Building a
Stronger Future
March, 2011
The Downeaster has been a catalyst for investment since service began in
December 2001. Hundreds of millions of dollars in projects are completed or
underway along the Downeaster corridor.
The Downeaster is helping transform Old Orchard
Beach from a seasonal resort to a year round
community. A $22 million residential and retail
complex, 808 new housing units, and a Chamber
of Commerce building have been constructed
within two blocks of the Downeaster train platform.
The Biddeford-Saco downtown area is being renovated, with $300 million in
development projects underway within walking distance of the Downeaster
train station. The old mill properties are being transformed into retail, office,
and residential space. Island Point is now home to a restaurant and brew
pub, cafe, salon, and other commercial office space. A $2.2 million “green”
transportation center was built that is home to the Biddeford Saco Chamber
of Commerce.
“There is no question that the
Saco Island project would not
be on the drawing board had it
not been for the train station,
and the potential expansion of
passenger rail service in Maine.
Our proposal is an economic
development project for the entire
Biddeford-Saco downtown area. Without
the train, the project makes no sense.”
– Saco Island, LLC. Project Managers
It is projected that
by 2030* a total of
$7.2 billion in new
development will
occur along the
Downeaster corridor,
creating 10,000 new
jobs, and generating
$75 million in annual
tax revenues.
New Hampshire communities along the Downeaster corridor experience
significant growth, investment and development.
*Based on 2008 study by the Center for Neighborhood Technology.
» The Children’s Museum relocated from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to
Dover, to be within walking distance of the train station.
» In Durham, the University of New Hampshire spent over $900 thousand to
renovate the Dairy Bar/ Historic Train Station adjacent to the Downeaster
platform to better serve students and passengers.
» The town of Exeter plans to invest in a train station to accommodate
growing ridership.
Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority
75 W. Commercial Street, Suite 104
» Portland, Maine 04101 » 207-780-1000 » AmtrakDowneaster.com
Next Stop — Freeport and Brunswick
A $44 million capital project is
currently underway to expand the
Downeaster Service to Freeport
and Brunswick. This project is
improving transportation;
creating hundreds of jobs and
stimulating economic growth.
In anticipation of Downeaster
service to Brunswick, private
developers are investing more than $30 million in the Maine Street
Station Complex which includes a train station, restaurants, retail
shops, office space, medical center, plus a 52 room inn. This project
is supporting the development of Brunswick Landing (formerly the
Brunswick Naval Air Station) which is just one mile away.
In Freeport, a passenger platform will be constructed steps away
from hundreds of retail shops and restaurants including L.L. Bean
and the new Freeport Village Station. As a result of the certainty of
the Downeaster extension to Freeport, plans have moved forward
to allow a private developer
to build a new $2.5 million
movie theatre adjacent to the
proposed Station site.
“These investments are
already paying economic
dividends in places like
Brunswick, Maine, where
construction workers are
laying track that will provide
the first rail service since
the 1940s from Brunswick to
Portland to Boston. Private
dollars are also gravitating
toward Brunswick’s station
neighborhood, as investors
have financed a number of
businesses and residential
condos, a new movie theatre,
a new 60 room hotel, and a
21st century health clinic.”
– Vice President Joseph Biden
February 8, 2011
“L.L. Bean is very excited
that the Downeaster is
coming to Freeport. The
train will serve the local residents as well as visitors.
Freeport is a destination for shopping, outdoor activities,
and as a gateway to all Maine has to offer. The train will
truly enhance the visitor experience, as well as Freeport
as a community.”
– Carolyn Beem, L.L. Bean Manager of Public Affairs
Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority
75 W. Commercial Street, Suite 104
» Portland, Maine 04101 » 207-780-1000 » AmtrakDowneaster.com