Topsham. Maine (May 10, 2013) – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for a new Agren retail store at 78 Mallett Drive in Topsham. The ceremony included remarks by Agren President Jason Agren, Topsham Planning  Director Rich Roedner, Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber of Commerce President Steve Wallace, and Preconstruction Manager Mike Barton of Wright-Ryan Construction, prime contractor.

Jason Agren stated that the Mallett Drive site was selected because it provides a very convenient and easily accessible location with ample parking. Agren’s Maine Street Brunswick store that opened in 1983 will be relocated to Topsham when the new store opens in late 2013. The company may be looking to hire three to five new sales associates at that time.

“The large, modern two-story retail showroom will allow us to expand our product lines with a big focus on appliances, bedroom furniture and mattresses,” said Agren. “The people of Topsham have gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome and we are looking forward to doing business from a beautiful new state of the art building.”

Agren noted that this is the company’s first store to be newly constructed from the ground up. The other five Agren locations across central and mid-coast Maine are in renovated buildings or retail spaces.
“The new Agren store will be a landmark building on Rt. 196, in a highly visible location, on a very busy road. It will help set the standard for future development from an architectural standpoint,” said Rich Roedner. “This development is key in the ongoing growth in Topsham, which has included a healthy balance of franchise development and locally owned businesses. This growth pattern is a testament to the strength of Topsham’s development codes.”
According to Mike Barton, Wright-Ryan’s Preconstruction Manager, the new 13,900 square-foot building will utilize environmentally friendly energy systems and was designed in a contemporary and ‘festive’ architectural style by architectural firm Archetype of Portland. Camden National Bank is providing financing for the project.  Several area contractors are involved in the construction project including:

• Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc., Topsham
• L&B Electric, Lisbon Falls
• Industrial Roofing Company, Lewiston
• Nason Mechanical Systems, Auburn
• Connectivity Point, Auburn
• Sitelines, Brunswick

“Agren has a long history of serving customers in the area with outstanding service and involvement in the community,” stated Steve Wallace.  “We know the company will bring this same energy and focus to the heart of Topsham’s retail district.”