PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Ignite Presque Isle acquired the historic Northeastland Hotel in downtown Presque on Monday.
More than $280,000 in individual donations and pledges, several grants and a loan by the Northern Maine Development Commission made it possible for the Presque Isle not-for-profit community development corporation to purchase the hotel from the Hedrich family.
With plans to develop a community co-workspace in the building, Director of Innovation Clint Deschene said the hotel will continue operating as a hotel while Ignite PI establishes the workspace and tackles renovations and new food and beverage offerings.
“All staff are staying with the hotel and [it] will continue to be managed by Robin Doody,” Deschene said, adding that the hotel operations will be led by Deschene and Jan Lucas, also of Ignite PI.
During an April Presque Isle City Council meeting, Deschene said that a city-supported $250,000 Community Development Block Grant will help with the acquisition of furniture and equipment needed to reopen as a rejuvenated hotel/restaurant and event center after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. But in Monday’s written statement, Deschene said they would start scheduling events right away.
The city council approved Ignite PI’s application for the Community Development Block Grant during the April meeting, but a state decision is still pending on the block grant awards.
“Collaborating with Ignite PI and the Northern Maine Development Commission is exciting to pursue funds that can continue to revitalize our downtown,” City Manager Martin Puckett said. “We are keeping a positive outlook and are hopeful to receive a notice of [grant] award in June of this year.”
Deschene started development efforts for Ignite PI last year and the hotel acquisition comes about four months after they first began operations.
Much of the early efforts were supported by funding from the Rodney and Mary Barton Smith Family Foundation, including a $300,000 grant for startup expenses and a $1.5 million commitment to assist with the acquisition.
During a March city council meeting, Deschene said that even though the hotel is a not-for-profit, they will still pay property taxes on the hotel.
