AUBURN – Lamey-Wellehan, one of the original tenants of the Auburn Mall, is looking for a new home.

Jim Wellehan, president of the 90-year-old shoe retailer, said the decision to leave the mall location wasn’t his.

“We were asked to vacate the property,” he said. “It was a surprise.”

The shoe store occupied about 5,000 square feet near the JCPenney anchor. It is currently promoting a moving sale in advance of its relocation, although a closure date hasn’t been set.

Mall manager David Lee said he disputes Wellehan’s account of the move.

“I don’t agree with that (assessment),” said Lee. “They decided they wanted to move on.”

Lamey-Wellehan is the second-strongest draw in the mall after JCPenney. Wellehan said the retailer has always paid its rent on time, a total of about $2 million since the store opened 25 years ago. He said it was his understanding that General Growth Properties, leasing agent for the mall, is in negotiations with a tenant that wants to be the only family shoe store in the mall.

Lee said the mall has several deals in the works for new tenants, but none he can announce and none who are specifically interested in the Lamey-Wellehan space.

Lamey-Wellehan paid about $13 per square foot for its lease, more than it pays in its Brunswick and Falmouth locations.

“We don’t think our rent is low by existing standards, but they (mall management) think so,” said Wellehan.

Although a relocation wasn’t something the company expected, Wellehan said they are looking at it as an opportunity. He has been discussing a temporary location for the store among several local developers, as well as a new permanent home.

“We’re looking at a wonderful new location to build a new, high-grade store,” said Wellehan. He said it’s too soon to release details about both the temporary and permanent locations, but he expects the retailer will remain open throughout the transition.

The process has also renewed his appreciation for the community. He said he’s had wonderful support from local developers, bankers and city staff.

“I’m delighted by the community reaction,” he said. “It’s like living in Mayberry.”

Nor does he bear any ill will toward the mall.

“I hope the Auburn mall does well,” he said. “This community needs a strong retail sector.”