SACO — A former mill building has been brought to life as modern living space with Chinburg Properties’ newest mixed use building.

For decades a former mill building, known locally as Mill Building #4, sat along Main Street on Saco Island vacant, exposed to the elements. Built as a textile mill in the 1880s, it was home to several manufacturing businesses until vacated in the 1980s.

Chinburg Properties, a company known for its mill redevelopment projects in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, acquired the four-story, 225,000 square-foot property in 2014.

The restoration that many have been hopeful of for many years has finally transpired. The building has been transformed into 150 apartments and about 30,000 square feet of commercial space.

Saturday was move-in day for 52 of the apartments.

Chris Nystrom was getting some assistance from friend Bill Tebbetts carrying a couch into the building as snow fell from a late season storm.

Nystrom said he felt lucky to have the opportunity to live in a “brand new” apartment in a mill-style building.

The apartments include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Rents start at $895 a month, and include heat, hot water and wireless internet access.

On-site amenities include a club room, fitness center, dog wash and grooming room, laundry facilities and a roof-top deck.

The apartments feature exposed brick and wood beams, as well as modern touches like built-in USB outlets and polished concrete floors with radiant heat. Large windows that let in a lot of natural light and three-quarter height walls give the apartment an open feel.

 Partition-style walls divide rooms, creating an open-concept design. Large closets, or “gear rooms” provide storage for bicycles, surf boards and other items.

Apartments are within walking distance to the train station as well as restaurants and shops in downtown Biddeford and Saco.

Saco Mill #4 Property Manager Matt Dubois said all 150 apartments have been spoken and the residential part of the building will completely rented out in June. Rental open houses were well attendanded, he said. “There’s been so much demand.”

He said renters include young professionals and empty nesters.

“It’s a good mix,” he said.

Kate and Jaap Schothuis, who are expecting a baby in a few months, said they  moved into the building because they thought it was a good, safe place to start a family. They said they liked the historical aspects of the building such as the brick work and the more modern features.

“This has the feel of a big city,” said Kate Schothuis.

Dubois said Coldwell Banker has rented out space in the commercial side. Commercial space is still open, and Dubois said there is potential for a restaurant to move in.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].