MEREDA names Gehring House rehabilitation one of the most impactful developments of 2025

The Northern Forest Center’s renovation of the historic Gehring House added nine badly needed housing units to Bethel’s stock. COURTESY NORTHERN FOREST CENTER

Congratulations to the Northern Forest Center, whose rehabilitation of the historic Gehring House in downtown Bethel has been named one of the most impactful development projects of 2025 by the Maine Real Estate & Development Association.

Originally built in 1896 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former home and clinic of Dr. John George Gehring was transformed into nine apartments to address the region’s shortage of workforce housing.

Drummond Woodsum’s Real Estate and Affordable Housing Groups are proud to have served as legal counsel to the Northern Forest Center in structuring and advancing this complex redevelopment project. Our team played a central role in navigating the project’s historic tax credit components, ensuring compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and structuring a layered financing package that included federal and state historic tax credit equity, private investment, and philanthropic support.

The project also reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, incorporating features such as wood pellet heating systems and salvaged materials while preserving original architectural elements, including fireplaces, woodwork, and flooring.

Click here to learn more about this project and other honorees or purchase tickets to MEREDA’s “Notable Night” celebration on April 30.