From Vision to Reality: The Completion of Equality Commons
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The Equality Community Center and Developers Collaborative shared a common goal: create a welcoming, affordable community where older adults could age with dignity, independence, and connection. That vision has now become reality with the completion of Equality Commons, a new 54-unit affordable senior housing community with supportive services for LGBTQ+ older adults in the heart of downtown Portland.
July 21, 2026
Developers Collaborative
Located at 25 Casco Street, adjacent to the Equality Community Center, Equality Commons was intentionally designed to connect residents with the programs, services, and sense of community that support healthy, independent aging. More than a new building, it represents years of collaboration among nonprofit leaders, housing advocates, public agencies, designers, engineers, contractors, and community partners who believed that expanding affordable housing for older adults would strengthen both individual lives and the Portland community.
"Housing changes lives. Equality Commons is about creating more than apartments. It's about giving older adults a place where they can remain independent, connected to their community, and confident about the future. We're proud to have worked alongside so many outstanding partners to make this vision a reality."— Kevin Bunker, Founder, Developers Collaborative
A Shared Vision
Communities like Equality Commons are built on more than plans and financing. They are built on relationships, perseverance, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.
For Kevin Bunker, Founder of Developers Collaborative, and Ed Gardner, Chair of the Equality Community Center Housing Committee, Equality Commons represents years of collaboration, problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to expanding housing opportunities for older adults in Maine.
From the earliest planning conversations through financing, design, and construction, the project was driven by a common goal: creating a welcoming community where residents can live with dignity, independence, and connection.
The completion of Equality Commons is a testament not only to thoughtful development, but to the relationships that made it possible.
From Vision to Reality
In February 2025, community leaders, project partners, and supporters gathered with ceremonial shovels and a shared commitment to create affordable housing for older adults in Portland.
Today, that once-empty site is home to 54 affordable apartments designed to help residents live independently while remaining connected to healthcare, transportation, and community.
The transformation from an idea to a completed community reflects years of planning, collaboration, and dedication by everyone involved.
Meeting Maine's Growing Need for Senior Housing
The demand for affordable senior housing continues to grow in Maine. As housing costs rise and the availability of accessible homes remains limited, many older adults face difficult decisions about where they can afford to live while remaining connected to the communities they know and love.
Equality Commons helps address this need by providing:
54 affordable apartment homes
12 efficiency apartments
34 one-bedroom apartments
8 two-bedroom apartments
To ensure long-term affordability, at least 60% of the apartments are reserved for households earning 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) or less, with the remaining homes available to households earning up to 60% AMI. Through a partnership with MaineHousing, eleven project-based vouchers are available to support residents with special needs, helping expand access to stable housing for some of Maine's most vulnerable older adults.
Designed for Living Well
Equality Commons was thoughtfully designed to support residents today while remaining adaptable for the future.
The five-story community includes 19 accessible apartments, significantly exceeding minimum accessibility requirements and allowing more residents to comfortably age in place.
Residents enjoy amenities that promote convenience, wellness, and connection, including:
Community room
On-site laundry facilities
Secure bicycle storage
Broadband infrastructure supporting telehealth and remote health monitoring
The development also incorporates infrastructure for future Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations and rooftop solar panels, reflecting a commitment to long-term sustainability.
Situated adjacent to the Equality Community Center and in the heart of downtown Portland, Equality Commons provides convenient access to healthcare, public transportation, neighborhood amenities, and opportunities for community engagement.
Built Through Partnership
Meaningful projects are built through meaningful partnerships, and Equality Commons is a testament to what can be accomplished when organizations unite around a shared purpose.
At Developers Collaborative, the project was led by Laura Reading, Director of Affordable Housing, whose leadership helped guide Equality Commons from early planning and financing through design, construction, and completion. Working closely with the Equality Community Center and an exceptional team of public, private, and nonprofit partners, Laura helped navigate the complexities of the development process while keeping the shared vision at the forefront every step of the way.
Developers Collaborative extends its sincere appreciation to the organizations whose expertise, investment, and dedication made Equality Commons possible.
Vision & Development
Financing Partners
Design Team
Construction & Property Management
We also recognize the many consultants, subcontractors, funding partners, and community stakeholders whose collaboration helped transform a shared vision into a community that will serve older adults for generations to come.
Equality Commons reflects what is possible when nonprofit organizations, public agencies, private partners, and community leaders work together toward a common goal: creating homes that strengthen lives and communities.
Building Stronger Communities Across Maine
At Developers Collaborative, we believe housing is about more than buildings. It is about creating opportunities for people to live with stability, independence, and dignity while strengthening the communities they call home.
Equality Commons reflects our ongoing commitment to creating high-quality, community-based housing that responds to Maine's evolving needs. Through thoughtful development, strong partnerships, and a focus on lasting community impact, projects like Equality Commons help ensure that more Mainers have access to homes where they can thrive.
As we celebrate the completion of Equality Commons, we are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to making this vision a reality. We look forward to seeing this new community flourish for years to come.
Learn More
To learn more about Developers Collaborative's commitment to creating community-based housing throughout Maine, explore our recent projects and discover how we're working with partners across the state to expand housing opportunities for all.
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