A Second Home in Biddeford
My Place Teen Center is proud to have its history rooted in Westbrook, and looks to a future of expansion into Biddeford — with a projected opening date of fall 2021 in the former St. Andre’s Church.
A Tale of Two Cities: Westbrook and Biddeford share striking similarities, and hold the keys to both the past and future of My Place Teen Center. While Westbrook and Biddeford look toward redevelopment and revitalization, the most vulnerable citizens — its youth — are in danger of slipping through the cracks. We recognized this conundrum 22 years ago in Westbrook, and have been working diligently for area teens ever since. Now, My Place Teen Center will do the same thing in Biddeford. See the communities we serve.
A Little History
In 2014, Biddeford champions and stakeholders requested discussions about how to bring our business model to Biddeford. Originally we were functioning in a consultant mode – how THEY could operate such a facility like ours, but early 2017 discussions turned to: Would WE bring our business model to Biddeford and run a second site/MPTC for them? Given that expansion was already part of our strategic plan, this was an easy answer due to the positive relationship already developed with city leaders and a similar demographic and landscape between both cities. A feasibility study was then conducted.
Since then, we’ve been working closely with Biddeford Housing Authority/Southern Maine Affordable Housing and city leaders regarding establishing a second site at 75 Bacon Street, Biddeford; the former St. Andre’s Church. Our target opening date is fall 2021. Additionally, the St. Andre’s former rectory houses a high school alternative education program and the former convent is affordable senior housing.
St. Andre’s Church ready for renovation
The Future Aesthetic
The Red Door Campaign – $4MM
Campaign gifts will go towards (1) 75 Bacon Street renovation and furnishings, (2) Van used for Biddeford’s transport needs, (3) facilities’ upkeep and reserve fund for both sites, and (4) programming/operations for two years for both sites.
- 75 Bacon Street Biddeford Renovation and Furnishings – $1.2MM
- White box condition: roof repair/steeple, flooring, heating-ventilation system, windows/doors, interior improvements, plumbing, security/electrical upgrades, sprinkler updates, fire alarm, additional materials and labor – $750K
- Commercial kitchen and dining area – $200k
- Furnishings – $250k
- 15-Passenger Van – $50K
- Facilities’ Upkeep and Operating Reserve Fund – $450K
- Programming and Daily Operations – Westbrook and Biddeford Sites – $2.3MM
- Fiscal Years – 2021/2022 – 2022/2023
Your gift can either be restricted or unrestricted. If unrestricted, funds expended will have the flexibility to meet the demands and quirks of a full-scale renovation of the former St. Andre’s Church at 75 Bacon St. as well as the nimbleness to scale our business model to a new community while maintaining the status quo of the original community. Please indicate your restricted or unrestricted preference.
We will be in a shared ownership contract with Southern Maine Affordable Housing. My Place Teen Center will own the main floor and the balconies above the main floor at 75 Bacon. We are the sole owner of our Westbrook location.
Please partner with us to serve upwards of a 1,000 kids and 20,000 meals. Let’s open 75 Bacon in Biddeford and sustain 755 Main in Westbrook = Red Doors in two vibrant communities!