The Hartley Block, lower left, will soon fill a giant void in the landscape of Lisbon Street in Lewiston, where developers welcomed visitors to view a few of the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that are finished. In addition to the apartments, the first floor will be available for retail stores. (Sun Journal aerial photo by Russ Dillingham)

LEWISTON — Dozens of people circled through a finished apartment during an open house Friday at the 63-unit Hartley Block development on Lisbon Street, and developers say it’s a good sign. 

Friday’s “sneak peek” event marked the first day applications were accepted, and those interested jotted down their information while viewing a typical one-bedroom unit. 

City officials and staff also walked through. 

Szanton Company President Nathan Szanton said Friday that he’s been encouraged by the reaction and interest from the public so far. He expects the building to be fully rented two to three months after construction is completed in March.

“There’s a pent-up demand for units at this price,” he said Friday. 

The project has been under construction since February. 

Of the 63 units, 22 will be market rate and the remaining units will be a mix of workforce housing. That means there will be units set aside for households earning 50 percent of area median income, as well as 60 percent of area median income. 

Saco Falls Management, the sister company to Szanton for property management, states the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments vary from 595 square feet to 1,080 square feet.

Included in the rent are a fitness center, community room, children’s playroom, indoor bike storage room, Wi-Fi and one covered parking space directly behind the building.

Misty Parker, economic development officer for Lewiston, said she was impressed with what she saw, both the construction and the public reaction. 

“It goes to show the interest there is in this place,” she said.