Freeport, Maine
January 2026
A proposed residential condominium project at 45 Depot Street received conditional approval from Freeport’s Project Review Board, marking a key milestone for year-round housing downtown.
The project, brought forward by Domus Dwellings, would replace a largely paved parking lot with a four-story residential building aimed at workforce-priced ownership housing within walking distance of shops, services, and transit. With Project Review Board approval complete, the project now advances toward final permitting and pre-construction.
Building renderings on Depot Street
Image source: Submitted by Domus LLC, Town of Freeport Project Review Board Public Record Materials
Rendering shown is for illustrative purposes and subject to final approvals.
Map of Project Location on Depot Street
Image source: Submitted by Domus LLC, Town of Freeport Project Review Board Public Record Materials
Rendering shown is for illustrative purposes and subject to final approvals.
What Is Proposed at 45 Depot Street, Freeport
The approved design includes a four-story condominium building with 45 residential units and a shared guest suite intended for short stays by visitors of residents. The plans also show a common indoor gathering space with an adjacent outdoor seating area at the front of the building. Landscaping and a rain garden feature are proposed to add green space and improve stormwater management, with the project conditioned on ongoing annual stormwater oversight by the Town. Proposed exterior lighting is designed to provide adequate illumination while minimizing light spillover to neighboring properties.
The development is intended for year-round housing. Short-term rentals are prohibited under proposed condo restrictions, while longer-term leasing, described as six months or more, would be allowed.
Units are compact and efficient with contemporary design & finishes. One-bedroom condominiums, per plans submitted to the Project Review Board (see illustration below) range from approximately 468 to 524 square feet. Eleven upper-floor units include lofted layouts that function as a second bedroom, adding approximately 148 square feet of loft space accessed by circular staircases and open to the lower level of each unit.
The development team stated a goal of pricing many one-bedroom units below or close to $300,000, with the intent that pricing would align with households earning around the area median income. Lofted two-bedroom units are expected to be sold at a higher price point that reflects their additional square footage. Final pricing will be determined closer to construction and marketing.
The project is not proposed as a formally subsidized affordable housing development. Units would be sold at market rates and would not be subject to income or deed restrictions.
The applicant also referenced two related projects by this development team: Clover Terraces in Westbrook, where units are currently on the market, and Parris Terraces in Portland, completed in 2019. The development team said units at Parris Terraces initially sold at prices aligned with area median income and that subsequent resales have remained close to those income levels.
3rd level, 4th level and Loft level layouts
Image source: Submitted by Domus LLC, Town of Freeport Project Review Board Public Record Materials
Rendering shown is for illustrative purposes and subject to final approvals.
Building Design and Key Features
The plans indicate the building will use light colored fiber cement lap siding for most of the building while the ground level entrances will use a vertical eastern white cedar siding. The building design utilizes protruding balconies, recessed planes, and window and door openings to break up the façades. Large windows are designed to maximize natural light within the units. The roof is a mixture of flat and sloping forms, divided into smaller segments aimed at reducing the perceived scale of the building.
Each unit will have its own electrical meter and temperature controls, with heating and cooling provided by ducted air source heat pumps. Hot water is expected to be provided by a centralized system. Mechanical equipment is located within the building envelope rather than on the roof.
Parking is provided at roughly one space per unit (45 spaces) in compliance with Village Commercial 1 (VC1) zoning requirements. Plans show rebuilt sidewalk frontage and pedestrian access connecting the site to Depot Street and downtown Freeport to improve walkability.
North & East Building Elevations
Image source: Submitted by Domus LLC, Town of Freeport Project Review Board Public Record Materials
Rendering shown is for illustrative purposes and subject to final approvals.
Shared Access and Coordination With Freeport Community Services
The project includes coordination with the Freeport Community Services property. Plans show a shared driveway from Depot Street that would provide access to both the new residential building and the remaining parking area serving Freeport Community Services to reduce the number of curb cuts along Depot Street.
Possible Spring 2026 Construction with Completion in 2027
The project now moves into final permitting, with construction targeted for spring 2026. Construction was described as an approximately 14-month schedule once underway. The team stated that condominium units are expected to be offered for sale prior to completion of construction.
Why This Project Matters for Downtown Freeport
Public comments at Project Review Board meetings emphasized the role of housing in supporting a vibrant downtown. Speakers highlighted the importance of adding year-round residents to strengthen local businesses, increase downtown vitality and support walkability.
Tawni Whitney, Executive Director of the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce and Director of Business Development at Freeport Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) noted that consultants engaged to study Freeport’s future all reached the same conclusion, “If you want a vibrant downtown, you need people living in it.”
Tracking Housing Development in Freeport, Maine
We track local development, planning decisions, and property trends in Freeport. We will continue to share clear, fact based updates as projects move from approval to construction. This post is provided for informational purposes. Sales and marketing for the project have not yet been announced, and the developer has indicated that a separate brokerage arrangement will handle sales when the project is ready.
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