The controversial owner of the Bangor Mall may sell the embattled property.
Namdar Realty Group is “in discussions about selling the property,” a spokesperson exclusively told the Bangor Daily News on Wednesday.
It’s the first time that Namdar has said that it is actively trying to sell the Bangor Mall, which has become a point of frustration for city residents in recent years as the building decayed and hemorrhaged tenants.
It’s unclear who Namdar is having those conversations with.
Namdar first mentioned it may sell the property to the city of Bangor in January. At the same time, the spokesperson also talked about big plans to tear down part of the mall, bring in a “large name” hotel, $500 a month studio apartments, office space and entertainment.
The company’s confirmation of a possible sale follows comments from Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Penobscot, on Wednesday afternoon.
“They are very willing to talk about relieving themselves of this property one way or the other,” Baldacci said of Namdar at a meeting about potential redevelopment of the mall.
That meeting included Baldacci, city officials, real estate development company ATI Group and McCLure Engineering. McClure and ATI have redeveloped properties previously owned by Namdar, Baldacci said.
The public part of the meeting discussed the dilapidated property, why the companies should work in Bangor and a potential partnership with the city. Newly elected Bangor City Chair Rick Fournier and Economic Development Director Anne Krieg declined to speculate about partnerships during that meeting.
Two lawsuits from the city against Namdar are scheduled to conclude Monday, and Fournier said he didn’t want to jeopardize anything.
The meeting was then closed to the public to discuss confidential business practices, Baldacci said.
Visible repairs are happening at the mall property nearly a year after the city of Bangor sued Namdar because of numerous code violations. The road around the mall has been paved and crews are working on the broken sewer main that caused a leak in August 2024.
The dilapidated sign at the corner of Hogan Road and Bangor Mall Boulevard is still standing. Another ongoing issue was roof leaks throughout the building. It’s unclear where that process stands.
Bangor is seeking at least $2.1 million in fines for the ongoing code issues as of February. The majority of the fines accumulate daily until repairs are completed.