DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine — The effort to convert a former woolen mill complex into a high-tech business center got a boost Friday, when the U.S. Commerce Department announced it was awarding a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration grant to Pinecrest Development Corp.
The project is expected to create 82 new jobs and generate $7.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
The EDA grant will be used to renovate and fit-out about 19,000 square feet of the former Mayo Mill complex, a collection of seven historic buildings overlooking the Piscataquis River.
The renovations will result in usable commercial and industrial space, including about 2,000 square feet earmarked for a high-capacity data center that will take advantage of the site’s location at the juncture of three important fiber-optic lines that cross Dover-Foxcroft.
The work also will result in the creation of 12 high-tech office suites — eight of which already are taken.
An existing hydroelectric generator on the Piscataquis River will be upgraded, and solar and geothermal power systems will be added to create a truly green facility.
“This $1.5 million Economic Development Administration investment in Maine is an example of the Obama administration’s commitment to strengthening critical business infrastructure,” Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank said Friday.
“The grant announced today will help Dover-Foxcroft develop a high-tech business center to meet the needs of growing industries, such as information technology and green tech, which will help create jobs and support the local economy,” she said.
Members of Maine’s congressional delegation agreed.
“I am pleased that the U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded this critical grant funding to the Pinecrest Development Corporation for the creation of a high-tech business center in Dover-Foxcroft,” U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe said. “This project holds the promise of both good-paying jobs for people in Piscataquis County and new business opportunities for the entire region.”
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the federal investment will help lay vital groundwork for the future growth of a high-tech economy in Piscataquis County.
“By investing in this infrastructure, we are investing in the future of the Dover-Foxcroft region, creating much-needed jobs, improving the economy, and creating new opportunities for those who live and work here,” Collins said.
U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud called the grant “exactly the type of investment our state needs right now. The community of Dover-Foxcroft is doing a lot to position itself for economic growth and this project will take them another important step forward,” he said.
“The team behind the redevelopment of the mill is made up of committed partners that have a vision for the future and a plan for growing jobs and attracting additional investments to the region,” he said. “I couldn’t be more pleased that the EDA is helping to revitalize this local landmark and bring new opportunities to the area.”
Kenneth Woodbury of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, who wrote the grant proposal, said the EDA grant will help fund what ultimately will be a $10-$12 million mixed-use complex that also will include 22 rental apartments, retail shops, retail and studio space for artisans, an Internet cafe, a restaurant, a year-round indoor farmers market and an eight- to 12-room boutique hotel.
The project, he said, will be a boon for residents of a county that has lost most of it manufacturing jobs.
Some of the groundwork already is under way, Woodbury said.
“We already have $200,000 from the federal government for cleaning up asbestos and lead paint,” he said.
Woodbury said a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant is being used to help clean up and build out the space set aside for the data center.
The complex also benefited from the Charleston Correctional Facility, which provided laborers who helped clear out material left behind when the former Moosehead Manufacturing operation left.
“This $1.5 million Economic Development Administration investment in Maine is an example of the Obama administration’s commitment to strengthening critical business infrastructure LOL maybe we can get the Muslam brotherhood to run it
If you’re going to post an insult, at least learn to spell.
LOL? Laughing at your own acerbic wit? Well here’s a news flash for you: it was’t cute, it wasn’t humorous and it wasn’t intelligent. In fact, it makes you appear pathetic and self-loathing, more than anything else.
This is great news for the community. These projects will benefit the entire State.
Would love to see a top floor restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the River serving fine wines and dinners. Similar to the Mill & Pub that overlooks the falls in Skowhegan.
1.5 million might keep the buildings from falling into the river,why not build in the business park?it would be more cost effective and probably happen much quicker. oh,i forgot with gov’t. involved the results don’t matter,just the impression that they are doing something to help the economy,meanwhile backroom deals line the pockets of the same old insiders.nothing new here folks,move along…..
It is a waste of time and energy to argue with the stubbornly ignorant, so I won’t.
I hear yeah rollingscissors. They are called naysayers.
Sorry folks, i love the idea but the location is absolutely wrong. Guess you did not bother to read my entire comment,as is usual with those who have an opinion before the facts are laid out. building this in a flood plain is asking for trouble.Am i the only one who remembers when much of downtown dover was under water?
What is a high tech office suite?
Excellent! This will bust out Dover big time! Welcome to the 21st century role model.
Excellent! This will put Dover in a position as a 21 st century role model for other towns to follow.
This is quantum leap thinking. Excellent location for a business location that will add style and class to a town poised for forward looking growth to the high tech age. The ultra high speed fiber backbone will provide unlimited technology for the new establishment.
Perfect location to transform a historic complex into a future example.
Where may i ask are all the employees, clients, customers and shoppers going to park???