This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, in 1999, a helicopter hoisted a six-ton steel frame with a new three-sided sign onto one of the tallest buildings in Portland. When its hundreds of light bulbs were illuminated again, the historic sign spelled out a simple message that folks could see as far as Peaks Island. It said simply: "I AM BACK."
That sign above the Time and Temperature Building in Portland has been an iconic part of the skyline since it was first installed in 1964. The building itself, originally named the Chapman Building, dates back even further to 1924. While it once housed Maine's first indoor shopping center, the Time and Temperature building was eventually left vacant. But thanks to significant housing investments by my administration, I'm proud to say we're bringing tenants back to that historic landmark.
This week, Maine Housing awarded $13.4 million to developers to create 129 new apartments in Portland and Lewiston. In Portland, developers will create 41 affordable apartments for seniors in the Time and Temperature building. In Lewiston, developers will create a total of 88 affordable apartments -- 44 at the former Martel School location, and 44 at a site at the corner of Ash and Bates Streets downtown.
These new apartments in Lewiston and Portland are just the latest of those being built because of our work with the Legislature to address Maine's housing needs. Since I took office as your governor in 2019, we've authorized almost $315 million for the construction of more apartments and homes. These state and federal funds and tax credits have resulted in more than 1,500 new units so far, with more than 1,400 under construction and more than 2,200 units in the pipeline for construction -- the most ever in Maine Housing's history.
Just this year, in April, I was proud to announce that MaineHousing awarded $23.5 million to developers to build 137 apartments in communities across the state in Madison, Winslow, Rockland, Poland, Yarmouth and Rangeley. And in May, MaineHousing awarded $9.3 million to developers to construct 169 new single-family homes in communities like Sanford, Rumford, Waterville, Monmouth and Bangor. And earlier this year, I was pleased to join the people of downtown Skowhegan to celebrate the revitalized Spinning Mill building, a long-vacant industrial site that's now been transformed into a vibrant residential and commercial center with 41 new apartments plus a restaurant and other amenities.
Whether you're retired or you're working full time, or you're looking to rent an apartment in a rural community, or looking to buy a first home in a city, there should be a place for everyone in Maine. While the need for housing in our state is still significant, as it is in most states, I'm proud of the buildings that we've revived, restored, and reimagined for Maine families, buildings that many of which now say in their own way, "I AM BACK."
May these homes be a lasting sign to Maine people that there is a place for them here, now, and for generations to come.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.