BELFAST – Last summer, the University of Maine, based on its Orono campus, abruptly announced that it was closing the Belfast Hutchinson Center, a higher learning campus. Now, UMaine is circulating a request for proposals for repurposing the Center.

The 16,675-square-foot facility was constructed in 2000 and acquired by the university in 2006. In 2007, the university constructed an additional 13,841-square-foot wing. The university closed operations of the center in August 2023. 

An appraisal was conducted and concluded that the value of the property is $2.52 million. The university currently holds a bond for the construction of the additional wing with a balance of approximately $1 million. 

The RFP includes options for sale, lease or other creative solutions. This RFP will provide a fair and competitive process for all parties interested. The response deadline for the initial proposal opening is Feb. 5, 2024 on or before 2 p.m. EST. 

For a copy of the RFP 2024-048, refer to University of Maine System website: http://www.maine.edu/strategic-procurement/upcoming-bids/

UMaine said in its news release that it, “remains committed to providing quality educational opportunities in Waldo County via online education, through academics, professional development offerings and University of Maine Cooperative Extension programming.”