Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 F E B R UA R Y 6 , 2 0 2 3 F O C U S C O M M E R C I A L D E V E L O P M E N T "As far as dollars and cents are concerned, hands down, Lewiston is probably the most affordable compared with Portland," says Williams. Williams estimates industrial lease rates in Greater Portland were about double the price of the Hill Mill when they looked to move in and then to expand. "Even when we looked outside of the Lewiston/ Auburn area, those prices were around 50% more," says Williams. Counting Northe's startup costs, "We're prob- ably saving between $1,000 and $2,000 per month by being in Lewiston and in that mill specifically," says Williams. Other activity At 754 Main St., Tulio DeAlmeida opened his second Lewiston Aroma Joe's franchise in two years. (He has a third franchise in Auburn. e Maine-based beverage chain has another Lewiston location under a separate franchisee.) Originally from Brazil, DeAlmeida arrived in the U.S. in 2004 on a work-travel program. Friendships drew him to Lewiston. His three locations employ 55 people. He enjoys the community vibe. His first Lewiston location, 403 Sabattus St., sometimes has lines of customers awaiting their morning joe. "I came to the U.S. from Brazil with only $473 in my pocket and not speaking any English," says DeAlmeida. "I enjoy making community connections and to make someone's day better by providing a great product and great customer service." At 21 Fireslate Place on Lewiston's outskirts, Maine Cap 'N Stem Mushroom Co. found a 75,600-square- foot property to add to its 20,000-square-foot Gardiner operation, making substrates and other supplies for mushroom farms nationwide. F.W. Webb, a wholesale distributor of construction and engineering goods, is building a new 70,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom at 9 Lexington St., anticipated to be completed by this fall. Operations Manager Jake Viel notes the location, close to I-95, will provide easy access to the firm's customer base, allow it to support smaller locations in the area, accommodate staff and product expansions. "Expansions like this one are a reminder of the ongoing growth, development and opportunities that are alive and well right here in Lewiston," says Sheline. Sheline adds, "e fact that F.W. Webb wanted to remain here and expand here speaks extremely well of Lewiston's business environment." At 736 Sabattus St., Burnt Ends Barbecue earned accolades as one of DownEast Magazine's best new restaurants of 2022 after a year in business. Rusty Bus Brewing Co. moved into 120 Lisbon St. after wining the Downtown Lewiston Association and LA Metro Chamber of Commerce's 2021 JumpstartME competition. At 222 Pine St., the Somali Bantu Community Association of Maine last year found a much larger building for its headquarters — a chance to have more offices and conference room, expand services and provide a welcoming space to hang out. At 111 C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Ware-Butler Industrial will supply prod- ucts to earthwork and concrete jobs, roads/bridges/construction jobs, grow businesses, storage units, livestock farms, health centers and commercial buildings of all types, infrastructure projects such as sand-salt sheds and municipal buildings, etc. WAREBUTLER.COM CONTACT US for your non-residential and commercial construction needs across Maine. Put our statewide buying power and experienced sales team to work for you! industrial@warebutler.com Fabric / Pipe / Culverts / Styrofoam insulation / Construction lumber Sheet goods / Millwork / Metal roofing and siding products PRODUCTS OFFERED: CUSTOM WORK AVAILABLE

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