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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S M I D C O A S T / D OW N E A S T "It's one of my proudest projects," Ireland says. "Bath hadn't seen that level of renovation. It was pre-COVID and the brewery was very successful." In-person shopping Heather Fear co-owns longtime Front Street anchor, Now You're Cooking, one of several businesses that have been in town for 20-plus years. She believes downtown Bath also thrives, "because our customers and community love in-person experiences. For example, at Now You're Cooking, if they're going to invest in a new set of cookware, our customers want to feel the weight of the pans in their hands and have their questions answered by a knowledgeable staff person. "If they are looking to upgrade their espresso machine, we can demo it for them so they can see exactly what is needed to make the perfect cup at home," Fear says. "It's not just our store; all of the shops, restaurants and cafes in down- town are delivering top-notch customer service and in-person shopping that's unique and personalized." "ere was some concern this sum- mer," Fear says, "when a few long-stand- ing businesses retired, about what would become of the empty storefronts. "We're already seeing new own- ers reimagining spaces and opening new businesses. I think downtown Bath has become such a destination to shop, eat, and hang out, that if there is an empty storefront, it won't stay that way for long." John Morse says having shops that are independently owned is key. "When the owner is in the store, they're looking to take care of you. ey're there to help you and that's what people like about Bath." Ireland says, "As a developer and as owners, you have to be both unique and relevant. If you're just one or the other you'll go out of business." The picture hasn't always been rosy Amanda McDaniels, who leads Main Street Bath, says the city hasn't always been as vibrant as it is now. "Bath had been through some rough times, especially in the last few decades of the last century," she says. "Since Main Street Bath's inception, the goals of a connected and thriving business community, hosting a robust community event schedule and welcom- ing tourists and summer residents into a friendly and memorable experience has truly paid off." Main Street Bath was the first accredited Main Street program in the state and will be 25 years old next year. "We have four committees that work on holistic ways to support, preserve and promote a vibrant historic downtown," McDaniels says. e organization hosts Bath Heritage Days in July, more than two dozen free summer concerts, a month- long holiday event in December and a half dozen other events that support shop small initiatives. Jennifer DeChant, who with her family owns Bath Sweet Shoppe, serves on the city council and chairs the Main Street Bath economic vital- ity committee. DeChant is also a former state legislator and has lived in town for 25 years. "e change in downtown Bath has been dramatic," she says. "Decisions being made now rival those that were made in the 1970s to reject urban renewal in favor of investing in the historic appeal of our downtown." DeChant says Main Street Bath coordinates small business assistance in the form of training and consulting, and the Bath economic development committee reviews ordinances to reduce barriers to doing business and ushers grants. Young families Ireland is seeing a population shift, with more young families moving to town. "People are skipping right over Portland and coming up to the south- ern midcoast, from Brunswick to Damariscotta. Bath as the county seat, and Rockland, are service centers; they're beautiful communities with water all around," he says. "Portland is now like lots of other places; if you really want the Maine lifestyle, it's Bath and these midcoast communities." Morse legacy lives on "John Morse did an amazing job taking the time to transition their real estate portfolio in a way that allowed Bath to not fall apart during that transition," Ireland says, "but also make changes and plan for the future at the same time. It was a real balancing act of sorts. "What remains is a downtown more committed than ever to independent, local, brick and mortar businesses that support the needs of the community." Tina Fischer, Mainebiz staff writer, can be reached at tfischer @ mainebiz.biz r u d m a n w i n c h e l l . c o m BANGOR 84 Harlow St. (207) 947.4501 ELLSWORTH 140 High St. (207) 374.5833 We're more than attorneys — we're your partners in success. Drive your business forward with confidence Expert legal guidance with a Maine touch At Rudman Winchell, we specialize in providing tailored legal solutions that help businesses grow and thrive. Whether you're navigating real estate, contracts, or complex regulations, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. C O U N S E L O R S A T L A W P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY One of the work areas at Union & Co. on Centre Street.

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