BANGOR – U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud’s decision to move his Bangor office from the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building to 23 Water St. was a cost-saving measure designed to offset the expense of opening another office in Waterville, the district’s newest city.

Beyond the lower rent, $700 less a month, Michaud spokeswoman Monica Castellanos said the Bangor move has made it easier for constituents in both Bangor and Waterville to contact the congressman.

“We’ve had a lot more people visit already,” Castellanos said.

Besides his central office in Washington, D.C., Michaud has offices in Bangor, Lewiston, Presque Isle and, as of last month, Waterville.

Michaud and his staff will host an open house from 4:30 to 6 p.m. today at the new Bangor office.