Quimby scraps artist studio project
Philanthropist Roxanne Quimby has scuttled her plans for an artist residency program in Portland, citing delays in the approval process and historic preservation requirements.
Quimby, Burt's Bees founder and owner of large tracts of land in the North Woods, last fall bought a vacant apartment building on 660 Congress St. with plans to turn it into gallery and studio space. City Councilor David Marshall, whose district includes Quimby's building, told the Portland Press Herald she scrapped the project because of a lengthy approval process, restrictions from historic preservation rules and an arson at the building in January. The project came under debate by city councilors after Quimby asked the city to waive a fee associated with removing the building from residential use. Per a city ordinance, Quimby would have had to pay $406,000 into a fund for new housing development, but the city waived the fee.
Quimby has turned her attention to renovating the former Roma restaurant nearby into a culinary school and art gallery, dubbed the "Quimby Colony," according to the paper. Meanwhile, the city will market the building at 660 Congress St. to other developers.
Go to the article from the Portland Press Herald >>
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments