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Underwood Cannary - Bass Harbor (Tremont), Mount Desert Island Year listed: 2001
After Saved!
Situated at the entry to Bass Harbor on Mount Desert
Island's "quiet side", the c.1912 two-story brick Underwood Cannary sat
vacant since the mid-1970s. At 17,000 sq. ft., it is the largest building
in this small coastal fishing village. Its redevelopment had the singular
potential to dramatically alter the character and economy of this working
waterfront community - which was at the heart of the issue according to
local concerned citizens and the Mount Desert Island Historical Society.
A major redevelopment and adaptive use project converted this former industrial
site into eight luxury condominium units. History The William Underwood & Company established business in Boston in 1821 and grew to become a prominent processor and exporter of canned foods. Initially packing cooked, sterilized food in glass jars, they were the first in 1839 to convert to tin canisters, dubbed "cans". The first Underwood Cannary in Maine was established in Harpswell in 1844, and upon the death of founder William Underwood, his son, Lyman takes over the company. Soon, lobster and fish canneries are opened in Jonesport and Southwest Harbor in 1880, and in Bass Harbor (then known as McKinley) in 1886. In 1912, the company constructed a new "state-of-the-art" steel-frame brick cannary in the heart of Bass Harbor. The livelihoods of 200 employees, numerous fishermen and their families were gained here until 1966, when the property was sold. Several short-lived enterprises operated from the building before finally becoming vacant in 1978. In 1986, the community successfully fended off a proposal for condominium development and a "boatel" marina. Yet, the building had remained vacant and deteriorating - and a challenge to the community. However, the Tremont Planning Board reviewed new condominium development plans proposed by the current owner, which required zoning variations that had been granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Vocal concerns about the continued deterioration of the vacant building combined with the lack of other use proposals associated with its fishing industry origins had backed the Planning Board into a corner. Yet the building and its wharf had remained imperiled until just recently, as demand for scenic coastal residential development opportunities continue to soar along the coast of Maine.
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 |
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Example of condo interior