When federal funding cuts cost Kristy her job in Washington, D.C., she faced a tough crossroad.  

armchairs in front of Palladian window
The Center’s redevelopment of the Gehring House preserved most of the original woodwork and other historic features.

But that setback has led to a new beginning in Bethel, Maine, where she now serves as the new executive director of the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum. Her move wasn’t just about a career—it was about finding a place to call home. 

Kristy and her husband arrived at the Gehring House sight unseen, trusting in the reputation of the Northern Forest Center redevelopment project and the people behind it.  

“We’ve lived in 10 different states,” she says, “and we’re good at leaps of faith. But this move felt different.” The beautifully restored apartment in the historic Gehring House offers not just shelter, but quality — something that’s been hard to find right away in most of the places where the couple has landed. 

“Instead of thinking, ‘We’ll rent for a year and then look to buy,’ it was like, ‘We can just be comfortable here,’” Kristy said. That sense of ease is vital when uprooting your life for a new opportunity. Being able to walk to work, connect with a welcoming community, and live in a place with abundant and easy access to the outdoors—all of it made Bethel feel like “the full package.” 

woman sits in chair by window in her apartment
Kristy, one of the first people to live in the renovated Gehring House, appreciates the careful historic restoration of the building.

Kristy’s story underscores why having quality, middle-market homes in communities like Bethel is so important for retaining and attracting the nonprofit staff, healthcare workers, teachers, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and others who make communities thrive.  

Prioritizing adaptive reuse and sustainable design can breathe new life into historic buildings while creating housing that supports current residents and newcomers alike. “Renovating buildings makes environmental sense,” Kristy says. “It’s always less impactful than building new.” As an archeologist and museum professional with over a decade of experience leading the preservation of artifacts and historic collections, Kristy’s appreciation for this approach is particularly keen. 

As communities across the Northern Forest and country face housing shortages and seek to revitalize their downtowns, Gehring House stands as a model. It’s not just about preserving the past — it’s about building a future where people can live, work, and thrive.