The Phase Two Construction Project at the Stewart Library Building is funded by a grant of one million dollars from the Next Generation Foundation of Maine and a grant of twenty thousand dollars from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. These repairs and upgrades will protect the outside from the weather, make the building safer, and open access to the second floor and basement. Because it will be “up to code”, use of the building can expand and programs will be eligible for more grants and other funding.
The work will start in August 2015 and be complete by May 2016.
The Phase Two project will:
Rendering of the Stewart Library Building with the new addition.
- Repoint and repair the rest of the outside masonry, where needed.
- Repair the roof, flashing, and gutters.
- Rebuild the entry porches over the side doorways.
- Repaint and repair all windows, restoring them to working order.
- Install a sprinkler system.
- Install a fire alarm system.
- Install a three-stop elevator and lobbies in the existing north stair tower.
- Build an addition on the north side, housing a new staircase and entrance.
- Install the required electrical and mechanical upgrades.
The Architect for this project is Ames Associates from Bangor. The Construction Manager as Constructor is Nickerson and O’ Day from Brewer. Both of these firms have lots of experience restoring historic buildings.
It is very exciting to see construction begin. The Building Preservation Group has been working on this project since July of 2014. Members include Serena Bemis-Goodall, Bill Condon, Gary Dorman, Roland Dorman, Kenneth Dow, Jackie Emerson, Colleen Grover, Lee Kaufman, Jim Louder, Sylvia Miholovich, Galen McKenney, Wanda Roy, Carl Smith, Linda Smith.
There is still a great deal more that must be done to preserve the Stewart Library Building for future generations. The planning for “Phase Three” has already begun.
I am so glad an elevator is included. Mom and Dad would have enjoyed that so much. I am sure others intern will benefit and enjoy going to the plays and events upstairs. I always thought of the basement as the jail. What else is down there?
There are jail cells in the basements; very interesting to see. They will be preserved. Right now it’s mostly storage and empty space. Our Phase Three plan includes new developments down there, a conference room for meetings, climate-controlled storage rooms for the town office and the private library, other storage for the theater group and maintenance, a custodial room, and restrooms.
I am in a wheel chair now. Will there be a ramp to get to the elevator?
Yes, There will be a ramp to the entrance where the elevator will be. The walkway from the parking lot will lead up to the new entrance on the north side of the building.