Brewer Moves Ahead

When the Eastern Fine Paper mill in Brewer closed last January, the future for the sprawling facility on the banks of the Penobscot River seemed as bleak as the weather. Now, just a year later, grand plans for the mill complex are moving forward.

A Minnesota developer has proposed a two-phase project that will turn the 41-acre parcel’s many buildings into restaurants, shops, art studios, offices, housing and, possibly an ice rink and movie theater. Michael Stern of Minneapolis aims to create a place where people, especially young people who are prone to head to cities that have such venues, will spend an afternoon or even a day. Mr. Stern said he envisions couples and families skating together and then having lunch there or coming in the evening for dinner and a cultural event. Some who partake of these activities may even live in condominiums there.

Brewer is fortunate to have a partner who also appreciates the history and location of the 400,000-square foot facility. Mr. Stern plans to leave some of the buildings’ exterior largely intact and may refurbish a wharf to take advantage of the riverfront.

This project fits well with the region’s efforts to draw more visitors, and even residents, to central Maine. It is not hard to imagine families fulfilling Mr. Stern’s vision. Especially as winter’s chill settles over Maine, wouldn’t it be nice to have a place to go shopping and perhaps browsing in an art gallery or even making pottery in a studio before enjoying lunch in an indoor courtyard.

It also offers a potential boost to plans for a Brewer community wellness complex. Such a complex was proposed by a group of coaches and educators last week. They envision an indoor track, therapeutic and competitive swimming pools, rock-climbing center, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and fitness center.

This type of facility is much needed in the region and would fit very well with the proposed mill development. Not only is there ample space at the former Eastern Fine mill, but the proposed uses complement one another.

Brewer officials are committed to moving quickly on the mill redevelopment and have already interested state officials, including the governor, in financially supporting the project.

The loss of 240 paper mill jobs last January was a blow to Brewer and the region. The redevelopment project announced this week will create up to 600 jobs and, more importantly, return a sense of vibrancy to a part of the city.