BREWER – The developer who is planning to turn the former Eastern Fine Paper mill site into a multi-use housing and retail center for the region said Wednesday that prospective tenants already have shown interest, even though no marketing for the project has been done.

Minnesota-based developer Michael Stern said plans are moving forward on the project, which is slated to turn the 400,000-square-foot mill and 40 acres at the industrial site into multi-use facility with housing, studio space, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

“I’m here to tell you that in about a year, you’re going to have a really fun and exciting place to frequent in south Brewer,” Stern told members of the Lions Club during their monthly luncheon meeting at Geaghan’s Pub in Bangor.

Construction is expected to begin at the site in October with retailers taking over spaces as soon as April or May 2006 and opening some time next summer.

“We have at least one brew pub that is all but committed at this point,” Sterns said. He also mentioned that a martini bar, jewelry store, one upscale restaurant and several Portland-based mid-scale restaurants are interested in the project.

The multimillion-dollar facility also will contain museum space to honor industries, such as brick and papermaking, that once were a large part of the area’s economy and lifestyle.

In addition, Sterns is looking to attract 30 to 40 local artisans to occupy about 25,000 square feet of the property, businesses that need executive-style or inexpensive office space, and also housing tenants.

“Almost everyone we’ve talked to has had an interest beyond the first meeting,” Stern said.

Two types of housing also are expected to be located on the property, including about 25 moderately priced condominiums on the riverfront, as well as an estimated 25 to 30 affordable housing units.

As the project continues to move forward, Stern has been coming to Maine every three to four weeks to meet with prospective tenants, as well as work with engineers on project plans. The developer said he expects to have more concrete plans and marketing materials ready to show potential tenants and retailers in two to three weeks.

“It’s gathering momentum and starting to become real,” Stern said.