WINTER HOLBEN Breaks Ground

3 Walker Construction Commences in Kittery Foreside

WINTER HOLBEN, a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm based in Kittery, Maine, has broken ground on an exciting new development located at 3 Walker Street in the Foreside. What was formerly a neglected building adjacent to their current office and the popular cafe, Lil’s, is soon to become their new studio space housing the WINTER HOLBEN design staff and gallery as well as two affordable housing units, a third floor apartment with stunning views of the Piscataqua, and a shared roof-top deck.  

The project is slated for completion in 2025, in what will be the company’s tenth year as one of Maine’s leading design firms. WINTER HOLBEN will be celebrating its “tin and aluminum” anniversary by crafting the new building’s wood and metal features, inspired by the surrounding historic buildings and working waterfront. 

Remarkably, this will be the Foreside’s first development project that includes affordable housing units. Founding Principal, Elisa Winter Holben underscored this point by saying, “We strongly believe that carefully designed mixed-use buildings that provide housing as well as small businesses are the key to maintaining a healthy and vibrant downtown.” 

The property at 3 Walker was purchased by WINTER HOLBEN in June, with accolades from the previous owner in regard to the vision the firm put forward towards a contemporary form that embraces the historical context of the area. Partners on the project include Bridgeside Building, Altus Engineering, and BankProv. 

In the ten years since WINTER HOLBEN first opened their doors as a multidisciplinary architecture + design firm, it has been an enduring dream to design and create a place that motivates and inspires both founding principals Brandon and Elisa Winter Holben, their dedicated and talented staff, and the Kittery community at large. With the launch of this exciting project underway, WINTER HOLBEN looks forward to sharing process and progress with the community through social media channels under the handle of @3WalkerKittery. Follow along!