UPDATE: Kennebec Savings Bank has initiated plans for a major expansion in Augusta, which includes the controversial demolition of a historic house. The bank announced the project on October 24, 2023, aiming to construct a new five-story office building that will accommodate over 100 employees near Memorial Circle.
The proposed structure will fill most of the block bordered by Western Avenue, State Street, and Chapel Street. However, the expansion plans have sparked outrage among some residents due to the planned demolition of the historic house located at 15 Western Ave. This house, designed by renowned Maine architect John Calvin Stevens in 1899, has not been well-maintained and has stood vacant for approximately 15 months after serving as an optometrist’s office.
At a meeting held yesterday, Kennebec Savings Bank CEO Andrew Silby stated that removing the house was essential for the project’s design. He explained, “We worked very diligently to try to figure out what we could do with this building. However, moving it was deemed cost-prohibitive.” Silby cited estimates that renovating the house would cost nearly $2 million in addition to relocation expenses, which discouraged potential contractors from even providing bids.
The newly planned office building will also require 170 parking spaces due to Augusta’s parking minimum rules, further complicating the situation regarding the historic house. While the house is not part of any protected historic district, it holds significant historical value to the community, according to local officials. The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission has imposed a 60-day delay on demolition, allowing time for negotiations regarding the building’s future.
The clock is ticking, and some commission members expressed their sadness over the potential loss of the historic structure. “I was really sad when I got this letter,” remarked commission member Cheryl Clukey. Public sentiment on social media has similarly reflected disappointment, with many residents opposing the bank’s decision.
In a surprising turn, prominent Augusta developer Richard Parkhurst publicly offered to buy and relocate the historic house during the commission meeting. “In my mind, it would be a simple move to the north end of the rotary,” he stated, indicating a willingness to preserve the structure. Commission Vice Chair Gerald Bumford endorsed Parkhurst’s proposal, but emphasized the urgency: “You’ve got 60 days left before the demolition delay expires. Time is of the essence.”
As the situation develops, Kennebec Savings Bank still requires approval from the city’s Planning Board for a zoning change and the City Council for a building height allowance. The future of the historic house remains uncertain, but the community is rallying to save it.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed as the deadline approaches. Discussions and negotiations will be critical in determining the fate of this historic building. The community’s response could significantly impact the bank’s expansion plans and the preservation of Augusta’s architectural heritage.
