Westbrook Planning Board Approves Innovative Downtown Mixed-Use Project
WESTBROOK, Maine – November 3, 2020 – At its meeting Monday night, the Westbrook Planning Board unanimously approved the plans presented by development firm TDB, LLC and the City of Westbrook, which will transform the city-owned Mechanic Street parking lot into a multi-story 420 space public garage topped by 50 residential units and anchored by a 70,000 square-foot hydroponic greenhouse. The plans were first presented to the Planning Board in September.
“Our public-private partnership officially began this past summer with Westbrook City Council’s approval and authorization to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to execute the business plan for this development with the expectation that construction would start in the spring of 2021,” said Greg Day, president, TDB, LLC. “The support and approval of the Planning Board enables the project to stay on this time-line due to the exceptional work of Portland-based architect and engineering firm Harriman Associates in partnership with GYDE Architects in Jackson, WY. This project establishes a compelling business model for food production, jobs, housing and infrastructure in an urban core that our firm is expanding to other communities throughout New England and the Nation and we are very proud that Westbrook will set the standard for others to follow.”
“This is a transformational project,” said Daniel Stevenson, Westbrook’s economic development director. “Growing produce from a vertical greenhouse in downtown Westbrook demonstrates how diverse the city’s economic development has become. The project will be a catalyst for future, innovative development in the long term, while providing existing area businesses with increased foot traffic in the short term. We’re also proud of the fact that Vertical Harvest will employ underserved populations and aid in the fight against food insecurity.”
“A healthy food economy requires progressive approaches, and I applaud Westbrook for embracing this project. Vertical farming has the potential to become an outstanding complement to traditional Maine agriculture,” said Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal.
About the Project
Is a self-funded, 300,000 square foot multi-use development program in the heart of the City of Westbrook’s downtown that is intended to be an essential asset to the community. Vertical Harvest’s farm will bring modern, year-round, agriculture into the urban core supporting local companies with supply purchases and an inclusive labor policy that will provide premium produce to the region. The residential apartments atop of the garage will not only have dramatic 360 degree views but will further activate the downtown into 24/7 active community. Lastly, the parking garage provides critical infrastructure, at no cost to its patrons, that will support existing and attract new businesses to the area. All of these uses are designed to fit into the fabric of Westbrook’s downtown and become a landmark.
About TDB LLC
The Day Brothers is a family-owned business dedicated to leading projects that drive long-term social and environmental benefits to communities. It is a generational business started in the 1930’s that continues to adapt to the changing business environment and the Westbrook development will be a flagship project in its portfolio.