The almost simultaneous start of construction work at the former Clarke Farm off Spring Street and the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland on Stroudwater Street signals the beginning of major development in that part of Westbrook during the next five years.
For the city, this means a new, 183-unit neighborhood not far from downtown and a new, state-of-the-art adoption center and clinic for the animal shelter.
The two unrelated projects will be connected in the future by Landing Road, which will connect Spring and Stroudwater streets for the first time. In the middle, three projects in the Stroudwater Landing senior development will bridge the gap between the busy Westbrook corridors.
On Tuesday, Risbara Brothers Construction cleared the final hurdle for its subdivision project off Spring Street, receiving a signed permit from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Construction could be seen near the entrances of the site over the past week, with piles of dirt, large tractors and storage containers wrapped around the former Clarke farmhouse.
Bill Risbara, company owner, said Wednesday that the large subdivision, which is a mix of single-family homes, rental apartments and duplex condominiums, is a $30 million project. He said due to the time constraints heading into winter, Risbara has partnered with Shaw Brothers to more quickly install the public infrastructure and roads, which he hopes to have completed by late fall.
Risbara said funding is in place for the company to build the first 50 apartments, which he hopes are ready for “initial occupancy” by March 2016. The market rate apartments will have initial price tags of $1,150 for a one bedroom, and $1,400 for the two bedroom units. Each will include heat, hot water and air conditioning.
During planning for the project, many neighboring residents commented publicly about the potential impact the development could have on the school department. However, a study has predicted only 30 to 40 school-age children would come from the development.
Risbara provided figures for the single-family lots this week, which points to a need for housing in the area.
“We currently have 23 of the first 53 house lots spoken for, with homes starting at $225,000 and up, and it is our intent to have occupants in many of these sometime after the first of the year,” he said, pointing to how quickly the development will take shape there.
The development is known as Blue Spruce Farm, the same name as the former Clarke farm. The late William Clarke was Westbrook city clerk for 38 years, and Wayside Drive was renamed in his honor. The home at the farm, built in 1910, will be renovated and remain part of the development, but the barn will be torn down.
Risbara said he hopes the subdivision can be unique to Westbrook.
“This new neighborhood offers public open space, a community park and direct access to walking trails and bike trails along the river,” he said, referring to discussions Risbara Brothers Construction has had with Portland Trails.
For now, he said, he’s excited for his team and crews to get to work.
“We are thrilled to know that our crews and our many subcontractors and building suppliers will be able to stay busy over the winter months, building what we are sure will be a premier neighborhood in the city of Westbrook,” he said.
On Stroudwater Street, the start of construction on a new Animal Refuge League building is the culmination of a long fundraising process. In early 2014, the organization announced the “Future Fund” campaign toward building a $6.5 million updated facility.
The new facility will effectively double the current space, as well as allow for the consolidation of the shelter’s surrounding buildings, including an administrative office.
Jeana Roth, the community relations manager for the Animal Refuge League, said this week that while site work has already begun, an official groundbreaking event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m.
Roth said crews are completing site work for where the new building will be constructed.
“We’re currently still doing site work – clearing, grating, mapping out the points and layout of where the building will be constructed,” she said. “That will continue for the foreseeable future, as there is a lot more to do just on the piece of land before any construction can begin.”
The facility will feature a modern surgical center for care and spay and neuter services, isolation rooms for sick animals, outdoor play areas and meeting rooms for community events. Parking areas will be expanded, and walking trails will connect to the future Landing Road.
Earlier this year, Westbrook planning officials discussed a site plan for a three-story, 95-unit facility, known as The Lodge at Stroudwater Landing, the second phase of the Stroudwater Landing project. Upon its completion, the new Landing Road will create a shortcut between Stroudwater and Spring streets.
On the other side of Stroudwater Street, 60 acres will be developed by J.B. Brown & Sons.
An overhead view of the Animal Refuge League on Stroudwater Street shows work taking place behind the facility, across from Westbrook Middle School, left. The updated and expanded shelter will also eventually host walking trails from the future Stroudwater Landing project. Photo courtesy of Chris Dudley
Site work equipment is on the scene of the development known as Blue Spruce Farm on Spring Street in Westbrook. Staff photo by Andrew Rice
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