University of Maine System Advances Strategic Plan with Property Sales and Facilities Improvements
The University of Maine System (UMS) has continued its efforts to enhance fiscal and energy efficiencies by selling underutilized properties and investing in high-impact projects that support student and community needs. This strategic approach aligns with the system’s commitment to maintaining affordable access to quality education while addressing the evolving demands of Maine communities.
The UMS Board of Trustees has authorized the sale of three properties in Aroostook and Penobscot counties. One of these, a four-acre parcel on Sunset Avenue in Bangor, will be sold to the Bangor Housing Development Corporation (BHDC) for 0,000. BHDC plans to construct 50 affordable senior housing units on the property, nearly doubling the size of their existing site and enhancing community amenities.
These actions are part of a comprehensive effort by the UMS to reduce its holdings of unused buildings and land, freeing up resources for more impactful investments. UMPI also plans to sell its Houlton Higher Education Center to a community partner, ensuring the continued use of the facility while retaining office and teaching spaces within the building. This streamlined approach reflects the system’s commitment to responsible stewardship and local collaboration.
Beyond the land sales, the UMS is also investing in facilities that support workforce development and research. Approved projects include expanded simulation training for nursing students at UMaine and UMA, as well as modernization of research facilities in Orono, Jonesboro, and Presque Isle. These initiatives will advance understanding of PFAS and support key agricultural industries, such as potato and wild blueberry production in Maine. These projects leverage one-time federal funding and align with the UMS strategic plan to strengthen its research capacity and community engagement.
The UMS has emphasized that these initiatives not only support student needs but also build partnerships with local organizations and benefit the wider community. For instance, UMaine researchers are working with Penquis to pilot innovative 3D-printed housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the UMS’s role in addressing Maine’s pressing challenges through collaboration and strategic use of resources.
