By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Flip through the town’s history book and what Bridgton used to look like jumps off some pages.

The train was a big part of bringing tourists to this lovely part of western Maine.

Huge wooden mills occupied spaces along Stevens Brook.

Looking into the past at what Bridgton was, developer Justin McIver is tapping into local history to create a project that recaptures the old days but with a modern twist.

McIver unveiled an ambitious project to the Bridgton Planning Board Tuesday night that would transform the old AG store site and Depot Street into a major destination point.

Maker’s Mill is the anchor, a space where crafters and artisans can demonstrate and sell their works. The first floor will be commercial, while the second story will be housing. The structure captures some features of the old Pondicherry Mill, which sat where Food City is. Maker’s Mill will include a tower, much like the one the Pondicherry once had.

McIver pointed out that heavy community involvement took place as a vision moved toward a concept. Four to five meetings and site walks were held with town officials, members of various organizations including the Bridgton Historical Society, and potential businesses that might take up occupancy.

“This is an important project for the downtown, created by the community. We had different ideas discussed and we got great feedback. We ultimately came up with this plan,” McIver said. “The Historical Society was key on this. We want to create an experience what used to be here and make it something special.”

The project includes a courtyard and wishing well, along with a replica train station, which will be the location of a brewery and tasting room. McIver noted that the soon-to-open Queens Head Pub in The Gateway building will move its brewing operation into the train station, thus gaining more restaurant seating.

To achieve the historic feel, brick will be used.

The project also calls for construction of a market cafe building. McIver plans to sprinkle old time items within the project, including old water turbines and historical photos with information regarding the old train station.

He added that the venue could serve as a future home of Music on Main, with the idea of being able to close off that portion of Depot Street for special events. Maker’s Mill will also include a public bathroom facility.

Another side piece of the project is to revamp the Stevens Brook trail, which will connect to a foot-bridge that will enable people to access a parking lot at the site of the old Paris Farmers’ Union, adjacent to Walgreens.

McIver said the project is another step to strengthening Bridgton as a “destination place.”

Planners found the project both “exciting” and intriguing. Certainly, there will be checks on how the project aligns with existing Land Use standards. McIver expects to bring the project before planners for more formal review in April.

“It’s absolutely wonderful. I’m in favor of enhancing the village of Bridgton. This is exactly what we want to do to enhance the village; very excited,” Planner Rolf Madsen said.

Chair Deb Brusini was curious regarding the positioning of the large building. McIver noted that the position of Maker’s Mill enables people to “see down through the area.” He added, “the view coming down Depot Street creates another Main Street feel.”

“I appreciate the green space,” Brusini noted.

“It’s what the group wants to see,” McIver said. “I just want this to be a community project — I approached this, what the community wants.”

Bridgton Town Manager Robert Peabody, who took part in planning meetings, called the community approach “an interesting process.”

“It’s been a collaborative project,” he said. “In my 25 years doing this type of work (as town manager), it is the first time I’ve been intimately involved in a major (downtown) project. It’s been quite a process.”