Published by NEWS CENTER Maine
The Lewiston-Auburn Community Market plans to transform the site of the former police station into a multicultural grocery hub.
Lewiston, Maine — A member-owned grocery store designed to revitalize the Lewiston-Auburn area is making progress.
The Lewiston-Auburn Community Market, a $10 million project, is attracting more members and is now focused on securing financing and finalizing site plans. The multicultural grocery store, run as a cooperative, will be one of the first stores of its kind in Maine.
The co-op will be located on the grounds of the former Lewiston Police station.
Project adviser Rebecca Swanson Conrad said they plan to tear down the old building and put up a new one measuring 15,000 to 20,000 square feet. Some parts of the building’s front and walkways will stay, and the back parking lot will be used for food trucks and a loading dock.
The new market is expected to cost between $8 and $10 million. It will have a grocery store, a cafe, commercial kitchens, storage, and an incubator to help food entrepreneurs build new businesses.
“We have a lot of opportunity to use our local food, local places action plan for food and develop a plan for new businesses, so we want to see this place as a hub,” Conrad said.
The co-op is waiting for federal environmental reports and cleanup plans from engineers. These reports will determine when demolition can begin, how the project will be funded, and the full timeline.
The City of Lewiston still owns the building.
“Once we know the structural issues around what can stay, what can be reclaimed, and what the site needs to be rebuilt, then we will finalize the sale,” Conrad explained.
The project depends on getting more members, which will help people feel like they own a part of it. Right now, there are about 75 members, but the co-op hopes to sign up 500 to 1,000 more by the end of the year. There is a one-time fee of $100, and members will get discounts.
“It goes straight into the community; it's that one time it's for a household, so if you have a lot of children or a big family," Arlo Hennessey, outreach & engagement coordinator for the market said.
The co-op, which is expected to draw more people to the downtown area, will also offer event and community spaces for the public.
The Lewiston-Auburn Community Market does not involve any taxpayer funds.
Organizers hope to break ground within the year.
Author: Vivien Leigh (NEWS CENTER Maine)
Published: 1:23 PM EDT July 28, 2026
Updated: 7:13 PM EDT July 28, 2026