Bateman Partners, a Portland-based real estate developer, announced Friday that they will soon begin redevelopment of the Summer Street Block, located at the corner of Summer and Alfred streets, near Pizza by Alex.
The $4.7 million project will “significantly improve” and update all 32 of the existing elderly and affordable housing units in the Summer Street Block, according to a project spokesperson.
The company says their goal is to completely “rehabilitate an important workforce housing project” that was originally built in 1880.
According to a press release, planning for launch of the renovations was complex, and construction is expected to be completed by the close of 2025.
“It was an arduous, six-year process to figure out what needs to be done, and put the financial building blocks in place to make this possible,” said David Bateman, president of Bateman Partners. “But we invest in Maine communities for the long-term, and the city of Biddeford is committed to expanding housing options that older folks and working families can afford. When we wrap this up, almost the entire building will be brand new.”
According to Bateman, the project will include new roofs for each of the buildings, as well as new windows, siding, doors hardware, decking and hand rails.
A new elevator will be installed and a “community room” will be added with flooring, kitchen, ceilings, furniture, computer with internet access. The project will also include life safety improvements and upgrades to existing sprinkler system.
The parking lot and all walkways will be resurfaced and striped, and current drainage problems will be repaired to address moisture rot in the complex.
Each of the individual units will include new kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances; bathroom updates and energy-efficient lighting improvements.
Over the last 45 years, Bateman Partners has developed and built commercial and residential projects worth more than $380 million in Maine and New Hampshire.
The company is also well-known for developing some of Maine’s most iconic properties, such as the Portland Harbor Hotel and The Inn at Diamond Cove.
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LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 
Am I to assume that while this work is being done the apartment dwellers will have to find another place to live? And once the work is complete, how much does the rent go up? Probably not what the tenants can afford. The building facing Alex Pizza was around in the 60s because my Grammy lived in the first apartment upstairs. Cute little one bedroom.
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Hopefully it’s for Biddeford residents not illegals who wouldn’t pay a dime. Keep it affordable!!!
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You should be aware that “illegal” immigrants cannot get any public assistance because they would have to apply to the government for those benefits and thus be documented immigrants. not “illegal” Asylum seekers and other documented immigrants can apply for help, but they must follow all U.S. and state laws. no one is handing out cash. I find it strange that so many people in this community whine about immigration in a city that was literally built on the backs of immigrants. Weird.
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