AUBURN – The law firm of Hardy Wolf & Downing was honored Wednesday by the Maine Downtown Center for the renovation of its Lisbon Street offices.

The firm received the center’s 2004 Outstanding Building Rehabilitation Project Award, which was presented at the revitalization group’s annual conference at the Hilton Garden Inn.

“We’re thrilled and honored to be recognized,” said Michael Welch, a partner with the firm. “We’re just happy that we were able to renovate in downtown Lewiston where our roots are.”

The firm has been located at 186 Lisbon St. in downtown Lewiston since 1973. It took advantage of Lewiston’s Downtown Facade Grant and Elevator Grant programs, and invested more than $600,000 in renovations to the interior and exterior of the building. Improvements included an elevator, interior renovations to the first and second floors, and dramatic exterior facade renovations that included mahogany walls and entrance.

Renovations were designed to capture the original architectural elements and bring unity to the building. It now showcases the mahogany woodwork, new windows, granite sills and redefined entrances.

Employees of the law firm worked with the Lewiston Downtown Advisory Board, the Lewiston Historic Preservation Review Board and local architect Bill Hamilton to ensure that as many historic features of the building as possible were preserved.

“The city of Lewiston was outstanding,” said Welch. “The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. Our tax money was well at work with this project.”

The award recognizes excellence in the comprehensive rehabilitation of a single downtown building that enhances the commercial district’s appearance and function, as well as encourages other rehabilitation in the downtown area. This is the first year the award has been given.