Rumford Senior Living: A New Affordable Housing Resource for Adults Age 55+
- Brina Stairs
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
New Rumford Senior Living opens with 33 affordable apartments for adults 55+, providing accessible housing and connecting residents to downtown Rumford.
January 21, 2026
Developers Collaborative
Rumford Senior Living is now complete, marking the delivery of a 33-unit affordable rental community for adults age 55+ in downtown Rumford, Maine. Developers Collaborative is pleased to announce the completion of the project, developed in partnership with MaineHousing and local stakeholders, which expands access to high-quality housing while reinvesting in the town’s existing downtown fabric.
Located at 101 Hancock Street, the four-story building with a lower level provides one-bedroom apartments designed to support aging in place and long-term housing stability.
A Housing Resource Designed for Aging in Place
Rumford Senior Living includes sixteen fully accessible units and serves households earning between 50 and 60 percent of Area Median Income, with at least 60 percent of apartments reserved for households at or below 50 percent AMI. Seven project-based vouchers are designated for tenants with disabilities, providing enhanced affordability for residents with the greatest need.
Apartment homes range from 544 to 689 square feet. Resident amenities include a community room with kitchenette, laundry facilities, on-site management offices, and thirty on-site parking spaces, including accessible parking, supporting both independence and connection.
Context-Sensitive Design in Downtown Rumford
The building was designed to complement the neighboring historic Strathglass Park District while contributing to the Town of Rumford’s broader revitalization efforts. Overlooking the Androscoggin River, the site offers walkable access to downtown services, J. Eugene Bolvin Park, and the Rumford Falls Trail, connecting residents to daily needs, recreation, and the surrounding community.
Redeveloping a Challenging Infill Site
Rumford Senior Living transformed a fire-damaged and environmentally compromised property into a long-term housing asset. Following a 2020 fire, redevelopment required extensive remediation of damaged foundations, debris-laden fill, and soils impacted by lead and combustion byproducts.
Working under Maine Department of Environmental Protection oversight through the Voluntary Response Action Program, the development team safely investigated, managed, and remediated environmental risks, demonstrating responsible land reuse and effective risk management.
Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Planning
Environmental responsibility extended beyond site cleanup. Through a Beneficial Use Permit issued by the Maine DEP, clean subsurface soils from the site were reused to elevate flood-impacted properties elsewhere in Rumford following severe Androscoggin River flooding in 2023. Materials unsuitable for reuse were removed or safely encapsulated.
Sustainable planning strategies further support long-term performance. The project’s walkable location reduces reliance on vehicles and promotes independent mobility, while energy-efficient building systems, including high-efficiency VRF heating and cooling, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and well-insulated building assemblies, help reduce energy demand and stabilize utility costs for adults age 55+ living on fixed incomes.
A Model for Community-Focused Development
Rumford Senior Living demonstrates how affordable housing, environmental remediation, and thoughtful design can work together to deliver lasting community value. The completed project reflects Developers Collaborative’s approach to complex redevelopment, strengthening neighborhoods, supporting housing stability, and contributing to long-term resilience in rural Maine.
As Rumford Town Manager George O’Keefe noted at the project’s groundbreaking:
“This building is literally a cornerstone to the town’s continued efforts to revitalize, restore, and rejuvenate our housing stock and help grow our economy.”
Pictured: Meg Robinson, Developers Collaborative; (NAME) Portland Builders; Berta Trafton, Portland Builders; (NAME, BUSINESS); Mark Wiesendanger, Maine Housing; Kevin Bunker, Developers Collaborative; George O’Keefe, Town of Rumford; Laura Reading, Developers Collaborative; Ginny Stanley, Invivid Architecture; Michelle Hornok, CREA
Project Partners
Rumford Senior Living was made possible through collaboration with public, private, and community partners, including:
General Contractor
Architectural Team
Engineering Team
For rental information, please contact Realty Resources Management at info@realtyresourcesgroup.com.