One of Rumford’s most historic buildings is getting a major facelift.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

RUMFORD – That duct tape criss-crossing those huge windows on the former Rumford Falls Power Co. building aren’t covering cracks. Just the opposite. They are meant to prevent cracks as the interior of the building is being renovated.

The million-dollar, major renovation project on one of Rumford’s most historic buildings began this week. When the work is complete, the building will house nearly 30 spaces for offices, storage, bathrooms and conference rooms for the Rumford branch of Tri-County Mental Health Services.

“It’s a beautiful building,” said SouthWind Industrial Services project foreman, Larry Tenny.

The Bangor firm is serving as general contractor for the $1.2 million project. A crew of five were busy on Tuesday preparing the first floor and mezzanine area for renovation. During the next few months, Tenny said several subcontractors will be working at the site as well, including some from the local area.

Peter Rearick, facilities manager for the Lewiston-based Tri-County Mental Health Services, said removal of asbestos and lead paint was completed a few weeks ago, allowing the renovation to begin. The complete renovation is expected to be finished by February.

Then the staff of Tri-County currently housed in a cramped building on Penobscot Street, will move in.

Plans have been in the works for a couple of years, ever since Tri-County bought the yellow brick, Beaux Arts building from Mead Corp. But other projects in Farmington and Lewiston have delayed the beginning of the work.

Rearick said the agency is working closely with Maine Historic Preservation to ensure that whatever changes are made fit in with the 1906 structure. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The exterior will remain the same, he said, including the arched doorways, huge, storefront windows, and Ionic columns separating some of the second floor windows, and the multitude of ornate cement work decorating the doors, windows and other outside features.

Inside, the columned former reception area with its vaulted ceiling on the second floor will also stay untouched. A handicapped bathroom will be installed there, but the fancy conference room will remain the same. Most of the building’s infrastructure, such as wiring, heating and plumbing, will be replaced.

The mezzanine between the first and second floors will be extended, and the two-arched doorways fronting Exchange and Congress streets will be enclosed. On the River Street side, an exterior elevator and stairway addition will be built.

Rearick said the current Tri-County Rumford offices on Penobscot Street will be put up for sale once the new site is completed.

The former Rumford Falls Power Co. building was designed by Henry Hardenburgh, a well-known New York architect who also designed the Plaza Hotel in New York and the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. Cost for the original structure is reported at about $50,000.

eadams@sunjournal.com