Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I N O. X X I S E P T E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 2 5 18 A U G U S TA / WAT E R V I L L E / C E N T R A L M A I N E F O C U S Each guest room is different and their designs are their own projects, he notes. e hotel will add 50-plus jobs. As a hub of activity for locals and visitors with a café, bar, bath- house and meeting spaces. It could bring more visi- tors to the downtown area. Overall project costs and financing are still coming together as the designs are finalized. Depending on the permitting timeline, construction could start this fall and the hotel could open in early 2027. e project team includes Brooklyn, N.Y.- based Post Co. for interior design, Bridgehampton, N.Y.-based BMA Architects and Augusta builder Lajoie Brothers. "Historic tax credits make the project feasible from an investment standpoint; otherwise, the costs of the project would make this project potentially impossible to pursue," says DeLois. Downtown rentals Jonathan Miller of Hemlock House Development envisions converting two vintage downtown build- ings, both dating back to around 1900, into a total of 26 rental units, half designated as affordable. Established in 2018, the North Yarmouth firm specializes in historic renovations as long-term rental investments. Miller has worked on other buildings in downtown Augusta, including a 28,000-square-foot project called the Vickery — a renovation of four historic buildings to provide 26 luxury residences and retail spaces. Miller says he enjoys working with old buildings because they have a great deal of charm and character that can't be recreated in new construction projects and they allow him to create apartments that are dis- tinctive from one another. Historical features at the 7,750-square-foot building at 211 Water St., which he owns, include massive win- dows and tin ceilings, which will be revitalized. Eight apartment units would go into 6,000 square feet of unoccupied space; three designated affordable. At 333 Water St., which is under contract, the 25,000-square-foot building includes a grand stair- well. Redevelopment would include converting 15,000 square feet of unoccupied space into 18 apartment units, six designated affordable, plus two retail spaces. Custom process e process includes demolishing almost all non- historic materials back to the brick and wood. Historical elements are retained, catalogued, fixed as needed and reinstalled. ings are often out of square. New mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will be installed. "Doing the finish work is a very custom process," he notes. "It increases the construction cost significantly." Miller utilizes federal and state historic tax cred- its to help fund construction. "ese historic building renovations would not be feasible without these tax credits," he says. e total for the two renovations is estimated at $8.2 million. Design and financing are being worked out. Miller is applying for a TIF designation. "We are hoping to start construction this winter," he adds. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E We're working closely with the development community to make sure they're aware that Augusta is a welcoming place for housing development. — Keith Luke City of Augusta Jonathan Miller of Hemlock House Development says the conversion of 211 Water St. into apartments includes revitalizing its massive windows and tin ceilings. P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F H E M L O C K D E V E L O P M E N T Jonathan Miller's project at 333 Water St. would create 18 apartment units, six designated affordable, plus two retail spaces. P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F H E M L O C K D E V E L O P M E N T

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