LEWISTON- On Tuesday night, the City Council agreed to extend the option agreement between the city and Bates Mill, LLC (owned by developer Tom Platz) regarding Bates Mill #5, but only for six months.
During those six months, city staff will work with Platz’s team to develop performance standards, with the expectation that the Council will vote on an extension of up to five years before the current six months is up.
Those standards will be meant to help a future Council determine whether or not to grant an additional extension if no progress is made between now and then.
Mill #5, the largest in the complex and considered one of the most distinguishable buildings in the country due to its saw-tooth roofing, is owned by the city.
A view of Mill #5 facing Lincoln Street
The city has been looking to develop the building since it took over ownership in the 1990’s. It’s size makes it difficult for many types of development, particularly housing. For context, two Colisee’s could fit in Mill #5.
The building has remained empty, has been costly to repair, and is considered by many to be an eyesore sitting right at the primary gateway into the city.
In order to save the building and have control over what goes into it, the city’s agreement with Bates Mill, LLC gives Platz and his team the ability to market to prospective tenants as if the LLC owned the property.
If tenants are found, the city will officially sell the property to the LLC for $1.00 and the building will be placed on the tax rolls.
Another view of Bates Mill #5
Platz’s team had the only offer to continue trying to find tenants, and has been the only offer for quite some time.
The city extended the option agreement with Bates Mill, LLC in 2018, and did so again in 2021.
Tearing the structure down would be so costly that voters would be required to approve such a large expenditure.
The only way for voters to make that decision would be for the Council to submit the question to voters, or for voters to take out a petition and gather enough signatures to force a public vote.
A view of Mill #5 facing Main Street
According to a city memo, staff see the building’s potential for attracting “a major employment-generating user, such as a bio-technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, or research and innovation company.”
If an anchor tenant is found and the building is fully developed, the results could lead to an economic revitalization of the downtown.
Still, things remain in limbo for the iconic building in the heart of the city.