Project Profile - 73 Pine Street

  PROJECT: 73 Pine Street
  LOCATION: Lewiston, Maine
  CLIENT: Mt. David Corporation
  SERVICES: Architect - Engineer

This Department of Housing and Urban Development financed project is an example of one of the specialties of Platz Associates: the adaptive reuse of an existing structure for a new use. 73 Pine Street was originally two buildings, a private residence and the YWCA, that were joined together and most recently used by Tri-County Mental Health Services for offices and client services. Platz Associates redesigned this building for use as 15 units of supportive housing for persons with disabilities.

In addition to 15 apartment units, the design also includes a community room, laundry room, security entrances, and staff office. The existing connector between the original two buildings was torn down and a new one, that included an elevator, was built.

A particular challenge of this project was in balancing "competing public goods". HUD standards and accessibility concerns were paramount. But because 73 Pine Street is located in Lewiston's locally designated historic district, it also had to meet the standards of Lewiston's Historic Preservation Review Board. For example, due to the building's elevation, a wheelchair ramp was needed. Because the Historic Preservation standards would not permit this an outside elevator entrance had to be added.

73 Pine Street was our first housing and our first HUD project. Our experience in adaptive reuse and in working with non-profit agencies served us well in designing a project that meets the needs of our client and the occupants of the project.

Two Great Falls Plaza
Auburn, Maine 04210
Tel 207.784.2941 - FAX 207.784.2942
email: architects@platzassociates.com

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