New Aroostook gathering spot aims to spark local connections

The LIVING Room is a new community space in downtown Houlton housed in the former S.L. White Drug Co. building, created by Randi Bradbury and Ira Dyer to encourage belonging; a grand opening is set for April 18 and a first Sunday salon for April 19.

The LIVING Room is a newly created community gathering space located just off Houlton’s historic Market Square in the former S.L. White Drug Co. building. Owners Randi Bradbury and Ira Dyer returned to northern Maine after decades away and developed the space with community input to address a local need for connection. Organizers cited a 2024 study on belonging in Aroostook County that found newcomers sometimes feel excluded from close-knit networks. The venue will host scheduled events and impromptu gatherings and will offer membership packages to encourage use. Key details: - Location: downtown Houlton, in the historic S.L. White Drug Co. building near Market Square. - Owners: Randi Bradbury and Ira Dyer, Mars Hill natives who moved back after many years away and purchased the building during the COVID-19 period. - Space features: plush sofas, board game tables, movable tables, a maker space with a sink, a smaller meeting/podcast room, and a main room that can convert into an art gallery. - Programming and rules: grand opening planned for April 18; first Sunday salon scheduled noon–3 p.m. on April 19 with a focus on belonging and connection; regular themed nights include maker night on Mondays and thinking night on Wednesdays; organizers ask that politics and religion be left out of salon discussions. - Access and past events: membership packages will be offered, with rental access noted to start at $15 per month for private use from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the space has already hosted events such as a Valentine’s Day murder mystery for about 50 people, a baby shower, and business meetings. Summary: The founders aim for The LIVING Room to be a welcoming hub where neighbors and newcomers can meet, create and converse, responding to local reports of unmet needs for belonging. The space combines flexible furnishings and programming to support informal gatherings and cultural events. Grand opening activities are scheduled for April 18, followed by the first salon on April 19.