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Van Buren Transforms Municipal Building into Community Hub

Proposed design for the Van Buren Community Hub focusing on local entrepreneurship.

News Summary

The Town Council of Van Buren plans to revitalize an old municipal building into a community hub and small business incubator. With a $1.79 million grant request, the project, in partnership with Drexel University students, aims to create ten incubator spaces for local entrepreneurs. Additionally, the hub will include a ‘CONNECT’ Center for classes and meetings. This initiative also encompasses health and safety grants, demonstrating the town’s commitment to economic growth and community welfare.

Exciting Plans Unfold in Van Buren with Community Hub and Business Incubator!

Van Buren is buzzing with excitement as the Town Council is on a mission to transform an old municipal building into a vibrant community hub and small business incubator! The town is seeking a hefty $1.79 million from grants, aiming to breathe new life into this historic building located right on Main Street.

A Partnership with Drexel University

This ambitious project is not just a solo effort; it’s a continuation of a fantastic collaboration with talented students from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Last year, students from Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design showcased their creativity by crafting around a dozen stunning art pieces for Van Buren’s historical pathway. This time around, a new group of graduate students is stepping up to develop fresh design plans for the renovations, backed by guidance from two professional architects. This local partnership keeps costs down, saving the town between $75,000 and $100,000 for architectural designs that would typically be outsourced.

Creating Spaces for Entrepreneurs

The heart of the renovation will be aimed at fostering local businesses, featuring ten incubator spaces that will allow budding entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products without the hefty burden of buying or renovating their buildings. The concept is simple yet powerful: by renting these spaces, local businesses can offset their utility costs, contributing to a self-sustaining facility. What’s more, this approach supports the growing trend of makers markets in Maine, something Van Buren is uniquely offering as a municipally-led initiative in collaboration with university students.

What’s Inside the New Community Hub?

The revamped building isn’t just about business; it will also house the innovative “CONNECT” Center, which is set to become a go-to spot for remote classes, meetings, and gatherings for local organizations and clubs. A grand opening for the CONNECT Center is scheduled for 10 a.m. on May 9, and the buzz around it is palpable.

Grants Galore!

In addition to the $1.79 million request, Van Buren is also in the running for a separate $60,000 grant aimed at developing the Acadian Arts Center at the former Et Cetera building. Plus, the town is not stopping there; it recently submitted another grant proposal for $100,000 to further enhance building renovations. And there’s even more — Dyer has applied for funding from the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation to potentially establish 25 fruit trees in the community garden, adding even more green to the town!

Health and Safety Initiatives

As if that wasn’t enough, the town is nearing the finish line on an $89,000 Emergency Medical Services stabilization grant, having previously received $119,713 for purchasing essential life-saving equipment. Van Buren is truly committed to supporting the health and safety of its residents while driving economic growth.

Looking Ahead

Town Manager Luke Dyer is feeling optimistic about securing the $1.79 million grant for the community hub and incubator. He believes this project might set a precedent for innovation in the state of Maine, potentially inspiring other towns to adopt similar initiatives. The transformation of the former municipal building is seen as a perfect fit for revitalizing the downtown area and driving business activity.

As Van Buren moves forward with these transformative plans, the community is eagerly waiting to see how these changes will shape the town’s future, bringing everyone together and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship!