Ellsworth’s downtown district received National Register of Historic Places designation, a project that was part of the city’s push to preserve the integrity of its buildings.
“This designation is an important step in strengthening Ellsworth’s downtown as an economic and cultural center,” said Charlie Pearce, the city manager. “It creates new opportunities for investment, supports our local property owners through access to historic tax credits and reinforces the value of preserving the character that makes Ellsworth unique.”
The district consists of 44 buildings, of which 38 contribute to the district’s historic character. The district extends largely east-west along Main Street.
The register is the nation’s official list of cultural resources as a program of the National Park Service. The Maine Historic Preservation Commission, a state governmental agency, oversees the administration of the register program in Maine.
According to the commission, economic benefits of the designation include encouraging the rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties which meet preservation standards through tax incentives and making owners of historic properties eligible to apply for grants for preservation activities.
Investment potential
The contributing buildings are nearly all built to the concrete sidewalk and the majority share party walls. They range in height from one to three stories. Most are masonry construction with flat roofs, with a few examples of wood-frame and hipped roofs.
Architectural styles include Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Renaissance Revival, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival and Art Deco.
The national designation is considered key in positioning Hancock County’s largest city, with a population of 8,800, for economic and cultural growth, according to a news release.
“This designation is a meaningful milestone for Ellsworth and a reflection of years of community-driven effort to recognize and preserve the historic character of our downtown,” said Cara Romano, executive director of Heart of Ellsworth, which led the effort.
Buildings that date back nearly two centuries include the Peters Building at 2 State St., with features such as a distinctive rounded corner and a stepped brick cornice; and the Hail & Hamlin Building, also known as the Hubbard Building, at 4 State St., whose styling includes a tall narrow chimney and granite lintels and sills.
Art Deco structures dating back to 1933 include the the H. C. Austin Building at 107 Main St., which has recessed Art Deco-style diamond patterned cast stone decorative panels; and the Luchini Building at 112 Main St., with a smooth cast stone façade and wood windows with “rusticated” granite lintels and sills.
Community push
Community engagement in historic preservation activities in Ellsworth has spanned several years, including a workshop series hosted by Heart of Ellsworth for building and business owners in 2023.
Maine Preservation, a Yarmouth nonprofit, was retained to lead the workshop series. Building owners provided feedback on the nomination process. Over 50 community members participated in a walking tour highlighting the 38 contributing buildings.
Nomination paperwork created in 2025 underwent review by a committee formed by Heart of Ellsworth, including representatives from the Ellsworth Historical Society, city of Ellsworth Historic Preservation Commission, local architects and subject matter experts.
The nomination, including extensive research, was prepared by Augusta consultant Kleinfelder.
The non-regulatory designation offers historic tax credits for building owners and supports preservation of the district’s historic character. Building improvements are governed by city ordinances, separate from the federal designation.
The project was originally funded by a federal grant that was rescinded in May 2025. The project regained momentum through sponsorship from First National Bank, Renewal by Andersen, city of Ellsworth and other community donations.
The nomination was submitted to the Maine State Historic Preservation Office in December 2025, approved at the state level in February and advanced for federal designation.
