Although not yet formally listed for sale (it will be soon with another Agency but Kezar Realty does have access for interested parties), the old Lovell Hardware property is now being shown to potential buyers. The main building, in surprisingly good condition, offers numerous opportunities.
It is true that since the store's closing, contractors and homeowners have found it frustrating to buy needed supplies in Bridgton, Fryeburg or North Conway. In the absence of a Lovell store, contractors have developed new buying habits and might be reluctant to change their patterns. Plus, I would bet that the established stores are in a stronger position to compete on price. For this reason, the return of a full-service hardware store and lumber yard might not be profitable.
One local investor sees a strong opportunity to create something new and different, a multi-use commercial and residential building. He has taken significant steps to make it happen, including preliminary commitments to create several one and two-bedroom apartments on the upper floor. Believing that a need for a small hardware store, similar to Trumball's, still exists in Lovell, space for a retail store will be reserved. Another portion of the building is slated for a Subway-type food store. Sufficient space remains for other uses.
It is possible that the rear sheds behind the main building can be transformed into storage facilities. The developer is now soliciting suggestions from area residents. What would you like to see there? A fitness center? A laundromat? A Landscaping and Garden Center? A Putt-Putt course and batting cages? Send your thoughts to me at stan@fairpoint.net and I will pass them along.
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Happy April Fool's Day!