ROCKLAND — The City of Rockland has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the sale and re-use of the former McLain School building and property for affordable workforce housing. Proposals are due to the City by April 18, 2025, at 10 a.m.

The property includes two parcels: 28 Lincoln Street, with the former school building, and the adjoining vacant lot at 82 Summer Street.

“It’s a beautiful historic property with character – and only a short walk to Rockland’s Downtown,” said Julie Hashem, Community Development Director, in a City of Rockland news release. “We expect it to generate interest from potential developers.”

The City of Rockland has been anticipating the transfer of the McLain School Property from Regional School Unit 13 (RSU 13) for some time, according to the release. In 2020, City Council proactively amended the zoning to allow re-use of the property as housing, consistent with the recommendation of a committee who had considered potential uses for the property. Transfer of the property from RSU 13 to the City is expected this spring.  

Rockland City Council has been taking a wide range of actions to address housing needs in Rockland. Recent actions have included amending zoning to allow for higher density residential development, making City-owned property on Rockland Street available for housing development, and using tax increment financing as a way to assist projects competing for MaineHousing funding. And on March 11, Council voted unanimously to put a $10 million bond on the municipal ballot to help advance development of new affordable workforce housing.

The McLain School RFP is part of this larger effort to address housing needs.

“The McLain School Property provides a great opportunity for affordable workforce housing, said Hashem. "Our businesses need workers, and those workers need access to housing they can afford.” 

For more information on the McLain School RFP, visit www.rocklandmaine.gov/rfp/mclain.