Congress Square Commons
Description
Congress Square Commons is a new mixed-income housing development located at 115 Congress Street in Belfast, Maine. The project transforms a former municipal public works yard into a vibrant residential community with 48 new rental units in townhouse and apartment-style configurations. Developers Collaborative led the redevelopment in close partnership with the City of Belfast, reimagining the site as a walkable, family-oriented neighborhood that offers long-term affordability, sustainability, and connections to the surrounding community.
The five-building campus includes a mix of unit types and affordability levels. Thirty-six units are income-restricted through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, with most targeted to households earning at or below 50% of area median income (AMI) and the remainder to 60% AMI. An additional twelve units are reserved for households earning up to 80% of AMI, helping address the often-overlooked “missing middle” in Maine’s housing market. Units range from one to three bedrooms and are primarily townhouse-style with private entrances, backyards, and covered storage areas for bikes and strollers. The homes were designed to appeal to working families and promote stability for a range of income levels.
At the heart of the site is a shared green space that encourages gathering and connection among residents. A natural playground incorporates hills, logs, native plantings, and varied textures, creating opportunities for play while reflecting the local landscape. A community room opens onto the green and includes a kitchenette and shared laundry facilities, serving as a hub for resident activities. The development also features a locally designed mural, contributions from Maine artists, and landscaped forest buffers that maintain privacy while blending the site into the residential fabric of Belfast.
Sustainability was prioritized throughout the development. The buildings are constructed using high-efficiency materials, including Energy Star-rated windows, high-density insulation, and acoustically rated floor sheathing. Rooftop solar arrays produce more than 180 MWh annually, enough to offset electricity use in shared areas. Additionally, thoughtful site planning reduces car dependence, and a new permanent bus stop was added just outside the entrance to further support residents’ access to work, school, and services while reducing reliance on personal vehicles.
What makes Congress Square Commons especially notable is how successfully it balances environmental goals, affordability, and livability in a small-town setting. From overcoming site contamination and community skepticism to securing layered financing from MaineHousing, HUD, the City of Belfast, and Evernorth, the development exemplifies what’s possible through creative partnerships. This site, once a contaminated brownfield, is now home to a community that supports both the people who live there and the long-term economic and environmental health of the region.
What successes and impact will this project have?
Congress Square Commons addresses a critical shortage of affordable rental housing in Waldo County and across Maine. By creating new homes at a variety of income levels, the project serves a diverse group of residents all within reach of local schools, grocery stores, public services, and downtown employers.
The site’s design encourages connection and community, with indoor and outdoor space that invites play, gathering, and a sense of belonging. Residents benefit from high-quality construction, modern amenities, and a well-managed setting at affordable rent levels. This kind of housing development helps stabilize the local workforce, improve school enrollment continuity, and support economic resilience.
What challenges did you overcome in this project?
Congress Square Commons overcame numerous challenges to transform the site into a thriving mixed-income residential development. Initially, the site presented significant environmental obstacles, requiring the remediation of hazardous materials including contaminated soils. The cleanup process involved managing the reuse of displaced soils under a beneficial use license granted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
Funding was also complex: the project brought together federal, state, and local resources, including LIHTC, Rural Affordable Rental program funds, and CDBG financing. With layered funding came multiple timelines, reporting requirements, and construction restrictions. Still, through steady coordination and support from the City of Belfast and MaineHousing, the project remained on track and was successfully delivered.