Lewiston, Maine’s Tree Streets neighborhood in Maine received another boost with a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding supports the first phase of the “Growing Our Tree Streets Transformation Plan,” which includes the renovation of Wedgewood Mansion and the construction of 82 new rental homes across nine buildings on Pine, Pierce, Bartlett, and Walnut streets.
The Wedgewood project, led by Lewiston Housing in partnership with Avesta Housing, is expected to be ready for leasing by late fall, 2024. Evernorth is proud to be an equity investor in Wedgewood Apartments, contributing to the neighborhood’s transformation.
This initiative is part of a broader 25-year plan supported by HUD’s Supplemental Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant. Initially launched with a $30 million investment from HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods program, the plan aims to create safe, affordable, and mixed-income housing while addressing issues like lead poisoning and infrastructure decay.
The next phase of construction will focus on the DeWitt complex, adding 104 apartments and commercial space, further supporting Lewiston’s growth.
“Addressing Lewiston’s need for safe homes people can afford is critically important to transforming the Tree Streets neighborhood and strengthening our entire city,” said Brian O’Malley, Lewiston’s acting city administrator.
Historically, Lewiston’s Tree Streets neighborhood has faced significant challenges, including the highest rate of childhood lead poisoning in Maine. Much of the housing stock in the area requires extensive lead remediation or replacement. The Choice Neighborhoods Award will partially fund the design and construction of 185 new, safe, energy-efficient, mixed-income apartments, 92 of which will replace distressed or aging housing that will be demolished or repurposed.
Lewiston Housing receives $2.5M for ongoing Tree Streets revitalization | Mainebiz.biz
