SACO — A former assisted living home on Winter Street will be a student dormitory in the future, thanks to a contract zone approved by the Saco City Council on Monday.
Thornton Academy is under contract to purchase the former Winterhaven building, located in a residential neighborhood at 95 King St., a few blocks away from campus.
The building, according to Thornton Academy Headmaster Rene Menard, is in “turn-key” condition, and would be used to house residential staff and 16 boarding students.
The private high school and middle school serves publicly-funded students through contracts with local school boards, as well as privately-funded students.
Eight years ago, the school began an international boarding program to offset the decline of local students. The school now has 162 students from across the globe. The majority of the students live in dormitories on campus, while about 50 live with families throughout the community.
Menard said that while the family placements have gone well, students living close to campus are able to more fully participate in campus life.
The Winterhaven facility was permitted to operate at 95 King St. by a contract zone that allowed for a higher residential density than is allowed by city zoning. In order for the school to house students in the building, it needed the city to update the contract zone to accommodate students instead of elderly residents.
Under the terms of the contract zone, the school will also run the facility as a tax-exempt entity.
City Council approved the contract zone 6-1 Monday night, with Councilor Nathan Johnston opposing. Johnston had suggested an amendment to the contract zone, which failed, to have the school allow the city and Saco Main Street to use Thornton Academy’s grounds for events at no charge.
Menard said the school already allows the city and non-profits to use its facilities for events at no charge, unless there was an additional service, such as extra custodial services needed.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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