Rural LISC is helping give the town of Dover-Foxcroft a boost of energy—literally. The historic Mayo Mill complex, a former industrial site, is getting converted into a mixed-use housing and business complex that will create some 42 jobs. And upgrading a hydroelectric plant on the nearby Piscataquis River will generate low-cost, renewable electricity for the development.
Historic Maine industrial site comes back to life
Rural LISC is working with a CDC Partner, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), to help support the redevelopment of an historic, former industrial site in downtown Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. The Mayo Woolen Mill complex, comprising nine buildings overlooking the Piscataquis River in Piscataquis County has stood vacant for years. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and includes buildings ranging in date from 1844 to 1941, with one existing structure in use as far back as 1865.
Now, it is being transformed into a mixed-use facility encompassing retail shops and offices, a high-tech business center, 22 market-rate apartments, artist studios, and an Internet caféé and data center to support the expansion of high speed fiber into rural Maine. It will also house a restaurant, a boutique hotel and a year-round indoor farmers market. Additionally, the project will involve upgrading an existing hydroelectric plant on the Piscataquis River to add renewable solar and geothermal power systems that will provide energy for the development, helping to keep rents affordable and utilities costs low. Continued[+]...
Related Bangor Daily News article - "Overhaul of the historic Mayo Mill complex a boon to economy, spirit of Piscataquis County"
