The approved 55-unit apartment building for residents 55 and older will be built across from Westbrook High School. Contributed / City of Westbrook

The 55-unit Stroudwater Apartments project for senior couples received unanimous approval Tuesday from the Westbrook Planning Board.

Board members praised the improved design of the Westbrook Housing Authority project, to be located across from the high school and next to the Armory on Stroudwater Street. Members who had described the early design as “box-like” and “hospital-esque” said they liked the change to a warmer, tan color from brown or red, and that the landscaping additions added to the project’s overall appearance.

An early design of the Stroudwater Apartments project that didn’t go over well with Planning Board members. Contributed / Westbrook Housing

“This is a project that ends up a very colorful, welcoming building,” Planning Board Chairperson Rene Daniel said. “The landscaping is outstanding, thank you for leading the way. This is an example of what is needed when coming to the Westbrook Planning Board, to have a landscape architect on your team not after the fact.”

The aesthetic changes saw similar support from the rest of the board.

“You guys have succeeded (in the redesign,) it looks great,” Planning Board member Jason Frazier said.

Rent for the apartments is expected to range from $937 to $1,163 depending on the unit size. That’s at least $500 less than similar rentals in the area, according to Director Chris LaRoche.

The apartments will be available to couples 55 and older with an annual income not exceeding $63,950. The median annual income for an individual in the Portland Metro area – which includes Westbrook – is about $31,500, according to the U.S. Census.

Just over 7,500 Westbrook residents, or 30%, are age 55 and above, according to LaRoche.

No members of the public spoke about the project at the meeting, but the Planning Board did note that some residents are concerned it would cause an increase in traffic near downtown.

Project engineer Kaleb Bourassa said the traffic impact would be minimal. At most, he said, traffic may increase in the mornings and evenings by about five cars. In comparison, a 55-unit apartment building for all ages would increase traffic by 25 or more vehicles at those times, he said.

Planning Board members also mentioned public concern about the relocation of the ice skating rink on the property.

Riverbank Park is a potential site, according to City Planner Jennie Franceschi, but the feasibility of locating an ice rink there is still being looked at.

“There has not been a formal decision, but there is definitely an interest and push to make sure we get an ice-skating rink back,” Franceschi said at the meeting.