Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A business with a long history of serving the needs of the community and visitors from far and wide is marking the Star City’s Sesquicentennial with a bit of a facelift, with renovations currently under way.
The restaurant area of the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, better known as Gram Russo’s, is being remodeled, giving the facility a fresh new look, while retaining the essence of its former solarium. The restaurant at the Houlton Rd. facility is open for business, as construction continues.
“The solarium was added to the hotel over 20 years ago. The glassed-in section was more prone to weather issues — fluctuations in temperatures. It was time for an upgrade,” said Kevin Simmons, owner of the Presque Isle and Caribou facilities.
In keeping with the openness the old solarium offered, the remodeled section will feature several large picture windows for patrons to enjoy the view while they dine.
“The old windows met building specifications when they were originally installed. But time has taken its toll. There’s always been a problem with heating and air conditioning that section. It was time to make some improvements,” said Simmons.
Simmons said the change will help address fuel consumption at the hotel, helping reduce energy costs.
“The new windows and the entire addition will be more energy efficient. Because of its age, the old solarium was beginning to have energy issues — it was either too hot or too cold. Now the temperature should be just right, regardless what time of year it is,” he said.
Like other businesses impacted by increasing costs to heat structures, Simmons said this will make the facility “more energy-efficient.”
“It’s our way of being more energy-conscious,” he continued.
Simmons said while the addition will be new, the design is similar to what was there before. He wanted to maintain the look and feel of the original structure, since the building is a bit of a landmark for the area.
“Everyone knows where the Presque Isle Inn is. Folks may remember it by a different name — Swamp Fox, Keddy’s, Presque Isle Inn. Before I renovate — take on a new project, I consider the value to the community. The Presque Isle Inn is a landmark,” said Simmons.
The construction work is being performed by Phil Trombley and his crew.
According to the records at the Presque Isle Tax Assessor’s Office, the original section of the hotel was built in 1973, with the addition built in 1986.
“The hotel has served the community for over 30 years. We renovated the dining room over 5 years ago and have done a number of upgrades over the years,” he said.
Simmons said the remodeled section will use the same “building footprint,” similar in size, with plenty of windows for viewing the changing seasons in the Star City.
“We’re putting in plenty of windows; people love the view. The new solarium will be just under 1,000 square feet and will seat about 50,” said Simmons. “Folks will be able to come into the solarium and have a wonderful view. All our upgrades are done to protect the historic nature of the facility.”
Simmons said he hopes to have the project completed on or before the first of the year.
“We’d like to have it done before New Year’s. Until then, space is a bit reduced for dining purposes, but Gram Russo’s is open and we invite patrons to come enjoy one of the many scrumptious meals we offer,” he said.
Seating has been slightly reduced, due to the renovations. Simmons said while the dining room is open for walk-ins, reservations are being encouraged, now that the holiday season is upon us.
“During the busy holiday season, we have limited seating. We suggest anyone planning to eat at Gram Russo’s should call in advance to guarantee seating,” said Simmons.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 764-3321.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THE SOLARIUM section of Gram Russo’s will have a new look, once Phil Trombley and his crew complete construction of the nearly 1,000 sq. ft. dining area at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. The restaurant remains open for business but reservations are recommended during the busy holiday season. The Houlton Rd. business, built in stages between 1973 and 1986, is one of two facilities owned by Kevin Simmons — one in the Star City and the other in Caribou.
