Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
SOMETHING OLD IS NEW — The original windows to the Red Brick garage have been converted into mirrors for the new River Café.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
ISLAND FALLS — A building that was once a booming automobile shop and dealership in the heart of downtown Island Falls is getting new life.
Peter Connelly and Jason Tarr have spent the past few months working on restoring the building that will be home to the new River Café restaurant and gathering place.
“This building had been empty for a long time,” Connelly said. “So we thought, ‘What can we do with it as a Christian ministry to bring life to the town?’”
The café is just the first of many plans for the building, which measures roughly 19,000 square feet and sits along the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River. This all came about through a Christian ministry.”
Beyond the café, the men have big plans for the building. They hope to open a senior center, where residents can gather and do light exercise, with breathtaking views of the river. A youth center is being proposed for the basement area, while a bed and breakfast is being considered for the 1,800 square feet found on the upper level.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
ON A MISSION — Jason Tarr, left, and Peter Connelly have been busy renovating the former Red Brick garage in Island Falls over the past few months. The two are opening the River Café in a portion of the building, and have plans for many more exciting projects for other areas of the facility.
Located on one of the area’s main snowmobile trails, a bed and breakfast could provide tourists with an opportunity to stay over and explore the Island Falls region.
“This whole project is a ‘What can we do for Island Falls?’” Connelly said.
Along the back of the building, patrons will find a deck overlooking the miniature island and waterfalls from which the town was named. Plans are also in the works to restore the waterfront to its original state, which would include a walking path to the water. All of the necessary permits from the Department of Environmental Protection have been secured, Connelly said.
In addition, a canoe/kayak rental station would be located behind the building, making it easier for residents to explore the scenery of the town.
“Next month, we will be working to clear that area out,” Connelly said. “What that means is residents will have access to the falls for the first time in 70 years. This is just an awesome thing for the town.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
SNEAK PEEK — Island Falls residents were given a sneak peak inside the new River Café on March 16 as a town-wide bean supper was held.
“I’m 43 years old, and September, 2012 was the first time I actually set foot out on the island,” Tarr said. “I always drove by it, but never had a chance to experience it.”
Connelly’s wife, Cheryl (Sewell), is the great-great granddaughter of the town’s founder, Levi Sewell and the town actually started on the space where the River Café is located.
When the Connellys returned to Island Falls, they decided to purchase the building that was formerly known as the Red Brick Garage. The couple purchased the building from Leonard Lougee.
“This is just a wonderful and exciting project,” Cheryl said. “This town hasn’t seen a whole lot of activity for a long time. Everyone has been so supportive and helpful. We are not here to add money to our own pocketbook. We just want to help the community.”
Tarr and Connelly, along with help from many volunteers, began renovating the building in October, 2012. Bob Dunphy built the countertop found inside the café from locally harvested wood.
Zack Furbush, Jason’s nephew, will be the café’s manager. The café will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The River Café is tentatively set to open in mid-April and will feature fried foods (hamburgers, french fries, seafood) as well as ice cream. A takeout window will also be located at the front of the building. In the fall, Tarr said he hopes to expand the menu to more home-cooked items.
“There is just so much opportunity for so many things,” Connelly said. “The building has been empty and we just put it on our hearts to do something for the town.”
