WESTBROOK – Downtown Westbrook’s retail community could soon receive an artistic shot in the arm with the completion of the artisans’ condominiums on Main Street.

Located across the street from China Villa and Guidi’s Diner, the condos at 917 Main St. could be complete and ready for tenants later this month or in early February, according to John Gallagher, the executive director of Westbrook Housing, the organization in charge of the project.

Westbrook Housing secured federal Neighborhood Stabilization Act funding of $622,523 to complete the construction of three, three-level town houses at the former site of an old Universalist church built in 1840.

Keith Luke, city economic development director, said the project would not have been possible without the funding and is an innovative use of money meant to fight blight in neighborhoods.

“Everyone wants to spruce up and improve the western end of Main Street,” he said. “We’ve done some innovative things that have paid some real dividends in terms of economic development.”

The asking price for the housing, intended for local artisans who would want to live and work in downtown Westbrook, is $175,000. The ground level of each unit features 250 square feet of retail space and a rear-entry garage, while the second and third floors comprise 1,200 square feet of living space with two bedrooms and an open living and kitchen area, Gallagher said. The units are being held to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, he added, meaning they are built with consideration to saving energy.

Construction crews with general contractor Great Falls Construction in Gorham are wrapping up work on the units this month.

Once complete, Westbrook’s downtown could take a big step toward revitalization. In the past it was common to see niche shops in the downtown, but, as with downtowns across the country, the advent of malls and urban renewal decimated what was once a vibrant shopping area.

“It started as just trying to return business owners to the downtown,” said Gallagher.

Michelle Flaherty Philbrook, the real estate broker aiming to fill the condos, noted the downtown is already a dining destination. Additional shops offering jewelry or other handmade wares would be an excellent complement to the restaurants, she said.

“The idea is to get more retail (downtown),” she said. “It’s on an upward track and a really nice place to spend some time.”

Gallagher said they are trying to promote retail that goes beyond the hours of 9 to 5, so perhaps an artist or craftsperson could work into the evening and benefit from the dinner crowds.

Some have already expressed interest in setting up shop at 917 Main St., but nothing is final and Flaherty Philbrook was not ready to reveal any names.

Westbrook Housing intends to be somewhat selective in choosing tenants. Gallagher said they are working to find retail-oriented artisans with a priority for those who create something. Applicants must have a three-year business plan, must come in under 120 percent of the area’s median income – $68,000 for a family of two – and must have reasonably good credit, he said.

The housing will not, however, come with as stringent standards as a typical condominium.

“We’re trying to make it as friendly as possible for the owners,” he said.

Even though the condos could be complete by the end of the month, any new shops at the site are months from opening. For now, each one is plain and barren, and Gallagher said it would be up to the individual shopkeepers to decorate as they see fit.

Ron Spindle, left, and Mark McCormick of Vindle Builders of Cape Elizabeth install kitchen cabinets at a nearly complete artist’s condo in downtown Westbrook Monday. Staff photo by Joey Cresta