Along Route One in Rockport, Maine, the Downeast Building at 680 Commercial Street has long been an iconic feature in the Midcoast landscape. With its historic architecture and prominent location, the property has been part of the community for generations. Now, the landmark is beginning a new chapter.
Midcoast Habitat for Humanity has purchased the 24,779± SF mixed-use property from Sally Fernald and the Estate of H. Allen Fernald for $1,450,000. The transaction closed on March 31, 2026. Cheri Bonawitz, Karen Rich, and Joe Malone of Malone Commercial Brokers represented the seller, and Scott Horty of Camden Real Estate Company represented the buyer.
Originally constructed around 1900, the property reflects the historic character that defines much of the Midcoast region. Over time, the site evolved into a multi-building campus that includes a 15,387± SF office and retail building, a 6,800± SF warehouse, and a 2,592± SF building on 6.88± acres. Its visibility along Route One and ample parking have made it a functional and well-known property within the Rockport community.
“This property offered a unique opportunity for an organization like Midcoast Habitat for Humanity,” said Cheri Bonawitz of Malone Commercial Brokers. “Its size, visibility along Route One, and flexible mix of spaces make it well suited to support their expanding operations and long-term mission.”
The organization plans to relocate its offices to the property while expanding its ReStore operations, a key fundraising initiative that helps support Habitat’s mission of building safe, permanently affordable homes throughout the Midcoast region.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our organization and an integral part of our plan to increase our impact, growing with the needs of our community,” Tia Anderson, Executive Director of Midcoast Habitat for Humanity said in a news release. “We are happy to preserve this local landmark as a space dedicated to connection, collaboration, and community impact.”
The new facility will allow Midcoast Habitat to expand its retail space for the ReStore, increase its capacity for donations, and provide additional room for staff, volunteers, and operations. The organization also envisions the building becoming a hub for collaboration among local nonprofits and service providers.
“In a rural region like ours, organizations are often spread out and not always connected,” Anderson said. “By bringing partners together under one roof, we can strengthen communication, reduce duplication of services, and better support the people we collectively serve.”
With its long-standing presence in the community and a renewed purpose ahead, the Downeast Building will remain a meaningful part of Rockport’s landscape for years to come.
