The Right Equation for Responsible Development: Spotlight on 99 Western Apartments (Augusta)

Each year, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) recognizes some of the state’s most “noteworthy and significant” real estate projects, completed in the previous year. The exemplary projects from across the state, completed in 2024, not only embody MEREDA’s belief in responsible real estate development, but also exemplify best practices in the industry, contributing to Maine’s economic growth by significant investment of resources and job creation statewide.

This year, MEREDA honored projects from throughout the state, with each receiving special recognition at MEREDA’s 2025 “Notable Night” social celebration in May.

In a multi-part series exclusive to the Maine Real Estate Insider, we’ll provide an up-close look at the most notable commercial development projects of the past year that are helping to fuel Maine’s economy in terms of investment and job creation. MEREDA is proud to recognize responsible development based upon criteria including environmental sustainability, economic impact, energy efficiency, difficulty of the development, uniqueness, social impact and job creation.

Mainebiz also featured each of our Notable Project Recipients in their inaugural “Groundbreaking Maine” publication.  Be sure to check it out!  https://www.mainebiz.biz/special-edition/groundbreaking-maine-2025

MEREDA’s 2024 Top 9 recipients include:

Firehouse Village, Firehouse Ventures & Avesta Housing (Scarborough)

99 Western Apartments, Mastway Development (Augusta)

The Malone Family Tower, MaineHealth and Perkins&Will (Portland)

Seaport Community Health Center, Penobscot Community Health Center (Belfast)

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, Elliotsville Foundation (T3 R7 WELS)

Vertical Harvest, Vertical Harvest Maine (Westbrook)

Stacy M. Symbol Apartments, Westbrook Development Corporation (Westbrook)

Nightingale & State Street Campus Redevelopment, NewHeight Group & Redfern Properties (Portland)

Front Street Redevelopment, Portland Housing Authority (Portland)

Please join us this week in celebrating 99 Western Apartments.

MEREDA:  Describe the building and project.

Mastway Development: Mastway Development partnered with MaineHousing to create 99 Western Apartments through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. This project revitalized a long-vacant and blighted property along Augusta’s primary thoroughfare. The deteriorated office building was demolished, making way for 38 new, high-quality affordable apartments. Located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and essential services—and just minutes from the interstate—the development provides much-needed housing in a highly accessible location.

MEREDA:  What was the impetus for this project? 

Mastway Development: Mastway Development specializes in redeveloping underutilized properties, and 99 Western presented a prime opportunity. The site’s existing curbside utilities and large parking area made it an ideal location for new infill housing. Augusta, like much of Kennebec County, faces a pressing housing shortage, and the overwhelming demand for units—resulting in the building filling up faster than anticipated—demonstrates the need for more developments like this.

MEREDA:  That sounds like quite a process. How long were you in the planning stages before construction started?

Mastway Development: Our design team and contractors were exceptional! Planning and coordination began 13 months before construction, and Augusta’s staff was highly supportive in helping us navigate the Planning Board, City Council, and Affordable Housing TIF approval processes.

MEREDA:  Tell us about the most challenging aspect of getting this project completed.

Mastway Development: The site posed multiple challenges—it’s under three-quarters of an acre, located on a high-traffic corridor, and surrounded by an established urban neighborhood. Some neighbors initially opposed the project, citing concerns about parking, traffic, and access. However, thoughtful design and a respectful construction approach helped address these concerns, and the completed project has integrated well into the community.

MEREDA:  Something unexpected you learned along the way was….

Mastway Development: Although Mastway Development has extensive experience building housing, this was our first project utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. We expected strong demand, but what surprised us was how many applicants were actually overqualified due to income restrictions. MaineHousing sets rental rates and income limits at 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), and while this project filled a critical need, we also saw firsthand the demand for housing at slightly higher income levels that remains unmet.

MEREDA:  Now that it’s complete, what feature of the project do you think makes it the most notable?

Mastway Development: The combination of curb appeal and energy efficiency sets 99 Western apart. The building is visually appealing from all sides, featuring clean architectural lines and thoughtful details. Tenants consistently praise the quality and comfort compared to other apartments they’ve lived in. Additionally, the building’s energy-efficient design—including a super-insulated envelope, heat pumps, and rooftop solar—ensures comfortable, sustainable, and cost-effective living for residents.