Skowhegan ready for new development in 2025

Photo / courtesy of Sam Hight Sam Hight, dealer principal of Hight Family Dealerships, is also a real estate developer and an advocate for Skowhegan.

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By Alexis Wells

When asked, “What is happening in Skowhegan?” Sam Hight, dealer principal of Hight Family Dealerships, an economic developer and an active community member of Somerset County, enthusiastically replied, “What isn’t?”

From new development and the completion of old projects, the town has been busy and will continue to see more growth in the new year.

New Balance is finishing its $75 million new facility, bringing 200 jobs to Skowhegan.

SAPPI is undergoing a $425 million upgrade to a paper machine to stay on the cutting edge of wood products in North America.

The Spinning Mill, the former Solon Manufacturing building on the island, is finishing its first phase. The project was delayed due to the December 2023 storms.

The Skowhegan, a 20-room hotel that will be part of the Spinning Mill, continues building its 42 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.

The Margaret Chase Smith School and the Hight Family Early Learning Center, a $80 million school funded by the state and federal government and a $3 million private fundraising campaign, are under construction and due to be ready for the fall of 2025. They will serve children from six weeks old to fifth grade.

Maine Grains will start constructing its new facility, furthering Skowhegan’s agri-food hub movement.

Main Street Skowhegan turns 20 years old. Construction will begin on the first river wave feature on the Skowhegan Park River as well as the River Promenade this summer.

Hight believes that Skowhegan will continue to grow in 2025 and prove that it is the “best community to live, work and play.”

“It’s always sunny in Skowhegan,” says Hight. “The collaboration between the town, Main Street Skowhegan, the Chamber of Commerce and the businesses and people who care will remain the reason for the growth and success in the area. We will focus on education, housing, the economy, our businesses and our people to help the rising tide to lift all boats.”