Biz Bites: Norway Savings greens up; Curaleaf expands south

Courtesy / Norway Savings A rendering of the exterior makeover of grounds at Norway Savings Bank headquarters on Main Street in Norway.

Write a Comment

By Maureen Milliken

Norway Savings Bank's exterior space at its headquarters at 216 Main St., in Norway, is getting a green facelift.

Landscaping, improved pedestrian walkways, more parking and even sculptures will be added to grounds in a two-phase project that has already started and is expected to be completed by mid-July.

"I’m really excited to see our vision come to life," Patricia Weigel, CEO, said in a news release. She said the building’s exterior is attractive but hidden by the overgrown hedges, which also impede the view of drivers entering and leaving the parking lot. The walkways have also deteriorated. “I’m pleased that all of these safety and aesthetic issues will be addressed."

Pavers will be used for the walkways and additional parking will have provisions for future electric vehicle charging stations. There also will be a plaza with benches, greenery and sculptures designed by artist Jac Ouellette.

The first phase is expected to last through Memorial Day weekend, and the parking lot on the corner of Main and Danforth streets will only be accessible by the Danforth Street entrance. During the second phase, the parking lot and the walk-up lobby will close. The drive-thru will be open throughout the construction project. The bank suggests customers park on Main Street or in the Lynn Street lot to access the lobby.

CURALEAF HEADS SOUTH. Medical and wellness cannabis operator Curaleaf, which has been operating in central Maine since 2014, recently made a move into Cumberland and York counties, opening an adult use store in South Portland, and leasing space in Wells for what will become its fifth Maine store.

Curaleaf held a grand opening of its adult use store at 343 Gorham Road, South Portland, on April 30 and May 1. The company, which has 106 stores in 23 states, has medical cannabis stores in Bangor, Auburn and Ellsworth. As part of the opening celebration, Curaleaf Maine, through its Rooted in Good program, made a contribution to Black Owned Maine Family Relief Program, which helps cover the cost of necessities including rent, electricity, food, heat, transportation and day care for community members who need support. Scott Reed, general manager of Curaleaf Maine said, "Through our Rooted in Good initiative, we are committed to creating meaningful relationships and supporting the greater South Portland community."

Curaleaf last month announced that it has leased the space most recently occupied by Olympia Sports, 913 Post Road (U.S. Route 1), in Wells, which it plans to renovate before starting up business.

Mike Cobb, managing director of Colliers International’s Portland office represented Curaleaf in the lease of the 4,452-square-foot retail. The company was drawn to the location for its retail presence and excellent traffic counts.

ARTS & CRAFTS STYLE, 21st CENTURY. One of the brand-new condominiums at Verdante at Lincoln Park in Portland is giving "arts and crafts style" new meaning. The Maine Crafts Association partnered with Hay Runner to stage a 2,000-square-foot unit in the 99 Federal St. complex with member-made decor. Hay Runner, a real estate, design and construction company owned by MCA board member Shannon Richards, partnered with NewHeight Group, developers of Verdante on the project. The staging includes furniture, lighting, rugs, glass and tableware, cutting boards and hand towels, framed prints and other original art, all made by MCA artists or other Maine makers. It even has Maine brands in the liquor cabinet. Aside from the condo itself, all the stuff used for the staging is for sale.

The MCA in its most recent newsletter said that the organization's "pre-COVID dream" was to have Maine-brewed cocktail parties to view the space. While that's not possible, the MCA staff is still offering showings by appointment. Those interested in a showing of the condo can contact Richards at Hay Runner.

DOWNTOWN WATERVILLE SPECTRUM. Charter Communications has opened a Spectrum store at 16B Commons Drive. The new store is in the shopping center behind the Bill & Joan Alfond Commons, Colby College's downtown residential space. The space was most recently a Payless shoe store, which closed two years ago. The Spectrum store offers retail service and allows customers to do transactions, such as billing. The location is the 13th in the state to open in Maine since the company began its retail store push in 2019.