BELFAST — The University of Maine is extending the proposals deadline for the repurposing of the Hutchinson Center in Belfast by nearly two months.

In response to community feedback, the University of Maine System will extend the deadline of its request for proposals (RFP) to March 29, allowing for additional opportunity for interested parties to submit options for sale, lease or other creative solutions. The original response deadline for the initial proposal opening was Feb. 5. After March 29, the university will begin reviewing submissions. The process will remain open until a suitable proposal is selected, at which point the university will post that submissions are closed.

An appraisal concluded that the property's value is $2.52 million. The university currently holds a bond with a balance of approximately $1 million for the construction of an additional wing completed in 2009, largely at the university’s expense, said the university, in a Feb. 2 news release.

In addition to those expansion costs, since 2006 the university has directly invested $8.29 million in Hutchinson Center building maintenance and $2.9 million in renovations, the university said.

The university closed operations of the center in August 2023. UMaine continues to offer online education accessible to the people of Waldo County, and maintains an office in Belfast and access to education and leadership development for hundreds of local youth each year through the Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Lincolnville. 

A virtual pre-bid conference will be held Feb. 13 from 1-2 p.m. Details for the conference and a copy of the RFP 2024-048, can be found at the University of Maine System website: http://www.maine.edu/strategic-procurement/upcoming-bids/