This Local Business Owner Has an Idea for Downtown Augusta’s Former Hazel Green’s Location

At 349 Water Street in downtown Augusta, one of the city’s longtime vacant storefronts may finally have a new future.

Local real estate owner Matt Pouliot recently floated an idea on Facebook for the historic downtown space: an indoor golf simulator business.

The building has a long history. For decades, Hazel Green’s operated in the basement, becoming one of Augusta’s best-known gathering spots. Above it, the location was also home to an Italian restaurant and several nightclubs and bars that helped define downtown nightlife for generations. But in recent years, the building has sat mostly empty, waiting for someone to bring new life back into it.

Pouliot believes indoor golf could be the answer. His vision includes a simulator facility with three bays, lessons, leagues, corporate events, and food and drinks. In a state where cold weather can keep golfers off the course for nearly half the year, an indoor space could give people a reason to head downtown year-round.

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The building already has several things working in its favor: high ceilings, exposed brick walls, a renovated historic interior, plenty of parking, and a flexible lease for the right operator.

It is currently in the works, but after years of sitting vacant, maybe this downtown space is ready for its next chapter.