Kennebec Savings Bank has begun the process of expanding its Augusta campus by proposing a new five-story office building. This project will significantly enhance office space for more than 100 employees and will occupy most of the block bordered by Western Avenue, State Street, and Chapel Street. However, the plan includes the demolition of a historic house located at 15 Western Ave., which has drawn criticism from some residents.
During a meeting on October 3, 2023, with the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission, bank CEO and President Andrew Silby stated that the project’s design necessitated the removal of the building, which was constructed in 1899 by renowned Maine architect John Calvin Stevens. Silby emphasized that efforts to preserve the building were made, including consultations with two contractors about relocating the structure. Both contractors deemed the relocation cost-prohibitive, prompting the bank to reconsider its options.
The building, which has been vacant for approximately 15 months after serving as an optometrist’s office, has not been well-maintained in recent years. According to Silby, any historical renovation would require nearly $2 million in addition to moving costs. The design team also explored the potential of constructing an addition to the house but ultimately found the proposal unfeasible.
Community Concerns and Preservation Efforts
The new office building will require 170 parking spaces in compliance with Augusta’s regulations. This requirement significantly impacts the available land, leading to the decision to demolish the historic house. Although the structure is not listed in any of Augusta’s four historic districts or on the National Register of Historic Places, commission members acknowledged its historical significance.
The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission has implemented a 60-day delay on the demolition to allow for further negotiations regarding the house’s fate. Silby noted that as long as the bank considers all possible alternatives to demolition and finds none viable, the city can proceed with approving the demolition.
Commission member Cheryl Clukey expressed her disappointment at the news, stating, “I was really sad when I got this letter. I knew it was coming, but I’m just really sad about it.”
The bank’s project still requires several approvals from city authorities, including a zoning change from the Planning Board and a building height allowance from the City Council.
Potential Solutions and Community Involvement
In a related development, prominent Augusta developer Richard Parkhurst made a public offer during the commission meeting to purchase and relocate the house. He suggested moving it to the north end of the rotary, a proposal that received support from commission Vice Chair Gerald Bumford, who stated he would assist Parkhurst if the offer materializes.
Time is of the essence, as the 60-day delay is nearing its end. Bumford urged the parties involved to act quickly, saying, “You’ve got 60 days left before the demolition delay expires.” Following the meeting, Parkhurst reiterated his willingness to discuss the matter further with bank officials.
As Kennebec Savings Bank moves forward with its expansion plans, the outcome of this historic house’s fate remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing tension between development and preservation in Augusta.
