Cooks Corner Construction: What's Happening?

Brunswick, Maine is working on revitalising its Cook's Corner shopping area, which has declined in recent years, with a vacant movie theatre and a half-empty strip mall. The town council has been discussing plans to turn the site into a new housing and business development since adopting a master plan for revitalisation in 2022. The project aims to ease traffic congestion and make the area more walkable, with pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike paths, while also meeting the region's housing needs. The Cook's Corner Shopping Center is a 302,003 sq. ft. regional power centre with a diverse range of tenants, including Hannaford, Staples, Big Lots, TJ Maxx, and Dollar Tree, and is conveniently located at the intersection of two major roads.

The history of Cook's Corner in Brunswick, Maine

Cooks Corner in Brunswick, Maine, was a popular shopping destination in the 1990s and early 2000s. It was a place where people could find a variety of stores, from Sears to KB Toys, Bookland, and more. It was a place where people went for back-to-school shopping, and many have fond memories of the toys, books, and other items they bought there.

The shopping centre included a Service Merchandise store, where people could buy old-style cabinet stereo systems with record players, cassette players, and receivers. It was also a place to buy lawnmowers and other household items. Sears was another popular store at Cooks Corner, especially for school shopping. People fondly remember browsing through the Sears catalogue and finding clothes and other items.

Another beloved store at Cooks Corner was KB Toys, which was like a smaller version of Toys"R"Us. It had a wide variety of toys that children could play with and was a highlight of the shopping centre. Bookland was another favourite, with a great kids' section and a cafe, it had a warm and inviting atmosphere. Other stores mentioned in sources include Bath and Body Works, FYE, and Friendly's.

In recent years, Brunswick and Cooks Corner have gone through significant changes. The closure of the Brunswick Naval Air Station led to a period of transition for the city. The Cooks Corner Shopping Center has also seen many businesses come and go, and there are plans to revitalise the area. The city of Brunswick aims to ease traffic and make it a walkable neighbourhood with shops and housing. While some stores have closed, there are hopes that new ones will take their place, such as Payless Shoes and Trader Joe's.

Plans to revitalise the area

The Town Council of Brunswick, Maine, has been working on a plan to revitalise the Cook's Corner shopping area since adopting a master plan for its revitalisation in 2022. The goal is to turn the hollowed-out shopping area into a vibrant and walkable neighbourhood with mixed-use buildings, housing, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. The council hopes that this effort will ease traffic congestion while meeting the region's housing needs and complementing other nearby developments.

The Town Council is expected to hold a public hearing on new design standards for Cook's Corner, which were drafted in response to the 2022 revitalisation plan. These design standards include prioritising buildings with street frontage, space for both businesses and residences, and better access to walking and biking paths. The council intends to incorporate these standards into the zoning code, ensuring that future projects adhere to them.

Brunswick's economic development director, Sally Costello, emphasised that the town also aims to attract more affordable housing, develop safer and more efficient roads, and encourage public-private partnerships. To bring businesses to the area, an advisory committee for the Cook's Corner revitalisation is promoting tax incentives and economic development programs, such as tax increment financing and Opportunity Zones.

The council hopes that by making Cook's Corner more attractive and pedestrian-friendly, it will eventually lure new types of businesses to the area. There are already plans for housing developments, including one for asylum seekers in Brunswick Landing, which has received recent attention and criticism. While there is no set timeline for the completion of the entire Cook's Corner revamp project, the council is committed to ensuring that it is not just a plan that sits on the shelf.

The shopping centre's current tenants

The Cook's Corner Shopping Center in Brunswick, Maine, has seen several changes over the years. The shopping center's current tenants include a diverse mix of businesses, catering to various needs of the community. Here is a detailed overview of the current tenants:

Hannaford Supermarket: Hannaford is a well-known grocery store chain, offering a wide range of food and household items. It serves as one of the anchors of Cook's Corner, providing a convenient shopping option for locals.

Staples: This national retailer specializes in office supplies, technology products, and related services. Staples offers a range of products for businesses and individuals, from stationery to printers and ink.

Big Lots: Big Lots is a popular retailer known for offering a variety of merchandise at affordable prices. Their product selection includes furniture, home décor, household essentials, and even groceries.

TJ Maxx: TJ Maxx is a beloved off-price retailer, offering a treasure hunt shopping experience. They carry a variety of brand-name and designer fashion, home décor, and other merchandise at discounted prices.

Dollar Tree: Dollar Tree is a discount store where everything is priced at $1 or less. They offer a variety of products, including household essentials, groceries, party supplies, and seasonal items.

Jersey Mike's: A popular submarine sandwich chain, Jersey Mike's offers a variety of subs and sandwiches, along with sides and drinks. It provides a quick and convenient dining option for shoppers.

KFC: Kentucky Fried Chicken, commonly known as KFC, is a well-known fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken. They offer a range of chicken meals, sides, and desserts.

Applebee's: Applebee's is a casual dining restaurant chain, offering a variety of American fare, including burgers, ribs, salads, and desserts. It provides a full-service dining experience for individuals and families.

Advance Auto Parts: This auto parts retailer provides a wide range of automotive products, tools, and accessories. Advance Auto Parts caters to car enthusiasts and those seeking to maintain and repair their vehicles.

Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile: These are national wireless carriers that provide cell phone and data services. Having a physical presence at Cook's Corner allows them to serve customers directly and offer a range of devices and plans.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries: Five Guys is a popular burger chain known for its delicious burgers and fries. They offer a simple yet tasty menu, including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and French fries.

In addition to these primary tenants, Cook's Corner also features other businesses such as Starbucks, Maine Smoke Shop, and Subway, catering to the diverse needs of shoppers and diners in the area.

The impact of the Brunswick Naval Air Station shutting down

The Brunswick Naval Air Station, located in Maine, was a military airport that operated for several decades before its closure in 2011. The base was decommissioned in May 2011, and the impact of its shutdown was significant for the local community and the state of Maine as a whole.

Firstly, the closure resulted in thousands of people leaving the state, as military personnel and their families relocated. This led to a decrease in population and economic activity in the region. However, the impact of the base's closure extended beyond the loss of people. The town of Brunswick itself faced an identity crisis, as it had to repurpose the base and adapt to the new circumstances. The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority played a crucial role in managing the redevelopment of the base, transforming it into a vibrant community called Brunswick Landing.

Brunswick Landing has successfully attracted a diverse range of businesses, educational institutions, and social services. It is now home to two colleges, athletics complexes, an assisted living center, and a mix of international and American companies. The redevelopment authority has focused on attracting businesses from other countries, resulting in startups and established companies from Sweden, Switzerland, and potentially other well-known brands like Airbus and Boeing setting up operations at Brunswick Landing. This has brought new job opportunities to the area, with the number of jobs expected to increase from 921 to 1600 by the end of the year.

The former air base also faced environmental challenges due to chemical contamination from its military use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated it as a Superfund Site in 1987, and the Navy has spent millions of dollars on cleanup efforts. Contaminated soil and groundwater had to be remediated, and the Navy continues to monitor and address any remaining environmental concerns.

In conclusion, the shutdown of the Brunswick Naval Air Station had a significant impact on the local community and the state. While the initial effects were challenging, with a loss of population and economic activity, the successful redevelopment of the base into Brunswick Landing has brought new opportunities and a vibrant future for the region. The environmental cleanup has also been a crucial aspect of the transformation, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the area.

The future of the site

The future of the Cook's Corner site in Brunswick, Maine, is focused on revitalisation and redevelopment. The area, which has declined as a shopping district in recent years, is set to undergo a transformation into a vibrant, walkable neighbourhood with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The goal is to create a mixed-use development that will ease traffic congestion and meet the region's housing needs while complementing nearby projects.

The Town Council has been working on this project since 2022, when they adopted a master plan for revitalisation. The plan includes streetscape designs, vehicle flow improvements, building and site design, and the creation of pedestrian- and bike-friendly walkways. The council is committed to ensuring the plan is actionable and not just a concept, with design standards that will guide the various projects at Cook's Corner.

The economic development director of Brunswick, Sally Costello, has emphasised the importance of encouraging more public-private partnerships to bring businesses to the area. The advisory committee for the Cook's Corner revitalisation is promoting tax incentives, such as tax increment financing and Opportunity Zones, to attract companies.

The site already features a diverse range of tenants, including national brands such as Hannaford, Staples, Big Lots, TJ Maxx, Dollar Tree, Jersey Mike's, KFC, Applebee's, and Five Guys Burgers. With the new development, the town hopes to lure even more businesses and create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood that meets the needs of its residents.

While there is no set timeline for the completion of the entire revamp project, the Town Council is taking steps to ensure that the design standards are incorporated into the zoning code, making them mandatory for future projects. The redevelopment of Cook's Corner is a long-term endeavour that will require significant time and investment.

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