NORWAY – Western Maine Healthcare Corp., the parent organization of Stephens Memorial Hospital, has purchased the former Cummings Mill property in downtown Norway.

The announcement was made in a statement Friday.

According to Western Maine Healthcare officials, the purchase was made from the Libra Foundation for an undisclosed amount after the foundation concluded that the economic environment would not support the type of project previously envisioned.

There are no specific plans for the property, but Western Maine Healthcare officials say the purchase is viewed as a possible means to address the shortage of office space and parking accommodations on the hospital’s main campus.

Town Manager David Holt said he sees the purchase as critical for the town. “I like to see important property in local ownership. They understand the local needs,” Holt said Friday.

He said Western Maine Healthcare has indicated it will pay the taxes on the property and maintain the lot. The amount of taxes was not available Friday.

“These are small but good things,” Holt said.

Tim Churchill, president and chief executive officer of Western Maine Healthcare, said the purchase reflects the system’s commitment to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Norway.

“Our board of trustees believes that it is important to support development efforts and to do so in a manner consistent with preserving the character of the town,” he said.

According to the statement, the agreement requires Western Maine Healthcare to plant grass seed and create a park on the property for use by residents until it’s determined how the property will be used by the company.

In 2004, the state rejected a plan by the town to secure a $400,000 grant to redevelop the vacant dowel mill. The mill closed about four years ago and was purchased by the Growth Council of Oxford Hills for $100,000. The council, the town and Norway Downtown Revitalization came up with a plan to redevelop the site for private development, but with the loss of the grant, the plan never materialized. The Libra Foundation, a group of investors who were attempting to place upscale housing on the property, purchased the land in 2005 for about $300,000.