🔒For Hebert Construction, restoration of Lewiston landmark was ‘a labor of love’

Hebert Construction’s renovation of the Lewiston's 19th century Dr. Milton Wedgewood House was “a labor of love." The year-long restoration was handled by Hebert, Avesta Housing and Lewiston Housing Authority as the centerpiece of an 82-unit, nine-building affordable housing complex, covering an entire block along Pine, Bartlett, Walnut and Pierce streets in downtown Lewiston. "The project presented significant challenges. The building had sat vacant for an extended period and had deteriorated into very poor condition, requiring a comprehensive scope of work to bring it back to life," said Simon Hebert, co-owner of Lewiston-based Hebert Construction. He called it "a labor of love." The project is being recognized by Maine Preservation as demonstrating excellence in historic preservation.

The backstory

The project started with the abatement of hazardous materials, then moved on to the relocation of an existing carriage house, which Hebert said was carefully moved off its footprint to allow for new foundation work, then reset on the new foundation; preserving an outbuilding that might otherwise have been demolished. “Extensive structural improvements were also required throughout the main building, as years of prior fires had left many existing framing members with excessive charring, necessitating significant remediation to bring the structure up to sound condition,” Hebert said. With the building stabilized, the team turned its attention to the painstaking work of historic restoration. Original moldings that could be salvaged were meticulously restored, and where pieces were beyond saving, Hebert's own wood shop fabricated ornate replacement moldings to match the originals, Hebert said.

“Much of the existing wood siding was carefully restored and reinstalled, with new siding installed to match original profiles and details wherever replacement was required," he added. Heritage Co. Coppersmiths, based in Waterboro, removed and replaced the slate roof, adding new copper flashings, coping and other details to honor the building's original character while ensuring long-term performance. In addition to Hebert Construction and Avesta Housing, the project team included architects from Kaplan Thompson and Barba+Wheelock, both based in Portland. “Throughout every phase, the project team ... approached the work with a shared commitment to honoring the Wedgewood building's ornate details and historic character,” Hebert said. “The result is a restored landmark that reflects both the craftsmanship of its original builders and the dedication of the team that brought it back.” The project, along with eight others selected from across the state, will be honored at Maine Preservation’s annual awards ceremony on March 18, at the Stevens Square Community Center in Portland.