Restoring a Historic Shipbuilder's Neighborhood



Sagamore Village was originally constructed in 1942 as housing for shipyard workers building Liberty Ships during World War II. In 1953 it was purchased as the first low-income housing development owned and operated by the newly formed Portland Housing Authority. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Today, however, Sagamore Village suffers from structural foundation deficiencies, failing mechanical and plumbing systems, unabated hazardous materials, and outdated unit finishes.

Project Timeline

The main goals of the renovation project are to restore the historic building exteriors, improve site drainage conditions around buildings, update mechanical and plumbing systems, eliminate hazardous materials where possible, and update and improve interior finishes. Upon completion, Sagamore Village will continue to offer 200 affordable homes with sizes ranging from one- to four-bedroom apartments. The project will occur in three phases:

Phase 1

The first phase includes the existing Community Center. The existing Community Room, Study Center and Property Manager's Office will all be updated and reconfigured to optimize functionality. Renovations will also include a new permanent health clinic space operated by Greater Portland Health and an expanded food pantry.

Phase 2

The second phase includes the 10 townhome buildings along Cabot Street and Popham Street. Renovations will include foundation and porch/stoop repairs, restoration of the historic exterior design, new windows and doors, updating kitchen and bathroom finishes, new appliances, and updating electrical and plumbing systems to comply with current code.

Phase 3

The third phase includes the 80 residential duplex buildings in the development. Renovation scope for these buildings will be the same as Phase 2.