You’ve seen the ads, heard the buzz, and may have noticed that major construction is not just taking place on our side of 295. Across the highway, there is new student housing coming to Portland — and USM is not involved.
Bayside Village, currently under construction on Marginal Way, touts itself as “Portland’s premier student housing community.” Unlike most student housing projects, this one is privately owned.
The $25 million project will include 100 apartment-style rooms, each housing four students, and are similar to Gorham’s New Hall in their amenities and layout.
While the apartment complex opens its doors to all local students, which might include those from SMCC, Andover, and St. Joe’s, its close proximity to USM and the school’s current lack of Portland-based student housing might mean future renters come largely from USM.
“With the Portland rental market the way it is, we think we can draw a lot of interest,” said Scott Ranger, general manager of Bayside Village. “With our proximity to USM, we assume that the school will lead in the number of residents.”
The four bedroom, two bath units are expected to rent for $725 a room, a figure which includes dorm-like amenities such as water, electricity, cable, and internet access.
Some might see Bayside Village as an affront to USM. At a school where even newly built dorms have trouble filling space, a competitor in student housing could threaten to divert students off campus.
Contrary to that expectation, Denise Nelson, USM’s director of residential life, sees the project as a valuable learning tool for USM.
“Five years ago we proposed building the new Gorham residence, and to also build a residence hall behind the new University Commons in Portland” Nelson said. This hall was proposed to be built following the completion of New Hall.
“What Bayside Village is doing is testing the market for us. It’s good timing,” said Nelson.
A lack of funds in the University of Maine System meant that there was not enough money to pursue a new Portland residence, and the announcement of the Bayside Village project slowed down the school’s plans.
“It’s prudent to wait and see if Bayside satisfies the need for housing in Portland.” Nelson said.
Meanwhile, Ranger has a vision for what Bayside Village could mean to the students who live there.
“While Bayside Village itself has a lot to offer students, there is a lot going on right where we are.” Whole Foods Market, Planet Fitness, and Eastern Mountain Sports are located across the street, making Bayside seem like “part of a whole neighborhood.”
“We were considering putting a fitness center in, but with Planet Fitness right across the street, it didn’t make any sense.” Ranger said. As part of his plan for the neighborhood-feel, Ranger seeks to make business connections with the local merchants such that they offer products and services to students at reduced prices.
Jeremy Bonnett, manager of Portland’s Eastern Mountain Sports, also sees the benefits to a close relationship with Bayside Village. “We are laying the groundwork for a partnership.”
In addition to a discount already given to all college students, Bonnett sees cheap rentals and equipment tune-ups as perks the store might provide for their new neighbors.
Ranger wants to make it clear that off-campus housing does not mean freedom from rules.
“There will be some staff presence in the building,” Ranger said. This staff, labeled “community assistants” by Ranger, will provide evening security coverage and make sure the building has controlled access.
Ranger is clear in saying that these “community assistants” do not serve the same function as an R.A. in the university dorm system, but they mean residents will still have someone to answer to. “If someone is causing problems, we will deal with that through the lease.”
“We could have over 400 undergrads living in this building. If half of them are female, this could draw some unwanted attention,” Ranger said. His solution; programming and education, such as the Rape Aggression Defense program.
Bayside Village is a project from Rockport based, Realty Resources Management LLC.
The company develops and manages over 50 properties in Maine and New England, including several low-income projects and assisted-living facilities for elderly residents. This is their first student-housing project.