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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 15 F E B R UA R Y 6 , 2 0 2 3 C O M M E R C I A L D E V E L O P M E N T e city also has projects underway, including hous- ing redevelopment in the downtown's "Tree Streets" neighborhood, expected to break ground this year. e effects of that project are already being felt. "People are buying property in the area and starting new businesses and renovating buildings," Sheline says. Sheline credits Lewiston's economic devel- opment team for its "can-do" attitude that sup- ports business. Demographic trends, he says, show Lewiston's population is among the youngest for Maine, largely due to an influx of New Mainers. A burgeoning suite of events attracts crowds of visi- tors almost weekly during the summer, with more events cropping up in the off-season. Sheline says that, as Maine's second-largest city, Lewiston's advantages are many for residents, devel- opers and business owners. "We have a thriving downtown that people want to be part of. People want to start businesses here and want to live here," he says. "We have health care, we have higher education, we have industrial. You'd be hard-pressed to find a sector or industry that doesn't have some sort of presence in Lewiston. And we have a variety of options available for busi- nesses that want to expand or relocate." Filling residential demand Lafrance says, anecdotally, she's noticed a growing presence in recent years of residents in their 30s and 40s who have moved to Lewiston and the sur- rounding area from southern Maine and Portland. "ey're getting pushed out of those areas and they're now looking for homes around here," Lafrance says. Developers have noticed, too. In 2021, Adam Cope, Eli Small and Tom Jordan of Portland, liking Lewiston's positive outlook and energy, bought 152, 160 and 168 Lisbon St. ey've converted 168 Lisbon St. from office to mid- to high- end residential loft units, with features like hardwood floors and 16-foot ceilings. Similar conversions are underway in the other buildings, with space also available to office and startup tenants. "e interest is there," says Cope. "Maybe people aren't beating down the doors, but it's there and we feel like it's building." Jason Hutchins plans to convert 145 Lisbon St., known as the Professional Building and dating to 1915, from office to residential use. Hutchins is the third owner in three years. Previous owners looked toward office users. But given uncertainty in today's office market, the building's narrow structure — 25 feet wide by 100 feet long, and the need for large capital expenditures, Hutchins says he saw potential for small market-rate apartments with modern refits but honoring historical details. e renter market is expected to include college students, hospital staff and employees of new businesses. "We'll be a little early in what we're offering," he said. "We don't feel the Lewiston market is quite where we'd hope it to be to invest this money. But we see other great buildings that people have done projects on, and others that are in the works. Hopefully, this brings people to the area and helps the town of Lewiston grow." C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » This is Cooper. We were there for all the family camping trips. We're here now as he discovers his love for cooking. Someday he'll open his own restaurant. And when that day arrives, we'll be there. 1-800-447-4559 | bathsavings.bank MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER You'd be hard-pressed to find a sector or industry that doesn't have some sort of presence in Lewiston. — Mayor Carl Sheline City of Lewiston F O C U S P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F T H E C I T Y O F L E W I S T O N Mayor Carl Sheline of the city of Lewiston

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