A Chinese developer is seeking to make Auburn the site of a medical tourism complex, the Sun Journal reported.

The Shengton Group of Beijing is proposing to convert two former shoe factory buildings on Minot Avenue, now called The Barn, into an upscale residence for patients who would fly from China for medical treatment, the Lewiston newspaper said. The patients would be able to stay in the residence while they recover and get follow-up treatment.

The company completed the purchase of the buildings in July through a Maine company it created, Miracle Enterprises, the newspaper said.

One of the developers said the company was attracted by Auburn’s clean air and water and fresh food. The Sun Journal said the company would target wealthy retirees or seniors and financially stable middle-age people who would be able to afford to come to the U.S. for treatment. That treatment would include care at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston and traditional Chinese treatment at the residence.

The investors said they estimate it would cost $30 million to $40 million to renovate the buildings and develop the site.

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