do not know all of the specifics, but one of our main goals is that any new owner be able to continue the work toward making the property an active contributor to a vibrant Main Street in Norway.”

Brown said the investing partners have already done their due diligence of local ordinances and the property’s deed covenants. She expects that they will be prepared to apply for construction permits with the Norway Planning Board early next year.

The Gingerbread House was listed for sale last April for $400,000. The price recently dropped to $385,000.

Proceeds from the sale will be placed in a local historic preservation fund that NLPS will tap to support future ongoing projects within the community, focusing on stewardship of existing or historic buildings. McSherry said a plan to utilize the fund for other Norway projects is in early stages of discussion.