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Bond Street Neighborhood - Augusta Year listed: 2001
Saved! A cluster of seven Victorian period mill-worker residences (an eligible National Historic District) was at the heart of a heated debate in Augusta, and was included in 2001's list of Most Endangered Historic Properties. Maine Preservation joined the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission, the Kennebec Historical Society, and the Maine Historic Preservation Commission in strongly opposing the city's widening plans for Bond Street, which would have directly impacted this historic neighborhood. The town of Augusta has come to a consensus that the Bond Street neighborhood is worth preserving and that the homes should not be razed in order to widen the road. The town is now debating the future use and plans for the homes along Bond Street. The homes in this one-block northern entrance to downtown and the Kennebec River still need the community's attention due to one of the potential components of a corridor redevelopment plan, which includes a trailhead, street overlay, and lighting. History Built in 1884 by the Edwards Manufacturing Company, these seven Vernacular Italianate multi-family homes are one and a half story. Most of these homes were built to house French-Canadian workers recruited from Quebec during the 1880s to meet the growing demands of cotton textile production at the Edwards Mill. Their facades are closely aligned, forming a strong street edge. Most of their chimneys have been retained, an important character-defining feature. Anthony Douin, Chair of the Augusta HPC, has been a vocal advocate for this neighborhood, and seeks an alternative from Augusta officials that retain these homes and enhance the strong visual context they provide to this gateway street. "They were never meant to be pretentious," Douin said. "They serve as a testimony to the struggle of our French community for a place in the story of Maine's capitol city. With some minor street amenities and modest restoration work, this working class neighborhood would strengthen our city's community identity and even serve as a potential economic development aid." Due to their statewide rarity, contextual relationship, and uniform grouping, it is the opinion of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission that this grouping of historic working-class housing comprises an eligible National Historic District. Maine Preservation agrees with the MHPC and the local preservation community of Augusta, and urges the City to redesign their plans to incorporate in situ the historic homes of the Bond Street neighborhood. With the assistance of Mary McCarthy, Maine Preservation Trustee and member of both the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission and Kennebec Historical Society, we will be providing support to the local collaboration seeking alternative solutions. The contribution that adjacent residential districts make to downtown revitalization efforts is essential for planners to understand. The Bond Street neighborhood provides a valuable vernacular fabric that contributes to the visitor's understanding of Augusta's cultural and mill history. How to get involved Contact Augusta Historic Preservation Committee Chair Anthony Douin at (207) 287-5790 to lend your support, or by writing to City Hall, 16 Cony Street, Augusta, ME 04330.
Learn about Maine's Most Endangered Historic Properties success stories! 2004 Endangered List | 1999 Endangered List 2003 Endangered List | 1998 Endangered List 2002 Endangered List | 1997 Endangered List 2001 Endangered List | 1996 Endangered List |
