ORONO – The building that once housed the Oronoka restaurant has been torn  town, paving the way for a new dermatoligical clinic at its Rte. 2 location.

The Oronoka, a popular local restaurant for more than 50 years, closed more than a decade ago and had been vacant since. It was on the market for several years until it was purchased last year by Dr. Orville Hartford, who operates Penobscot Valley Dermatology off Stillwater Avenue in Bangor for $80,000.

This winter, Hafford unveiled his plans for the site. He plans to invest at least $2 million in a new 9,600 square foot building at the site. And to invest at least $300,000 in equipment and other person property. Fourteen of Hartford’s current employees at Penobscot Valley Dermatology would work there, with a goal of adding 18 more in coming years. In April, town councilors approved tax increment financing (TIF) to assist in the establishment of the new medical office building.

Demolition of the Oronoka building was town last Wednesday, with clearing of the site to follow; a few weeks ago, contents of the building, which had never been cleared after the restaurant closed – were removed. Plans call for construction to begin in June, with the building to be done by the end of the year.

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