Picker House Lofts breathes new life into formerly vacant Continental Mill in Lewiston

PHOTO/COURTESY SZANTON CO.

The complex houses 72 mixed-income apartments.

Originally published at WMTW March 26, by Cameron Lobley.

LEWISTON, Maine — What was once touted as Maine's largest empty building has seen a major revamp.

On Wednesday, officials held a grand opening for the Picker House Lofts at the former Continental Mill in Lewiston.

The Picker House, alongside the rest of the former textile mill, stood along Cedar Street as vacant property for over two decades.

After changing ownership throughout the years, the mill was eventually acquired by the New Hampshire based Chinburg Properties. the company would go on to sell the picker House Portion to Maine's Szanton Company.

After 20 months of construction work, the building is now home to 72 mixed income apartments.

"All of the units at Picker House Lofts are actually occupied or reserved for move-in by next week, I understand," said Maine Governor Janet Mills, who attended the event. "And that's a sign of how strong the demand for housing is in Maine."

City officials say the new complex isn't only addressing a need for local workforce housing, it’s also the first step in revamps planned across Lewiston.

“Picker House Lofts speaks to the heart of Lewiston's resurgence," said Lewiston mayor Carl Sheline. "What was once the remnant of our city's industrial past, Picker House is now a place of possibility.”

The Picker House is the first segment of the mill that’s seen a major renovation.

Chinburg Properties are set to take on the rest of the complex, redeveloping the remainder into more housing and retail space.