The exterior of the mill after rehabilitation. Inset image: Before the project, many of the windows of the mill were blocked in and inappropriate additions had been made to the tower.
Bates Mill #2 is part of the former Bates Manufacturing Company which was responsible for changing the former farming community of Lewiston beginning in 1850 into the third-largest city in Maine. This pre-Civil War textile mill remained in operation until 2000. The mill has been converted to a modern storage facility on the first floor and affordable housing on the upper three floors.
Top: Living units retain full height spaces and exposed wood ceilings, beams, and columns. Below: A historic bead board stair was retained.
Previously in-filled windows have been reopened and historically appropriate replacement windows installed. The project proponent went over and above the proposed project work to install additional windows in the monitors and created a display of artifacts in the lobby to recount the history of the Bates Company. The over $9 million project has provided 48 housing units, 33 of which are much needed affordable housing for the town while retaining the industrial features of the interior, resulting in a desirable environment with amenities including a laundry, community center and fitness facilities.
