BRUNSWICK — A downtown Brunswick fire station built in 1919 will soon be affordable housing units and the new home for a local brewery.

Crews from Barrett Made Architecture and Construction have been working to convert the old Central Fire Station into a mixed-use residential and commercial property for about three months now.

Portland-based Developers Collaborative bought the station on Town Hall Place from the town for $200,000 in 2023, after the fire department moved into its new Pleasant Street headquarters. The developers expect the project to be finished in late March 2026, according to Mike Lyne, the director of commercial real estate at Developers Collaborative.

The upstairs will be converted into five affordable studio apartment units for tenants who earn 60% or less of the average area income. Moderation Brewing Company, a Brunswick-owned business currently located just around the corner from the station at 103 Maine St., plans to move into the downstairs space in May. The former apparatus bays will become the taproom with customer seating and a beer garden, and the back will contain brewing operations.

Moderation is co-owned by two Brunswick natives: state Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Cumberland, along with Philip Welsh.

Moderation plans on leasing its Maine Street location to fellow Brunswick brewer Black Pug Brewing Company after the move, Daughtry said.

Lyne, of the Developers Collaborative, said they will likely open up applications for the five apartment units in late fall, but potential residents can call now if they are interested.

The project is “creatively financed,” Lyne said, using historic tax credits and funds from Maine Housing, Cumberland County’s affordable housing program, the Brunswick affordable housing support fund and other grants.

Most of the initial site work and utilities are completed at the old Central Fire Station. The construction company is now focusing on interior updates, while keeping many of the historic elements — like the original garage doors — in place, said Richie Harvey, project manager at Barrett Made.

Daughtry said Moderation Brewing has long needed a bigger space to keep up with demand, and the old fire station presented an opportunity to expand while staying in the walkable downtown area.

Daughtry hopes the new location can be a “third space” for customers to enjoy, outside of work and home. Moderation will host guest chefs and food truck vendors at the fire station, she said.

“We’re really excited to save a building we grew up with,” Daughtry said.