LEE, Mass. – After years of planning, the Eagle Mill in Lee will soon be transformed into housing units for people in The Berkshires, bringing a piece of history back to life.

“We actually are preserving a piece of Lee's history, and that is the Eagle Mill. And we are keeping some of the original brick structures as part of this development,” said Bob Jones, Lee selectboard chair.

Not only the brick, but they plan to restore the chimney at the top, preserving parts of the old paper mill wherever they can. 

The country has been experiencing a shortage of affordable housing, and Berkshire County is among the areas in need of places for people to live.

“There’s less opportunity, people have been paying way over asking price for these second homes. So it’s been harder for families to move in and have this as their permanent residence,” Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said.

Phase one of redevelopment will bring 56 apartments, many of them classified as affordable, to the Eagle Mill. They hope to start leasing in 2025. 

“In South County of the Berkshires, we are really experiencing a challenge for people who are working 1-2 jobs and still can’t make the rent work. So people are paying for a one-bedroom $1,500, $1,800, and at the wages we are able to provide here in the Berkshires, it just doesn’t add up.”

Berkshire Housing CEO Eileen Peltier said, “So, were able to provide these units at rents about $900 to $1,100. So that can make a huge difference and it can allow somebody to not have to make the choice between paying the rent and feeding the family.”

Union Mill will also be taken down during phase one.

Phase two is expected to include 50-60 units in the space Union Mill used to occupy. 

The third phase will add retail commercial space with more housing above it.