Arsenal may be multi-use

By BETTY ADAMS
Staff Writer

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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	Staff file photo enlarge A North Carolina developer is hoping to adapt the Kennebec Arsenal to residential housing, office space and restaurants, while preserving the historic quality of the buildings.

AUGUSTA -- The developer chosen to adapt the historic Kennebec Arsenal buildings for modern use now proposes they house restaurants and retail and office space as well as recreational facilities.

Josh Parker, an associate with Niemann Capital of Durham, N.C., outlined the company's plans for the 22-acre parcel at a meeting of City Council on Monday night.

Parker said the initial plans called for a mostly residential reuse for the 1828-1838 buildings, but they were changed after a series of community meetings.

Housing is now included in Phase 2 of the project and would be built on 4 acres at the top of the property.

Parker showed slides of each granite building in turn, describing the proposed new use:

n The Gate House, the first building reached via the Arsenal Street gate, could house a coffee shop/retail store.

n The North Burleigh building could house office tenants and/or a restaurant.

n The Burleigh building (The Arsenal) could be used for office space. "We have two tenants looking at taking the entire building. They would be about 100 jobs," Parker said.

n The South Burleigh buidling could house a restaurant with parking nearby, as well as high visibility from the Kennebec River.

n The Barracks (Burleigh Annex) could be used for retail or restaurant space.

n The Commandant's Quarters could be used for a property management office and an office for Niemann Capital.

n The Old Max would continue to house state offices, he said.

Parker said the developer is considering removable boat docks on the recently refurbished wharf and possibly space for canoe and kayak rentals.

He invited the public to a community open house 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 26 for tours of the site as well as a presentation of the developer's plans.

Parker said there would be a series of meetings with civic and neighborhood groups prior to Niemann's formal submission to the council Aug. 28 for a tax break to help underwrite infrastructure improvements.

Councilor Sylvia Lund said council has been anticipating the request for the tax- increment financing.

Parker said if the tax break is approved, the developer could break ground this fall.

Parker said the goals are to preserve the historic quality of the buildings and the quality of life in the neighborhood, to make the project energy efficient and to promote economic growth and increase job opportunities.

"This sounds very exciting," Councilor Michael Byron said.

In other business, Gilbert Elementary School Principal Linda Titus asked council to make Sunset Avenue a one-way street to improve the safety of people between the parking lot and the school.

Mayor William Dowling said the city would ask the state Department of Transportation to evaluate the speed limit on Eastern Avenue between Ballard and Hospital streets.

City Manager William Bridgeo recommended going ahead with a full reconstruction of Pearl Street between Cony and Fowler streets, and the mayor concurred.

Council did not vote on any issues at the informational meeting. Most items will appear on the agenda at a regular business meeting.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com