Housing rises on Gardiner former industrial site

Published: Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 8:00 am

Affordable Housing Project Transforms Former Industrial Site in Gardiner

A significant redevelopment effort in Gardiner has culminated in the opening of Iron Heights, a new 32-unit affordable housing apartment building situated on a former city-owned industrial site. The four-story structure, located at 1 Summer Street, features 28 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units, with ten tenants already having moved in.

Mayor Patricia Hart expressed satisfaction with the project, highlighting its importance for the city and developer Matt Morrill's choice of location. The city had held the property for years, awaiting a suitable development for its downtown. Hart noted that the building, initially appearing large during construction, now harmonizes with its hillside setting. Morrill, owner of Mastway Development, echoed this sentiment, receiving positive feedback on the building's integration into the city's landscape. He credited the project's contractors, overseen by general contractor LaJoie Brothers, for their crucial role.

The Iron Heights building offers residents convenient access to local amenities, including a grocery store, downtown shops and restaurants, hiking trails, and proximity to Cobbossee Stream and the Kennebec River. Some apartments provide views of the river.

The redevelopment of this site, formerly occupied by the T.W. Dick steel fabrication plant, has been a decade-long endeavor marked by challenges. Previous proposals, including one for a medical building, did not materialize. A substantial undertaking involved the removal of tons of contaminated soil, a legacy of decades of industrial use. The city secured grant funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's brownfields program to address this contamination, with the removed soil being transported to a landfill for use as daily cover.

While other developments, including workforce housing and a kidney care center, have occurred on adjacent parts of the former industrial property, the 1 Summer Street parcel remained undeveloped until Mastway Development broke ground in April 2025. Morrill affirmed the effectiveness of the contamination removal and capping efforts, stating that testing confirmed the site's safety for residential use. The project also navigated the complexities of the site's confined space and steep topography, which Morrill believes contribute to the building's aesthetic appeal. The development includes 27 on-site parking spaces, some covered and designated for individuals with disabilities.

Funding for Iron Heights was partially secured through MaineHousing's Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. Eligibility for tenancy is restricted to individuals whose income does not exceed 60% of the area median income, approximately $40,000 annually for a single person. Morrill reported significant interest, with around 100 applicants, though only 16 qualified due to income limitations. Mayor Hart emphasized the widespread need for housing in Gardiner and across the state, noting frequent inquiries for apartments.

Building amenities include an outdoor patio, a community room with Wi-Fi and a television, on-site laundry facilities, fiber optic communications, an elevator, and heat pumps with air conditioning. One-bedroom units are priced at $1,080 per month, and two-bedroom units at $1,239, with utilities included.

BNN's Perspective: The successful transformation of a long-dormant industrial site into much-needed affordable housing represents a positive step for Gardiner. This project addresses critical housing needs while revitalizing an area with a complex past. The careful remediation and thoughtful design demonstrate a commitment to creating a sustainable and integrated community asset.

Tags: Gardiner, affordable housing, Iron Heights, former industrial site, redevelopment, Matt Morrill, Mastway Development, Mayor Patricia Hart, T.W. Dick, contaminated soil, EPA brownfields program, workforce housing, MaineHousing, Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, community room, on-site laundry, elevator, heat pumps, 1 Summer Street

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