Woodhull’s rehabilitation of the Gehring House, a Bethel landmark that dates to 1896, preserves one of the town’s most significant historic structures while addressing a critical need for high-quality, year-round housing. The three-story, 13,000-square-foot structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had experienced decades of deferred maintenance, outdated systems and interior layouts that no longer supported contemporary living.
Woodhull provided full architectural design and construction services, transforming the building into nine thoughtfully integrated apartment units without altering the historic fabric. The work required a careful balance between preservation and performance, including structural reinforcement, modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and comprehensive energy upgrades. Throughout the project, the team prioritized the restoration of character-defining features, salvaging and reusing original woodwork, flooring, and millwork wherever possible. Over 14,900 square feet of historic material was preserved, minimizing waste while retaining the building’s embodied carbon and craftsmanship.
The project’s scope also included upgrading life-safety systems, meeting current building codes, and integrating new systems within a historic structure, which required close coordination with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and the National Park Service. Working alongside the Northern Forest Center and a network of skilled local tradespeople, Woodhull implemented a design-led construction process that ensured each intervention was both technically sound and historically appropriate. Federal and Maine State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits were instrumental in making the project financially viable.
Sustainability was central to the project’s approach. In addition to material reuse, new products were sourced locally where possible, including Maine-manufactured wood flooring and siding. The introduction of wood-fiber insulation reduced embodied carbon, while the replacement of an outdated oil boiler with a high-efficiency wood pellet system is projected to reduce heating emissions by approximately 54%. These strategies demonstrate how adaptive reuse can advance environmental performance while preserving historic character.
Beyond the building itself, the Gehring House has had a measurable impact on the Bethel community. The addition of nine high quality apartments helps address a shortage of workforce housing, supporting teachers, healthcare professionals and service workers who are essential to the local economy. Construction engaged local contractors and suppliers, circulating investment within the region and supporting skilled labor.
The Gehring House stands as a model for rural redevelopment, demonstrating how thoughtful preservation, integrated design and construction, and strategic investment can strengthen communities while ensuring historic buildings continue to serve meaningful, lasting purposes.
