Staff Writer
HOULTON — This spring, one part of Shiretown Motor Inn was all smoke and flames. But this summer, that same area been mostly contractors and construction equipment.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
REBUILDING — Last week, crews from Nelson Construction prepare to hoist a truss to the roof at the new section of Shiretown Motor Inn. Destroyed by fire in May, the new part may be finished as soon as December.
Crews have been busy rebuilding a large section of the North Street motel after it was destroyed in a May 24 fire. Fire broke out during some maintenance work at the motel; flames managed to get inside the walls destroying close to 20 units. No one was hurt in the fire and work by local firefighters kept the fire from spreading to the other parts of the motel and the nearby Governor’s restaurant.
Since that day, Shiretown Motor Inn has been moving forward, cleaning up the debris and starting to rebuild.
“If all goes well, we’re looking at [re-opening that section] the first part of December,” said general manager Marty Gervais in an interview Thursday. “We’ll have 17 units in the new part, which is two less than the old section, but the units will be larger, have an interior hall and more support services for our guests.”
As of last week, walls were up and roof trusses were placed. Local contractors working on the project include Nelson Construction and Lincoln Plumbing and Heating.
“We’re really happy with the way things are going. We’re on schedule and we’re looking forward to being open for the holiday season,” said Gervais.
New construction isn’t all that’s been going on at Shiretown Motor Inn. Renovations of their existing rooms are also in the works and, in February, six new extended-stay suites opened.
Gervais said they’re hoping to a newly-completed wing before year is over.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience through the summer season. We’ve tried to accommodate as many of our regular customers as we could and we’re looking forward to having a grand opening around the holidays,” he said.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
ADDING A ROOF — A construction worker guides one a roof trus into place on the new part at Shiretown Motor Inn.
