Lisbon Falls High School, Lisbon Falls

The Lisbon Falls High School, opened in 1906, is a significant example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Elaborate features such as an octagonal finial­ topped tower and terra cotta accents were designed by noted Maine architect, William R. Miller.

The building operated as the high school until 1952, as an elementary school until

1985 and finally as administration offices until 2005. The building remained vacant since.

Alterations to the school over time included partition walls dividing the classroom spaces, faux wood paneling on the interior walls, and the boarding up of several windows, each of which presented potential areas for rehabilitation.

Recognizing an opportunity for elderly housing, Greater Brunswick Housing Development Corporation planned for twelve new apartment units within the original classrooms while preserving the general plan and corridors.

The scope of work included repairing historic windows and adding operable interior storms, replacing missing windows, installing dormers on the rear of the building and creating a new accessible entry while maintaining the historic appearance and character.

After years of vacancy, the conversion of the former school into housing for elderly residents is a continuing contribution to the community. Maine Preservation is pleased to present a 2013 Honor Award for the adaptive use of Lisbon Falls High School.

Kennebunk High School (Park Street School), Kennebunk

Park Street School, designed by the Boston architectural firm of Hutchins and French in the Colonial Revival style, was completed in 1922. It operated as a high school until 1939 and an elementary school until 2006.

The school closed in 2006 and remained vacant. The property became overgrown and hardly visible from the street.

Avesta housing saw an opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing in the neighborhood. Their rehabilitation project focused on the retention of the significant brick building facing Park Street while recent rear additions were replaced with a compatible modern addition.

The most significant interior spaces remain intact and recognizable to former students, while the classrooms have been made into apartments. All corridors were retained and the two-story gymnasium at the core of the building was utilized for community space.

Original wooden windows were retained on the prominent elevations and wooden pilasters were replicated. Trees planted too close to the building were removed and disease-resistant elms replanted along the street, as shown in historic photos.

Avesta and its team were able to create 30 affordable elderly housing units while maintaining significant architectural features of the former school. Maine Preservation is pleased to present a 2013 Honor Award for the adaptive use of Kennebunk High School.