It takes a community to convert this nursing home into senior apartments

Without federal or state assistance, HomePort in Deer Isle is aiming to finish 23 apartments for seniors and essential workers by 2026, writes one volunteer working on the project.

The bedroom of a finished apartment at HomePort at the site of the now-shuttered Island Nursing Home. Photo by Mary Offutt.

By Mary Offutt

As recently as 2014, Hancock County had six nursing homes—six facilities where someone unable to care for themselves could live. Every single one has closed. But the shuttered nursing home on the island of Deer Isle-Stonington is being repurposed into 23 very-needed apartments for seniors and essential workers, under a new name—HomePort.

The board responsible for the property at 587 N. Deer Isle Rd, Deer Isle has not had an easy time of it, mainly because the factors that closed these nursing homes—worker shortages (especially nurses and CNAs), affordable housing for workers and adequate reimbursement rates—still plague Maine. After not being able to make the numbers and staffing work for re-opening as a nursing home, or even assisted living, the board came up with this alternative solution that still addresses urgent needs.

For those familiar with what used to be the Island Nursing Home, the finished project will look the same on the outside, but inside it will be barely recognizable. Each pair of rooms is being combined into one apartment. Twenty apartments will be one-bedroom units (one of which will be ADA-compliant), two will be studios, and one unit worked out to be a two-bedroom apartment that will accommodate a family. Despite the degree of change, much is being preserved: the high quality built-in storage cabinets, courtyard gardens and other landscaping created over the years by community members, the large windows affording views of trees and birds, ample parking, level walking options and gathering areas such as the common room and glass gazebo. Residents will not have to shovel out after a storm, keep up with utility bills (utilities will be included in the rent) or be prone to isolation. And with tenants of all ages, HomePort will feel like a real community. 

How is the board pulling this off? For one, by meeting frequently, often every week. They have also added members, some of whom asked to join, others who were recruited because of financial and business expertise. Once the board worked out what they were going to do, they hired local builder David Weed to create a model apartment and solicited quotes from major construction firms for the renovation. Up against estimates of $5-7 million, the board came up with a better and more affordable solution: recruit Dave Witham to serve as Project Manager, an islander with vast construction experience that includes 15 years as construction administrator for WRBC Architects in Bangor (not to be confused with David Witham the hotel owner). Working closely with the board, Dave used his own CAD program to generate a design, and continues to work closely with the board on the myriad decisions that come up in any construction project. 

Without a full construction crew, Dave’s main challenge has been getting work done when contractors are busy and dealing with their own worker shortages. But drawing on local tradespeople and subbing out some areas of work, Dave has made steady progress. With the walls, ceilings and even concrete floor slab opened up, utility upgrades are underway, and high speed internet is being added. As things look now, the building will be open for occupancy in late 2026, at a renovation cost of about $1.8 million.

Despite best efforts, no federal grant or state support has been forthcoming. But don’t underestimate the ability of a small community to make big things happen. In the early 1980s the island and peninsula communities raised $500,000 ($1.65 million in today’s dollars) to build the nursing home, a campaign distinguished not by the size of donations (the largest was $21,000) but the sheer number who gave. Today’s board is confident that the community will support senior and worker housing just as enthusiastically, which, along with our schools, medical and dental practices and emergency services, is essential to the sustainability and independence of our community.

The question on everybody’s mind is rent amounts, a topic still under discussion. The board wants to keep rents as low as possible without losing money,and it will ultimately depend on how well the community gets behind the project. 

For more information or to arrange to view the model apartment, phone Lori Morey at 348-6511 or email lmorey@islandnursinghome.org. Or visit us at https://homeportmaine.org/.

–Offutt is a volunteer with the Island Nursing Home board, which is working to convert the facility into apartments. She lives in Little Deer Isle.

The kitchen of a model apartment at HomePart. Photo by Mary Offutt.

The courtyard at HomePort. Photo by Mary Offutt.