LEWISTON – One of the city’s landmark watering holes is getting a makeover.
An extreme makeover.
The Blue Goose on Sabattus Street was slated for some work to repair water damage in the roof and one wall. But when crews got into it, they found more damage than expected.
“It’s just a mess,” said owner Beverly Derosier with a small laugh. “They’ve actually had to replace wall and roof studs.”
In November, Derosier bought a portion of the Blue Goose and the adjoining restaurant, Luiggi’s, from her brother, Russell Bryant.
She knew there had been some water damage to the tavern from last winter and this one, but was unprepared for the extent of it.
“Some portions of a wall were rotting and the roof was sagging,” she said. “But they’ve promised to have it water tight tonight.”
The tavern, built in 1920, has been a popular hangout for Bates College students and sports fans for decades.
A crowd gathered Wednesday afternoon to watch the repair crews. “People were yelling, What’s going on? You’re not tearing this down, are you?'” said Cliff Conway of MLC Electrical Services, who’s doing the electric work on the renovation. “There must have been 50 people there.”
Earl St. Hilaire, who owns the other portion of the Blue Goose, was busy helping with the construction. They hope to be open for business by the weekend. Derosier said she’s unsure how the interior will be finished once the walls are back in place.
“I know we’ll have Sheetrock walls and a drop ceiling,” said Derosier, “but I think Earl will do the remodeling.”
Derosier has already done a little remodeling herself, but in the restaurant next door. She’s had murals painted on walls that incorporate family members into traditional Italian scenery. Although her background is in accounting, she offered to buy the business after her brother received low bids for it.
“I quite enjoy doing it,” she said. “I do the bookkeeping and advertising, but when we’re short-handed, I make the meatballs and wait on customers. I love it.”
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