A month ago, a piece of Augusta’s soul was standing in the path of demolition, but the community stepped in and now we have the opportunity to carve a new path. The house at 15 Western Avenue, built circa 1898-1899, has stood for over 127 years as a witness to our city’s growth—from the early days of the timber trade to the bustling life of Maine’s capital. It is one of the last of the historic homes left along Western Avenue.
This piece of the capital city’s architectural heritage was dangerously close to the brink of destruction. The home was scheduled for demolition to make way for expansion of the main Kennebec Savings Bank branch location. Western Avenue has already lost too much of its grandeur and the loss of yet another historic home would be a sad day in our history.
Part of the problem right now is that the house is just outside of the "historic district" and it has not been individually placed on the National Register of Historic Places. By moving the house, it could not only be preserved, but it would then be within the boundaries of a historic district.
By saving this building, we won't be just moving a house, but saving a masterpiece by John Calvin Stevens, the architect who defined the look of Maine. Stevens was known for his "organic" integration of stone and wood and was the "father" of Shingle Style architecture.
Local businessman, Richard Parkhurst, has offered to buy the house and move it, but that is not a straightforward path. KSB has agreed to sell the building and the proposed lot, but there remain mountains of permitting and regulatory costs in addition to the cost of the move itself. This is going to be a heavier lift than initially anticipated and the deadline is ticking closer. If we don't move this historic structure to the new permanent home by May, this landmark will be reduced to rubble as we've seen time and time again. Now, we just need the community to help us get it across the finish line by GETTING IT MOVED.
This GoFundMe is being launched to help us get across the finish line to ensure that Augusta's history is not lost to time. Moving a house isn't just about the truck (or in this case, trucks). Your donations will directly fund:
- Groundwork/The New Foundation: Preparing the site to ensure the house stands for generations to come.
- "Mothballing": Preparing the interior to protect internal features from damage during the move.
- Structural Engineering and Jacking: Planning for and lifting the house safely from its original foundation.
- Utility Line Management: Working with CMP and local crews to safely clear or work around power and fiber lines during the route (if the proposed site is secured, there will be minimal needs here, but costs raise exponentially the further away it goes).
- Move Day: The specialized heavy equipment required to transport a 6,000+ sq ft structure through the streets of Augusta, clearing the route, ensuring public safety, etc.
The primary focus right now is getting this all accomplished by May of this year. As funds come in, they will go directly into an account for this project to help defray some of the costs associated with the move.
A secondary focus will be what to do with the house after it is moved. It needs restoration work and the plan for what the house is to become is still unclear. Unfortunately, time is of the essence and all energy is going to be used to make sure the house is saved and relocated first.
During this fundraising period, the intention is to form a non-profit or similar corporation to ensure that monies raised benefit the community. The non-profit will focus on preservation and restoration of this home, public education and raising awareness about the benefits of preservation of our shared history, with a longer-term possibility of creating a lasting fund to continue the work of identifying and saving other historically significant properties in Augusta. Details are still being worked out, but you can be sure that your contributions will not be used to turn a profit, but to save our community's history and character.
How you can help:
We are racing against the clock. Every dollar brings us one foot closer to the new lot.
Donate: No amount is too small. The cost of a cup of coffee helps us pay down some of the costs, though larger donations are welcome and will get us there faster.
Share: Post our fundraising link on Facebook and tag "Maine Preservation," "Augusta, Maine - A Capital Happening," "Augusta, Maine Community Hub," "What's Happening in Augusta, Maine" groups, or individuals who share our love of historic preservation.
Follow us on Facebook: to get progress updates and more information on the house. We're also interested in naming the house and want your input. Complete the survey and let us know what you think.
Witness: We want the whole city to see this; it is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event! Follow us for updates on the move date so you can cheer the house on as it travels to its new home.
LET'S DO THIS AUGUSTA - SAVE OUR HISTORY -
THIS HOUSE MATTERS BECAUSE YOU DO!!
Organizer
