Kennebec Savings Bank Starts Augusta Expansion, Faces Historic House Demolition

UPDATE: Kennebec Savings Bank has just initiated plans for a significant expansion in Augusta, announcing a new five-story office building that will impact local history. The project, unveiled on October 3, 2023, includes the controversial demolition of a historic house at 15 Western Ave, sparking opposition from community members.

The new structure aims to create modern office space for over 100 employees and will expand the bank’s campus near Memorial Circle. However, the demolition of the 1899 house, designed by renowned Maine architect John Calvin Stevens, has raised concerns among Augusta residents. During a meeting with the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission, CEO Andrew Silby stated that the design of the new building necessitates the removal of the historic property.

Silby explained the bank explored options to preserve the house, including moving it. However, two contractors deemed the process financially unfeasible, stating it would cost nearly $2 million just to relocate, without addressing renovation needs. The house has been vacant for about 15 months and was previously occupied by an optometrist’s office.

While the house is not listed in any of Augusta’s four historic districts or on the National Register of Historic Places, commission members acknowledged its historic significance due to Stevens’ design. Following the discussion, the commission imposed a 60-day delay on the demolition, allowing time for potential negotiations regarding the house’s future.

Commission member Cheryl Clukey expressed sadness over the situation, stating, “I was really sad when I got this letter. I knew it was coming, but I’m just really sad about it.” Local developer Richard Parkhurst publicly offered to purchase and relocate the house, proposing a site move to the north end of the rotary. Commission Vice Chair Gerald Bumford supported this offer, emphasizing the urgency of the situation: “You’ve got 60 days left before the demolition delay expires. Time is of the essence.”

The bank’s expansion plans require the construction of approximately 170 parking spaces to comply with Augusta’s regulations, which will further limit the land available for the historic house. Despite the bank’s statements about the challenges of preserving the property, community members have raised their voices in opposition to the demolition, reflecting a broader concern for protecting Augusta’s architectural heritage.

Kennebec Savings Bank now faces several key hurdles, including approvals from the Planning Board for zoning changes and the City Council for building height allowances. As the countdown begins, residents and preservationists alike will be watching closely for developments in the coming days.

With a heightened sense of urgency, all eyes are on Augusta as the clock ticks on the future of the historic house at 15 Western Ave. The outcome will not only impact the bank’s expansion but also the community’s connection to its past. Will negotiations succeed, or will the historic structure be lost forever?