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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 15 J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 2 4 F O C U S L E W I S T O N / A U B U R N / W E S T E R N M A I N E D owntown Norway has been experiencing a surge of revi- talization activity of late. at includes redevelopment of an old factory to become an arts hub and renovations at Norway Opera House to open upper-story performance spaces that had been unusable for nearly 40 years. Since 2002, when the town of about 5,000 residents was designated a Main Street Maine community, a nonprofit called Norway Downtown has been at the forefront of revitalization, includ- ing the opening of new businesses, renovations and historic preservation of the Gingerbread House, improve- ments for Roberts Farm Preserve, and development of trails, streetscaping and green spaces. Attributes include a small-town Main Street, a historic district and services and employment such as Stephens Memorial Hospital and a New Balance production and distri- bution facility. Summer people with lake camps help drive the seasonal economy. Attrac- tions include the Norway Snowshoe Festival and the Norway Music and Arts Festival. Western Foothills Land Trust's initiatives throughout Oxford County include a 7-mile trail system in Norway. "ere are so many forgotten Main Streets across Maine and the country that have nearly been lost to urban sprawl," says Sarah Carter, a Norway Select Board member. "anks in huge part to the efforts of local orga- nizations like Norway Downtown, who have worked collaboratively with our town government, we have been able to not only save our Main Street, but also help it thrive." sebagotechnics.com 1 0 0 % E M P L O Y E E - O W N E D O F F I C E S I N — S O U T H P O R T L A N D B R I D G T O N S A N F O R D B A T H BRING US YOUR VISION Proudly serving the Lewiston/Auburn, Oxford Hills, and Lakes Region communities. We are all shaping Maine, together. Maine's CREATIVE ENGINEERING COLLECTIVE 2 Monument Square, Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com Put Our Collaborative Approach to Work for You. CREATIVITY. VISION. COLLABORATION. From envisioning exciting new chapters for underutilized buildings to helping an evolving business consolidate into one space, we are here to help our clients realize their vision for success. It is work that inspires us and humbles us. We love that we get to be a part of building up our communities and supporting the growth of Maine companies. At the heart of every deal we put together is a team of brokers committed to serving clients with creativity, collaboration, and open communication. It's how we've done business for over 45 years and will continue to do so for decades to come. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » It's just a wonderful small community that expands beyond the immediate area. — Kelli Shedd Norway Opera House

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