Hammad Graham, left, and Max Quitog walk through Place Saint Marie in Lewiston on Feb. 6. Graham secured $10 million to totally renovate and update the 40-unit complex on Oxford Street. The work will take about 16 months to complete in phases. Quitog is part of the property management team. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
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LEWISTON — Two years after a New York developer and investor bought the Place Saint Marie affordable housing complex at 64 Oxford St., a massive renovation project is finally underway.

Hammad Graham is the sole principal of Sydney Capital Group, which is taking the lead on the project, which also involves Brisa Builders Development, which was a co-purchaser of the property and remains a co-owner.

During a tour of the site Tuesday, Graham explained that the long delay to the start of the rehabilitation is due to the number of federal, state and local agencies involved in the financing and approval of the project.

“Everyone has signed off; everyone has given their approval and blessings. Now it’s just about executing on the rehab,” Graham said.

The work will consist of extensive interior renovations, including new flooring, new kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures, plumbing and electrical wiring. Plans call for enhanced security measures, improved exterior lighting, a camera system throughout the development. Outside improvements include a play area and small playground, fixed barbecue grills, bike racks, benches, a small resident garden and beautification of the outdoor common spaces.

A contained changing area for workers who will remove asbestos has been established in the basement of Place Saint Marie on Oxford Street in Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
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“You think of these buildings, originally they were built in the late 1800s and they have gone through a couple of different uses,” Graham said. “Ultimately, they’re residential buildings — historically speaking, the bulk of the legacy of these buildings is the exterior facade.”

Graham emphasized that he is thankful the tenants have been very patient with him as the extended process of securing all the financing and permissions was underway.

The work will be done in phases and the current residents will not have to move far while their apartments are being renovated.

“Once we figured that this rehab was imminent, we started relocating residents out of their unit to temporary units within the development … vacant units,” Graham explained.

An architectural rendering shows the playground area planned for the Place Saint Marie complex on Oxford Street in Lewiston. Submitted photo

An architectural rendering shows what Place Saint Marie on Oxford Street in Lewiston will look like when the renovations are completed. Submitted photo

There are two buildings and each has been broken into quarters to do the work while residents can still live in the building. The cost of relocating residents to a temporary unit is being paid by the developer. Residents can expect to be out of their apartments for three to four months.

Liza Murphy, operations manager for Place Saint Marie, speaks Thursday with Hammad Graham, right, and Max Quitog at the affordable housing apartment complex on Oxford Street in Lewiston. The apartment complex is undergoing a $10 million renovation. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
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Nate Libby, Lewiston’s director of economic and community development, said the renovation of Place Saint Marie is another redevelopment project that signifies Lewiston’s commitment to preserving historic character while ensuring quality housing remains accessible in a rapidly developing part of the city.

“With Picker House Lofts welcoming new residents, the Continental Mill well on its way to securing funding for redevelopment, and Maine MILL breaking ground this spring, there is certainly momentum building in the riverfront,” Libby said.

“With our Congressional delegation’s instrumental work in securing funds for riverside trails, canal work and environmental improvements, we’re committed to matching the private investment in the neighborhood to help make the Riverfront Island a centerpiece of Lewiston’s redevelopment.”

Preservation Management, based in South Portland, will continue as the property management company for the complex Graham confirmed.

“They have a pretty extensive portfolio within Maine, and they have been working well with the residents under really stressed conditions of a non-rehabbed building,” Graham said.

Graham said work will occur on days when residents are at work and children are at school, which he hopes will help minimize the disruption from the construction.

“There’s a history to this property that hasn’t always been good,” Graham added. “So, I think these measures are definitely going to change the culture within the units, within the development. And I think the residents are ultimately gonna feel proud.”

Hammad Graham, left, speaks Thursday with representatives of involved organizations, at Place Saint Marie on Oxford Street in Lewiston. Various property managers, Great Falls Construction employees and a representative of Maine Housing were on hand to examine renovation work is needed. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
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