It’s gone, but not really gone.

Since leaving Lisbon Street in January after two years, Sheri Withers has taken Downtown Handmade & Vintage online. She’s adding pieces everyday from lines like her “I (heart) Lewiston” collection at the Etsy site for DowntownHandmade. 

“I am stocking up on old favorites and some new designs to show love for our community,” Withers said Thursday.

She’s also planning to hit local events such as the Great Falls Brewfest. Withers said she closed the shop after health issues made regular hours tough to keep last fall.

But now, onward and upward.

“I am trying to spend my energy getting more attention to the restaurants and retail on Lisbon Street,” she said. “That way when there is more retail, there will be more of a walkable community to support it.”

Hospital sightings, take two

Central Maine Medical Center spokesman Chuck Gill said the hospital doesn’ t have any specific plans for its new building at 593 Center St., the former Book Burrow space in the Kmart parking lot.

“We really did it as a future investment,” Gill said. “It’s just a good location. There’s a lot of traffic on Center Street.”

St. Mary’s spokeswoman Jennifer Radel said details are still in the works about St. Mary’s new space behind Aspen Dental, outside the Auburn Mall. It’s too early to comment, she said.

Coming soon

There’s a sign in a window on outer Sabattus Street announcing that Maine Homestead Supply Co. is coming soon. 

According to its Facebook page, the shop will carry “items for canning, fermenting, cheese and butter-making, fiber-spinning, organic gardening, maple-sugaring, composting, beekeeping, soap and candle-making, natural home remedies and all natural personal care items, cloth diaper supplies, as well as a selection of small appliances designed for off-grid use, locally produced soaps, and more.”

The owner is shooting for a soft opening in April.

Coming soonish?

Last August, plans were announced for a new Aroma Joe’s drive-thru at the vacant gas station space next to Margarita’s on Center Street. Since then, nothing.

The city has approved site, stormwater and traffic plans, according to the planning office, but the company has yet to ask for a building permit.

An Aroma Joe’s opened in Oxford last September and another earlier this year in Lisbon. Corporate Joe’s didn’t return a message this week asking when Auburn will be next. 

Quick hits about business comings, goings and happenings. Have a Buzz-worthy tip? Contact staff writer Kathryn Skelton at 689-2844 or kskelton@sunjournal.com.

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