GreenMars Real Estate and Acadia Realty Partners Welcome First Homeowners to Wilbur’s Woods in Brunswick, Maine
GreenMars Real Estate, a Maine-based developer known for creating high-quality, affordable housing, and Acadia Realty Partners, a Portland investment firm committed to responsible community development, officially welcomed the first homeowners to Wilbur’s Woods, a new pocket neighborhood designed to make homeownership attainable for Maine’s working families.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on-site celebrated this milestone and underscored the project’s role in addressing Maine’s ongoing housing shortage. Governor Janet Mills and Speaker Ryan Fecteau attended the event, commending the development team and highlighting the importance of initiatives like Wilbur’s Woods in expanding affordable housing opportunities across the state.
A Model for Affordable, Community-Focused Living
Wilbur’s Woods is a professionally designed neighborhood of 21 single-family homes located in Brunswick, just a short distance from Bowdoin College and the town’s historic downtown. The development provides affordable, energy-efficient housing options for Maine residents earning less than $105,360 annually. Each home is priced at $325,000, making them accessible to first-time buyers and essential workers who have struggled to find affordable housing in the region.
The community was made possible through the Affordable Homeownership Program, a key initiative of the Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan administered by MaineHousing. The program was designed to tackle the state’s shortage of entry-level housing by supporting the construction of new, moderately priced homes for first-time buyers. To date, the program has invested nearly $20 million, contributing to the creation of more than 300 new homes across 21 Maine communities.
Leadership Voices: Turning Policy into Progress
Governor Janet Mills praised the project as a tangible example of how state policy and local partnerships can deliver real results.
Today, I was proud to be at Wilbur’s Woods to celebrate the latest homes to be built with the support of my Affordable Homeownership Program,” said Governor Mills. “We’re taking meaningful action to make housing more attainable for Maine families. While national headlines often highlight the high cost of living, here in Maine, we’re demonstrating that smart policy, combined with dedicated developers, can make homeownership achievable again.
Speaker Ryan Fecteau, a longtime housing advocate and the 105th Speaker of the Maine House, also shared his perspective:
The starter home in Maine is nearly extinct,” said Fecteau. “GreenMars Real Estate and Acadia Realty Partners have demonstrated leadership by leveraging Maine’s nation-leading housing laws to deliver attainable homes for working Mainers. Wilbur’s Woods sets an example of forward-thinking development that addresses both affordability and community connection.
Community Design and Sustainability
The vision behind Wilbur’s Woods extends beyond affordability—it emphasizes livability, design quality, and sustainability. The neighborhood’s layout features 21 detached homes surrounded by a central recreational green, walking trails, and preserved wooded areas. The shared amenities—such as grilling and picnic spaces, ADA-compliant public walkways, and a landscaped common area—are intended to foster neighborly interaction and promote a strong sense of community.
Located within a mile of schools, healthcare facilities, churches, and shops, Wilbur’s Woods offers the convenience of town living while maintaining a quiet, natural setting.
The development also includes plans for an 18-unit multi-family residence, exclusively available to renters who meet affordable-to-moderate income levels as defined by the Town of Brunswick. GreenMars Real Estate expects to break ground on the rental component by late 2025, completing the neighborhood’s mixed-income housing vision.
Maine as a National Housing Leader
GreenMars co-founder Chris Marshall credited the state’s forward-thinking legislation—particularly LD 2003 and LD 1829—for enabling projects like Wilbur’s Woods to move forward.
Maine has distinguished itself as a national leader in housing abundance,” said Marshall. “Governor Mills and Speaker Fecteau have championed policy reform that empowers developers to create new housing at scale without compromising on quality or community character. Wilbur’s Woods embodies that progress—providing homes for essential workers, first-time buyers, and young professionals who have been priced out of the mid-coast market.
Marshall added that the project reflects a shared vision between public programs and private enterprise: building communities that balance affordability, accessibility, and long-term economic growth.
Collaboration Across Maine Businesses
The success of Wilbur’s Woods also reflects the contributions of multiple Maine-based businesses and partners, including:
- Nelson Property Services – site preparation and landscaping
- Ben and Sons Construction – residential construction and project delivery
- Bath Savings – financial partner and lender
- Alexander Wiss, Keller Williams Realty – sales and community outreach
- Shannon Richards, Hay Runner – design and consulting
Together, these local companies helped bring the community from concept to completion, reinforcing the project’s economic benefits beyond housing.
Expanding the Vision: Future Projects in Portland
GreenMars and Acadia Realty Partners are already planning additional developments to continue addressing Maine’s housing needs. Two major communities, Deering Village and Stroudwater Commons, are in the pipeline for Portland. Both projects will leverage Maine’s new housing legislation to expand density, streamline permitting, and encourage mixed-income housing opportunities.
Construction at Stroudwater Commons is expected to begin by the end of 2025, adding to the growing portfolio of projects aligned with the state’s housing abundance strategy.
Aligning Investment with Community Impact
For Acadia Realty Partners, Wilbur’s Woods represents more than an investment—it exemplifies a mission-driven approach to development that supports both economic vitality and community resilience.
Projects like Wilbur’s Woods can be challenging to design and even harder to finance,” said Justin Schair, Managing Partner at Acadia Realty Partners. “Our firm is dedicated to supporting developments that strengthen communities while driving sustainable growth. Wilbur’s Woods reflects that mission perfectly—it expands housing for Maine’s workforce and families through thoughtful design, collaborative partnerships, and patient capital.
A Blueprint for Maine’s Housing Future
As Maine continues to grapple with housing shortages and rising prices, Wilbur’s Woods stands as a replicable model for other towns and developers. Its success demonstrates how public-private collaboration, sensible zoning reform, and community-oriented design can work in tandem to create lasting solutions.
For GreenMars Real Estate and Acadia Realty Partners, the project marks not just the completion of homes, but the beginning of a new chapter in Maine’s affordable housing story—one where more families can plant roots, build equity, and thrive within reach of the communities they serve.
We’re proud that 21 new neighbors—teachers, nurses, and social workers—can now call Wilbur’s Woods home,” said Marshall. “They represent the very people who make our towns run. Our goal is to keep creating opportunities like this, where Mainers can own a piece of their future.
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