Lewiston may create downtown historic district

LEWISTON — A renovation project at the former Marcotte Furniture building on Lisbon Street could lead to the creation of a downtown historic district.

Jules Patry, the owner of 199 Lisbon St., is seeking to use historic preservation tax credits toward a project that would create loft apartments and commercial space.

The City Council on Tuesday allowed city staff to submit and accept a grant from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission toward eventually creating a Downtown Lisbon Street/Main Street National Register Historic District.

In order for a building to be included, it must complete the necessary research required for a district designation, and the grant program covers some of the costs.

City officials said Patry’s building is not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, but would be considered a “contributing structure” if located within a National Register Historic District.

According to Gil Arsenault, director of Planning and Code Enforcement, the historic district area would encompass 85 buildings, 65 of which would most likely be eligible for historic register status, making them eligible for the tax credits as well.

“Such designation is very important as it would permit the use of historic preservation tax credits. Tax credits can make a project that would otherwise not be financially feasible without credits to a bankable project,” he said in his memo to the council.

Patry, who also owns DaVinci’s Eatery, recently removed the facade from the building, revealing the structure’s original brick surface.

Lincoln Jeffers, director of economic and community development, said the exterior of 199 Lisbon St. meets historic register standards, but the interior falls short.

He told the City Council on Tuesday that other neighboring buildings are already registered.

“The district makes a lot of sense,” he said. “A very good thing for economic development.”

Most recently, 199 Lisbon St. housed Compass Coin and Jewelry.

The facade is removed from the former Marcotte Furniture building on Lisbon Street in January. The building is at the center of an effort to create a downtown historic district in Lewiston.