With $230,000 in federal grants, four Maine towns may soon see new life in some of their historic buildings, and their local economies.
The grants for revitalizing five structures in Belfast, Dover-Foxcroft, Lille and Thorndike were awarded last week by Maine Preservation, a nonprofit historic preservation group, with funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission, according to a news release.
The commission is a federal-state partnership that supports economic and community development in areas of northern Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. The NBRC’s Northeast Heritage Economy Program grants total $1 million for 15 projects across the four states, and are intended to stimulate job creation where the forest products industry has declined, the release said.
“Historic preservation is an effective tool in strengthening both community and economic development. It can help communities achieve their goals whether it be neighborhood stabilization, downtown revitalization, promotion of arts and culture, heritage tourism or job retention and creation,” said Andrea K. Smith, NBRC’s program manager for Maine.
Maine Preservation grant recipients, by town
Belfast: The Belfast Maskers will receive $23,400 for heating and cooling and bathroom improvements at the former First Universalist Church, allowing expanded use of its theater throughout the year.
Dover-Foxcroft: Center Theatre Inc. will receive $30,538 to support the creation of a second screen theater at the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts, substantially increasing its capacity.
Dover-Foxcroft: The Maine Highlands Community Center will receive $17,582 to assist in its build-out of the Commons at Central Hall, allowing it to expand its services to the senior community.
Lille: The Association Culturelle et Historique du Mont-Carmel will receive $78,480 for restoration of frescoed plaster and repairs of the roof and sills of the Musée Culturel du Mont-Carmel. This work will allow for expanded visiting and use of the building, which is on Maine Preservation’s Most Endangered Historic Places list.
Thorndike: Timelines Community Inc. will receive $80,000 for building rehabilitation, including work on a foundation, drainage, sills, joists, subflooring, and chimney, in order to reopen the Thorndike Village General Store as a multi-use facility.
