THE SANFORD MILL, AN AWARD-WINNING ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION
The redevelopment of an abandoned mill building in Sanford, Maine won national recognition for Northland, with a Phoenix Award celebrating outstanding execution in cleaning up a former brownfield site and transforming it into a significant community asset. Built in 1915, the building sits on the northwest corner of the Sanford Mill Historic District and is the nearest mill building to the center of town.
The historic significance of the building and its prominent location made the Sanford Mill the primary focus of the Town's efforts to revitalize and transform the mill district. After approaching Northland Enterprises in 2007, the town and Northland developed a long-term redevelopment plan that began in 2008 when the town obtained the Sanford Mill through eminent domain. Northland Enterprises completed the 11.5 Million dollar project in August 2013.
“The Sanford Mill restoration is a testament to Northland’s commitment to expand the local workforce and deliver affordable options for renters of different income levels. By anchoring Sanford’s future growth area, the mill will provide opportunities for more economic activity in the years ahead. I commend your ability to serve Maine’s communities in such a positive way. Our state has benefited from your measured and thoughtful leadership. We are so fortunate that many others have also worked hard to help make this project a great success”
The redevelopment of the Sanford Mill has had a dramatic economic and social impact on the neighborhood, downtown Sanford, and the Sanford/Springvale market. Given the location, size and scale of the Sanford Mill project, this redevelopment has had an extremely positive impact on downtown merchants, businesses and property owners. Thereby resulting in a significant 'multiplier effect' throughout the local economy. Perhaps most importantly, the Sanford Mill project benefits the local community by serving as the first step in redeveloping Sanford's entire Mill District and, redefining Sanford's downtown as a vibrant, mixed-used commercial and residential center for Southern Maine.
Direct 'hard costs' investment of more than 7.5MM to downtown Sanford
Local hiring initiative of local vendors, and contractors whose workforce is comprised primarily of Sanford residents.
Originally, the development featured the creation of 36 rental units in which 8 of the units are available to households at or below 50% area median income, 17 units are available to household at or below 120% of the area median income and 11 market units, with no income restrictions. In February 2023, the property completed the residential conversion of half of the first floor’s commercial space to provide 7 additional market rate rental units.
11,000 square feet of competitively priced, professional commercial office and retail space.
Up to 70 new, permanent residents and 20 to 40 full time employees in downtown Sanford.
Award winning historic rehabilitation of the first mill building in the Sanford mill district.
