Built in a Day: How Modular Condos Are Changing Construction

In a stunning display of innovation and efficiency, crews recently assembled an entire condo building—four three-bedroom units—on Portland’s Congress Street in just one day. This milestone for Dougherty Condos, located at Park Avenue and Congress Street, demonstrates how modular construction can meaningfully expedite homebuilding in Maine’s tight housing market.
Every condo arrived in giant factory-built sections, complete with kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures, cabinets, and countertops—much like putting together a car, but for houses. It cuts down construction time and protects workers from cold weather delays, fewer mistakes, and unpredictable jobsite conditions.
I often liken traditional onsite construction to “building a car in your driveway.” Modular building flips that script—now you build efficiency in the factory, then quickly assemble it at the site. This model aligns perfectly with Maine’s goals: more housing, built smarter and faster, without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship.
After the day’s big installation, crews will next focus on finishing touches like roofing and siding over the next few weeks.
At Maine Cooperative Development Partners, we see how this approach can power affordable, durable housing solutions across communities. With modular methods, we can scale timely construction, support workers year-round, and deliver homes that work harder—without wasting time or resources.