JAY -- Interest in buying the used equipment and in leasing commercial space at the former Wausau Co. paper mill in Jay has been steady, but no decisions will be made until the sprawling building is prepared for winter, said one of the new owners on Friday.

"We will take our time. There are electrical issues that need to be taken care of and all the water and sewer lines drained before winter," said Mary Howes.

The work will include segregating the various utilities to prepare opportunities for leasing space.

Howes and Tim DeMillo, who both own Howie's Welding and Fabrication Inc. in Jay, purchased the 650,000-square-foot mill property two weeks ago. The terms of the sale preclude its continued operation as a paper-making facility.

"We haven't even advertised yet and we have gotten over 25 calls from Texas, New Jersey, and Connecticut -- all over," she said.

There has also been interest in leasing industrial space, she said.

According to the town of Jay, the Otis mill real estate at 1 Mill St. was assessed at $4.22 million as of April 1, 2009 with additional parcels totaling about 20 acres valued at $44,600. Personal property was assessed at about $20 million. No information was available on the purchase price.

Howes said she and DeMillo were interested in buying a piece of equipment after the mill closed in May. But when they had a tour, they decided to bid on the whole piece of real estate and all the equipment.

"It will be a multi-use facility but we don't know yet what will be going in. The first thing we have to do is get the building ready for winter," she said.

The sprawling 650,000-square-foot building has sections that are one, two and three stories high, reflecting expansions added as the business grew. The main portion dates to the late 1800s.

"We see a lot of potential with the property and there is so much history in that building. If the sale did not go through, it would have been leveled," she said. "We never doubted the purchase but it is a bit overwhelming."

Howie's Welding is not involved with the purchase and will not be relocating, she said. The 26-year-old structural steel fabrication business has nine employees and has accounts throughout Maine and the Northeast.

"We are very pleased that local people have stepped up to the plate and purchased the property," said Jay Town Manager Ruth Marden. "They have a proven track record and are great business people. And I am optimistic about the prospect of bringing more business into the area."

In May, Wausau Paper closed its Otis Specialty Paper mill in Jay, resulting in the elimination of 96 permanent jobs. Marden said the building is in good shape and was in full use until it was closed.

"They turned off the machines and walked out," she said.

Among the features are a fully-equipped research and development lab, a machine shop and offices. Another asset is that the property is on a railroad spur, she said.

Howes said she and DeMillo will not ask the town or the state for any tax break or other assistance.

Betty Jespersen -- 778-6991

bjespersen@centralmaine.com