New 60-unit apartment complex to make a 'dent' in Bath's need for housing

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Originally published at News Center Maine May 8, 2024, by Caroline LeCour.

BATH, Maine — To address a growing need for diverse housing options, a new affordable apartment complex was built in Bath and on Wednesday locals got to take a look during a grand opening.

Made possible through several tax credits and the guidance of MaineHousing, the new 60-unit complex was developed by The Szanton Company and sits on the corner of Front and Summer streets.

Forty-two units will be reserved for those 55 and older and cost between $800 and $1,500 a month to rent, according to the developers.

"The mission of The Szanton Company is to create rental apartments that are moderate- to low-income, which our tenants are proud to call home," company President Nathan Szanton said at the grand opening. 

The building also features several community spaces, a rooftop deck, and some mixed-use retail spaces, some of which have already been renting before renovations and changes. Bookstore owner Jim Rice said as a retail and housing tenant, seeing more affordable housing come to the downtown area is much-needed.

"Bath is in demand. It's really popular now and it's gotten more expensive," Rice said. "For me, being right by the bookstore is ideal.

"With employers drawing folks to the midcoast area in recent years, Bath Housing Authority Executive Director Deborah Keller said she is hopeful the development will address a need for diverse housing options in the greater Bath area.

"We've lost multi-family housing in Sagadahoc County. Our population is growing; we have a lot more people that want to come here and live here than are able to," Keller said. "It's absolutely going to put a dent."