ROCKLAND, Maine — A local architect/developer has submitted a proposal to the city for transforming a section of Rockland that is filled with warehouses and views of the waterfront.
The city solicited bids last month for how best to redevelop the downtown industrial area. John Morris of John Morris Architects of Camden submitted the sole proposal, according to Audra Caler Bell, community development director. She said Tuesday morning that she had yet to open the proposal but would open it before a Thursday afternoon meeting of Rockland’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Morris has developed other projects in the past, including the Harbor Plaza Shopping Center in Rockland — where Shaw’s supermarket is located — which was built in 1987.
Caler Bell said there are other people who have told her they are interested in submitting proposals. The deadline for submissions was Monday, but she pointed out that much of the land that the city is encouraging for redevelopment is owned by a private landowner and the interested parties may get in contact with him directly.
The goals envisioned by the city are for retail operations on the street level of any new development with commercial activities on the upper floors such as offices. Light industrial uses also are encouraged but would be best located in the rear of commercial buildings.
The city is interested in having redeveloped either city-owned lots or lots and buildings owned by corporations overseen by Finlay B. Matheson of Miami. The Matheson properties include the former Bicknell Manufacturing plant at 11 Lime St., an adjacent vacant lot at 8 Lime St., 9 Wharf St., 14 Wharf St. and 65 Tillson Ave., where Redlon & Johnson plumbing and heating supply had operated until a fire heavily damaged its business in June 2014.
The Redlon & Johnson lot has been eyed for redevelopment by the city for more than a decade.
Matheson is supportive of the city’s effort, Caler Bell said.
The city’s Economic Development Advisory Committee has been working on the best way to redevelop Tillson Avenue for several years. The committee is scheduled to meet to review Morris’ proposal at 4 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.