MEXICO – Planning Board members on Thursday approved construction of a three-unit downtown retail complex.

Kevin Gagnon, co-developer with Rob Howe, said the 6,500-square-foot structure, to be constructed next to the Mexico Congregational Church, will feature a 3,200-square-foot Viewer’s Choice video store and an 1,800-square-foot Subway sandwich shop. A third business, with 1,500 square feet, will be identified later.

Viewer’s Choice will move from the Mexico Plaza. The Subway restaurant will be new for the town.

Gagnon and Howe are about to close the purchase agreement with Frank and Shirley Swett, owners of a century-old home on the site.

Gagnon said plans call for removing the home and barn in early autumn. The retail complex will be up and running by the end of the year, or early next year.

The building will be set back from Main Street, which is Route 2. The back of the lot almost borders North Granite Street.

Space for 37 vehicles will be created in front of the building.

Planners approved installation of a 50-square-foot free-standing sign at the front of the lot. Additional signs will be erected over the entrances to each of the businesses.

Gagnon said the appearance of the building will be a mirror image of another small retail complex he has recently completed in Bridgton. Dormer windows open into each business. A cupola tops the roof of the clapboarded building.

Planner Donald O’Leary voiced concern about the removal of the classic cape.

“This building is historic. It has a little bit of history,” he said.

However, Town Manager Joseph Derouche said the home is not listed on the National Register, adding that the downtown area is in the town’s commercial development area.

“People aren’t going to be happy,” said O’Leary.

Derouche disagreed, saying that few downtown lots are as deep as the Swett lot.

“Development requires change. That’s what’s happening in our town,” he said.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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