PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Framework Church recently purchased and began repairs on a former apartment building that they hope will become a coffee and community-based “hub” for people in The Star City.
Located between Governor’s Restaurant and Walgreens, 342 Main St. housed 10 apartment units before losing five of those units in a fire in 2013. The most damaged part of the building was demolished shortly after and the rest has been vacant since then.
The building also has historical significance in Presque Isle. It served as the local Chamber of Commerce headquarters prior to relocating to Houlton Road in 1991.
As Framework Church, formerly known as Presque Isle Wesleyan Church, looked to expand its role in the community, its leaders realized that a coffee shop could be the ideal business to serve residents and visitors. They later found that the 342 Main St. building, which they are renting from a local landlord, was the perfect fit for Hub Coffee’s mission.
“Whenever I visit a new town, the first place I look for is the local coffee shop. It’s the place people go to ask directions, get information or just to kill a few hours,” said Jason Blaikie, chairperson of the Hub Coffee board and pastor of strategic multiplication for Framework Church.
Rather than trying to earn a large profit, Hub Coffee plans to focus most of its efforts on providing spaces for community gatherings, such as Bible studies, business and board meetings, as well as study areas for local college students. The coffee room will serve specialty coffees such as espressos and cappuccinos as well as teas, smoothies and desserts from local bakers.
Though Framework Church had discussed possibly opening a business like Hub Coffee in several years, an anonymous donation of $100,000 pushed the project forward. The Hub Coffee board has since raised $30,000 from local donors, bringing them closer to their $150,000 goal.
On Aug. 19, the group will host the Hub Hustle 3K as a fundraiser for Hub Coffee. All proceeds raised will go toward equipment purchases. People who wish to register or learn how to donate can visit https://www.hubcoffeepi.com/.
A group of around 30 volunteers has worked to demolish damaged sections of the building and will wrap up that work within the next few weeks. The next stage of the project will involve hiring a local contractor to repair the plumbing and electrical systems and construct the layout of Hub Coffee.
The Hub Coffee board hopes to open the business by the end of 2021. With the business’ name in mind, they aim to create a “hub” for people to come in, grab a fresh cup of coffee and connect with members of their community.
Those connections will be especially important as Presque Isle moves toward economic revitalization and post-pandemic recovery, Blaikie noted.
“I know we’re not the first business to be doing [a coffee shop], but we’re excited to be part of what’s happening downtown,” Blaikie said, referring to recent economic development ventures in PI. “People are tired of seeing businesses close. There’s an excitement to seeing new businesses opening in town.”
Correction: A previous version of this story mistakenly said that the Framework Church purchased the building at 342 Main St. in Presque Isle. Framework Church is renting the building.
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A crew of volunteers has been working to prepare the interior of a former apartment building on 342 Main St. for construction, which will transform the space into Hub Coffee. (Courtesy of Jason Blaikie)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Volunteers Connor Fuller (left) and Isaac Nelson demolish and repair sections of the former apartment building at 342 Main St. that will become Hub Coffee. (Courtesy of Jason Blaikie)
