17th Annual List of Maine's
Most Endangered Historic Properties

Watch the release broadcast on Portland's WCSH and Bangor's WLBZ 207 show Tuesday at 6:30 PM. The Maine's Most Endangered Historic Properties List began in 1996 for the purpose of identifying and raising public awareness of the breadth and interest in preserving endangered and threatened historic properties and materials. .

Downtown Gardiner

Across the country, historic waterfront communities have been built upon flood plains. Many of these historic downtowns, like Gardiner, have seen strong economic growth and investment in historic properties due to local economic and community development efforts. However, many are now facing a threat that undermines the economic viability of rehabilitating historic structures: flood insurance. The U.S. Government has subsidized flood insurance, but the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 will raise flood insurance premiums for owners of waterfront commercial buildings. Federal projections indicate that premiums could increase by thousands of dollars per year. This sudden major policy shift could put historic waterfront districts in jeopardy.

Sewall Mansion, Bath
The Sewall Mansion was foreclosed upon in the fall of 2012 and has sat vacant since then. While the property tax valuation is more than $900,000, it is currently listed at less than $300,000 and needs intensive repairs. The previous owner made an attempt at rehabilitation by replacing the original windows and installing new flooring. However, the roof needs to be replaced and leaks have caused water damage. Read More

Abijah Buck House, Buckfield
This house is one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in rural Maine with most of its historic interior features intact. Constructed 1791, the Abijah Buck House sits on property settled by this French-and-Indian-War veteran and his wife Phebe Tyler Buck in 1777. The town of Buckfield was named for the family. Although the current owner stabilized the structure, much work remains, including entire upgrading. The house is now offered through Maine Preservation's Revolving Fund, seeking a sympathetic buyer. Read More

Anson Town Office
In July of 2013, the administrative offices of the town of Anson moved out of the nearly century-old town hall because of poor air quality. In March of this year, voters turned down a proposal to spend $35,000 needed to make necessary repairs to the building. Instead, residents asked to see alternative options for the town office, which include moving or demolishing it. Read More

Biddeford City Hall
Clock Tower
Biddeford City Hall is one of Biddeford's most prominent landmarks. John Calvin Stevens designed it in 1894 after the original 1860s City Hall was destroyed by fire the same year. In 2007, an assessment of the building was completed and in 2012 Biddeford City Council approved minimal, short-term repairs to prevent further deterioration. Many of these repairs involved replacing rotted wood and decreasing the amount of water intrusion into the clock tower. However, these repairs only have a life span of five years and the clock tower itself is still being damaged. The dome has also not been inspected or received any remediation. Read More

Lincoln Mill Clock Tower, Biddeford

There is much to celebrate in Biddeford after more than $25,000 was raised to move the ground-stored clock tower from private property just before a demolition deadline. Now in a safe location, the clock and tower need restoration. The 1853 clock tower is a icon of Biddeford's industrial past, which once employed 12,000 mill workers. Read More

Skowhegan Drive-In Theater
Currently, major motion picture studios are converting to digital production. This means that older theaters, such as the Skowhegan Drive-In, need to replace their older, 35mm film projection equipment and screens with new digital equipment. Beyond replacement costs, this new equipment is more expensive to maintain. The estimated cost for Skowhegan Drive-In to convert to digital is $80,000. Because 35mm film is no longer being produced, the drive-in faces closure if it does not convert. Read More

Belfast Opera House
The Belfast Opera House is located within the Hayford Block, built between 1866-1868. The Opera House, originally called "Hayford Hall," was used for plays, meetings, public events, and dances. It had the seating capacity of 1,300. While rehabilitation of the Hayford Block has been well done and is rented, the Opera House itself remains untouched. The large space is in serious disrepair and lacks seating and the equipment needed to be made usable as a working theater or production space once more. Read More

Maine Preservation, chartered in 1972, is a statewide, nonprofit, membership organization that promotes and preserves historic places, buildings, downtowns and neighborhoods, strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Maine communities. Join Today

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