Patrick Dempsey rides along during the Dempsey Challenge Zwift Ride at the Dempsey Center in Lewiston on September 26, 2020. With its building at 29 Lowell St. for sale, the organization is looking to move, and said it is dedicated to staying in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal file

LEWISTON — The Dempsey Center, currently located at 29 Lowell St., is looking for a new location in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area as the building it’s housed in right now is up for sale.

“With the eventual sale and change of ownership, the Dempsey Center is proactively exploring potential alternative locations in Lewiston, Auburn, and surrounding communities to ensure the continued delivery of its vital services,” the center said in a press release.

“The Dempsey Center remains deeply committed to serving Androscoggin County and beyond. We are dedicated to identifying a potential new location within the Lewiston/Auburn area as quickly as possible to maintain seamless access to our critical programs for those who rely on us,” the release quoted Patrick Dempsey, founder and board member of the Dempsey Center.

Dempsey, a Buckfield native who went on to fame as an actor, founded the Lewiston-based wellness center in 2008 after his mother’s experience with cancer. It provides holistic support for cancer patients, such as counseling, nutrition services, massage, reiki, acupuncture and many other services.

The services are provided at no cost to patients and families. Donations and philanthropic support help fund the center.

The Dempsey Center also hosts the annual Dempsey Challenge, a walking, running and biking challenge led by Dempsey and hosted in Lewiston and Auburn every year that brings in a lot funds for the center.

The Dempsey Center hopes to move within the current year, the press release said.

“We believe in open communication, and it is crucial that our community is aware of this potential upcoming transition,” interim President Brandon Hotham said in the release. “We are optimistic about collaborating with a location partner in the Lewiston/Auburn region or neighboring communities, ensuring we can continue to provide essential support to individuals and families impacted by cancer.”

The Dempsey Center has been located at Lowell Street since 2012. The property was listed for sale by Central Maine Healthcare earlier this year. CMHC is also in the middle of an acquisition by national hospital conglomerate Prime Healthcare Foundation, which hopes to take ownership of CMHC and all of its hospitals later this year.

Dempsey Center has a hospitality home in Portland and it recently opened a new center at Rock Row Health Campus in Westbrook.

However, the Dempsey Center still intends to maintain a location in the Lewiston area, the organization said.

“We have a strong commitment to the Lewiston community, and our intent is to do all that we can to remain present in this or the immediate surrounding area,” Katelynn Davis, marketing and communications director, said. “We are hopeful that there is something out there for us,”

Potential landlords are encouraged to reach out to the Dempsey Center with inquiries or proposals at space@dempseycenter.org.