We have been concerned about the Norway Opera House for some time. Those worries only got worse on July 3 when the building was named one of the seven most endangered properties in Maine by a preservation group.

News from last week is hopeful.

The Opera House is under contract to be bought. We don’t know who the out-of-town buyer is yet, but initial plans are to house retail businesses on the ground floor.

The Norway Opera House was designed by E.E. Lewis of Gardiner and built in 1894. There is a ballroom on the upper floor that has been used as a theater, for school graduations and town meetings. The building, with its clock tower and distinctive look, is emblematic of the town and appears on the town seal.

Central to Norway, the Opera House was allowed to fall into a state of general disrepair. Estimates are that it could take as much as $1 million, on top of the $225,000 asking price, to return the building to its former prestige.

It’s too early to know what the future holds for the Norway Opera House. But we are glad to see that someone recognizes the potential in the structure, and we hope that they have the finances and desire to refurbish this landmark.


A return

to downtown


The Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch opens today in Auburn. More than the opening of a new business, the Hilton brings with it the hope of a return to more prosperous times.

The last two downtown hotels in the Twin Cities closed decades ago. The Hilton follows such legendary properties as The DeWitt, which was located at the corner of Park and Pine streets in Lewiston and built in 1851. One hundred rooms and 30 suites attracted all the big names as they traveled to the bustling cities at the turn of the 20th century. A room costs between $2 and $3 a night

Prices at the $9.7 million Hilton are a little higher, $119 to $149 per night. The new hotel has 108 rooms and two suites. It also offers a restaurant and bar, heated pool, conference and meeting facilities and room service.

The Hilton is a welcome addition to downtown Auburn and a sizable investment in the Twin Cities. It will bring jobs and visitors here and is a nice complement to other redevelopment projects.


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