FALMOUTH — A well-known Route 1 business is moving, but not far.
Pratt Abbott Cleaners will be moving from 231 U.S. Route to 240 U.S. Route 1, the site of the former Portland Dry Cleaners. Becky Zolton, production manager of Pratt Abbott, said the Falmouth store has been at the corner of Route 1 and Depot Road for 25 years.
Pratt Abbott President David Machesney said the dry cleaning business is moving because the landlord, P&K Realty, wants to redevelop the property.
He said the Portland-based company has been looking for a new Falmouth location for about a year, and settled on the Shops at Falmouth Village in May or June.
“I think it will be a decent alternative for us,” he said.
Jeff Gove, who owns the Shops at Falmouth Village, said his previous tenant, Portland Dry Cleaners, moved out in June.
Pratt Abbott’s 231 U.S. Route 1 property has been listed for lease by CBRE/The Boulos Co. for approximately six months. He said the owners want to improve the property with new construction.
The move by Pratt Abbott creates another prominent vacancy on what is probably one of the busiest intersections in town. Across the street, a former Wendy’s restaurant has been vacant since it closed last winter. The property is listed for lease by Portland-based Compass Commercial Brokers.
In early June, McQuinn said the space had attracted interest from Portland restaurants, as well as from national retailers and service companies, including a wireless service provider.
Boulos said he has already spoken to several local and national companies about the spot, which is zoned for retail and restaurant businesses. A drive-through cannot be built on the property, which has precluded some companies from coming in.
“It truly is the best commercial corner in Falmouth,” Boulos said.
Pratt Abbott Cleaners at 231 U.S. Route 1 in Falmouth is move north, to 240 Route 1.
Flagship Premium Cinemas opened next to Wal-Mart on July 13. The building had been vacant since Regal Cinemas left the plaza on U.S. Route 1 in 2012.
A marquee for Flagship Premium Cinemas that is being built across the street from a “for lease” sign outside Pratt Abbott Cleaners on U.S. Route 1 in Falmouth.
The brokers for 231 U.S. Route 1 said a new tenant has not been lined up yet, but are not worried about filling the spot.