THE lofts at
bates mill
LOCATION
Lewiston, ME
CLIENT
The Szanton Company
SIZE
48 Units
Located in the heart of Lewiston’s redeveloping riverfront Mill District, the Lofts at Bates Mill No. 2 is the first project in the City’s history to convert historic mill space into housing. Featuring 13-foot ceilings, exposed timber framing, and large windows for abundant natural light, the 48 units of housing are an important milestone in efforts to transition these former manufacturing centers into vibrant, activate spaces, providing much needed housing within a short walk to downtown shops, services, and transportation. Winner of a 2013 Maine Preservation Honor Award, the project team at Platz Associates worked diligently to match the sometimes conflicting requirements of the National Parks Service and the State of Maine’s historic tax credit programs with the fit-up needs of the Maine Housing Authority, an essential development partner to this project. Built in 1854 for the Bates Manufacturing Company textile mill, the repurposing of this beautiful historic building with 21st century uses was a way for developer Nathan Szanton of The Szanton Company to honor the pioneers who built the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, a common theme we share here at Platz Associates.
Recipient of the 2013 Honor Award from Maine Preservation