In an effort to revitalize the historic downtown, Colby College worked with the City of Waterville and other partners to rejuvenate a four-block section that transformed Main Street into a destination for visitors, residents and new businesses.
A centerpiece of the master plan, the 100,000-SF, five-story Bill and Joan Alfond Main Street Commons houses 200 students in four- and six-bedroom units with full kitchens and shared living spaces. It also features apartments for Colby faculty and resident assistants, with glass-enclosed student common areas visible from the street.
At the corner of Main and Appleton Streets, the 3,800-SF Chace Community Forum serves as a hub for student-led community engagement and hosts meetings for Colby, the Waterville City Council, nonprofits, and local groups. The ground floor also includes retail space for Camden National Bank.
The project has earned multiple awards, including the 2019 AGC Build Maine Award, MEREDA Top 6 Most Notable Projects, and GrowSmart Award.