PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The collective dream of many in the Star City finally took root Thursday as the first shovels of earth were turned for the new Presque Isle Community Center, a project which has been front and center in the city since the idea was approved by voters in 2012.
Nearly 100 city employees, elected officials, construction and architectural representatives, fundraisers and others gathered at the site of the proposed recreational complex near Riverside Drive for the official ground-breaking ceremonies.
Adding to the day’s festive mood was a sizeable donation for the upkeep of the center when it is operational. City Manager Jim Bennett served as master of ceremonies.
“Welcome to the new home of the Presque Isle Community Center,” declared City Council Chair Emily Smith. “Today has been a long time in the making: a lot of people, a lot of hours, a lot of time, a lot of determination.
“It is because of the spirit shown in this community by so many that we win,” Smith added. “Thank you for putting your heart and soul into this.”
Proponents of the center, after receiving voter approval, embarked on a significant fund-raising effort. According to Kim Smith, grant writer for the city, the original project was approved at $7 million, with half to be covered by bonds and taxes and half from donations. The $3.5 million needed from donations has been exceeded, currently at nearly $3.8 million, Smith said.
“I can’t tell you what it means to be here today,” said Lucy Richard, who with her husband Steve co-chairs the Community Center Fundraising Committee.
The Richards, as well as Kevin Sipe of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, expressed gratitude to donors of every amount for their belief in the project, which Sipe called “a gift for all of the people of Presque Isle.”
Also on hand were representatives from Harriman Architects and Engineers, who designed the facility, and Nickerson & O’Day Constructors, who will build it.
“Our team of architects from Harriman are absolutely delighted to be part of the Presque Isle Community Center project,” said Judy Johnson. “We’re looking forward to 14-15 months from now, opening day.” A 141-year-old company with offices in Portland and Auburn, Harriman already has roots in Presque Isle, having designed the courthouse located just across Chapman Street from the new building site.
Representing Bangor-based Nickerson & O’Day was Karl Ward, president and CEO, who also serves as a legislative representative for District 131. “We build for the future,” he said. “We build post offices, schools, churches, and buildings like this.” He introduced Tony Tinto, project supervisor, and Pat Hornberger, project manager, who will oversee local construction.
“I honestly can’t think of a community-based project where the level of community support has been higher — donations large and small,” Ward reflected later. “The magic is what’s going to happen inside.”
Ward came to the ceremony with an additional surprise. On behalf of his company, he presented a $30,000 donation for the upkeep of the Community Center.
“While buildings take money, operating them takes money, too,” he said, calling Beaulieu forward to accept the gift. “This is for the kids.”
Bennett concluded the festivities by inviting the entire gathering to assemble for a ground-breaking photograph. “This is for everybody in the community, because this is a community center,” he said.
Following the ceremony, Johnson explained Harriman’s connection with the city, having designed the Presque Isle District Court building. She said one of her firm’s strengths is community projects, and they hope to make this one unique to the Star City.
“We listened to the community. We feel the design is a reflection of the community, and will be a facility with a low operating cost, as well,” Johnson noted.
Ward said the first step in construction will be soil decontamination from fuel and other storage once on the site, a cost already figured into the budget. He estimated a total of 150-250 workers would be involved over the course of the project, with about 20-30 on site on a given day.
The Community Center project hit an apparent snag some time ago when building costs came in much higher than expected. Efforts were made to reduce costs without impacting the facility’s features.
“We incorporated $320,000 of savings and didn’t change the building design at all,” Ward said. “The $7.5 million in capital [for this project] will generate another $50 million for the state of Maine.”
Nickerson & O’Day plan to host a “topping-off” ceremony this fall during which youth and others will be invited to sign their names on some of the structure’s beams.
