MDF’s Maine Downtown Center Announces Annual Awards for Standout Community Projects and Individuals

Hallowell, MAINE - October 1, 2024 -The Maine Downtown Center (MDC), a program of Maine Development Foundation (MDF), is thrilled to announce awards recognizing projects and individuals that have made the biggest impacts in downtown communities in the past year.

"These exemplary individuals and projects are shining examples of the power of collective action to preserve and revitalize our downtowns," says Anne Ball, Senior Program Director for MDF's Maine Downtown Center. "They model strategies and best practices that will ensure the communities they live and work in remain vibrant and sustainable for generations to come."

The MDC team gathered nominations for the awards during a competitive process, and proudly announce the following winners:

• William F. King, Jr., Downtown Champion Award: Luke Dyer, Town Manager, Van Buren Luke Dyer is leading Van Buren's revitalization with resident involvement at the forefront. Dyer has doggedly pursued certifications and grants from state, federal, and foundations that have enabled Van Buren to pursue green space revival and redesign, community engagement events like "Christmas in July", and a downtown business incubator and connectivity hub.

• Downtown Small Business Award:Rhona Beauty, Biddeford Owner Rhona Deah's salon focuses on serving the region's communities of color and New Mainer population. She embodies Maine's entrepreneurial spirit and strives to offer a space that encourages "empowerment and self-love." Ms. Deah is very active in community, including inviting groups to meet in her salon for networking, professional development, and peer support. She won a $5,000 Main Street America "Inclusive Backing" grant and used it to expand her space and offer booths to other entrepreneur-stylists.

• Downtown Project of the Year Award: The Uptown Apartment Complex, Bath The development firm, The Szanton Company, partnered with the City of Bath to revitalize two historic buildings and add a new addition in order to provide much needed affordable housing in downtown Bath. There are 60 apartments total: 18 are market-rate, 42 low-income, and all are reserved for residents aged 55+. It took just six weeks to fill up. There is also an activity room in a former gym, a communal roof deck overlooking the river and park, community rooms and on-site laundry. The Szanton Company worked with more than a dozen partners to secure stacked funding - including MaineHousing low-income tax credits and state and federal historic tax credits and nonprofit lenders like Genesis Community Loan Fund which provided low-interest loans.

The MDC Annual Awards serve as inspiration statewide for communities and individuals working on downtown revitalization. They recognize outstanding efforts in communities which are part of MDF's Maine Downtown Center program.

"I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive the William F. King Jr Award while representing the Town of Van Buren," says Luke Dyer, Town Manager, Van Buren. "It exemplifies the dedication and tenacity of many individuals who have entrusted in me the reinvention of their beloved downtown."

"Rhona Beauty strives to be an inclusive cornerstone of the Biddeford-Saco community and we are thrilled to be recognized for this work," says Rhona Deah, Owner of Rhona Beauty salon. "We started with a goal of meeting the needs of the region's underserved ethnic community. We've grown to become a multicultural hub for our clients but also for fellow entrepreneurs and community members as well."

"The Szanton Company is honored to be recognized with MDC's 2024 Downtown Project of the Year Award," says Amy Cullen, Vice President & Project Partner with The Szanton Company. "We are proud to be part of easing the housing crisis in the Bath region and hope The Uptown serves as a model for making housing more affordable and accessible across Maine."

The awards will be presented during MDC's upcoming Annual Conference and Awards Celebration November 6-7 in Biddeford and Saco. The theme this year is "Revitalization in Action." For more information and the complete schedule of workshops, speakers, and networking sessions visit the conference section of MDF's website.

To learn more about Maine Downtown Center and how your community can get involved, visit the MDC section of this website. our website.

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