WATERFORD — If ever there was a silver lining to be found during this unprecedented year, we submit that after over one hundred years, the Waterford Library is finally accessible to all. As an historic structure and integral part of a Registered Historic Village, it was exempt from any ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) mandates. This has never been ideal. Huge and imposing granite steps were a physical impediment and an almost insurmountable problem. How can architectural integrity survive when you have to reconfigure several tons of rocks?

So, miracle of miracles, who knew that being closed during a pandemic would allow for the creation of a new ADA accessible Doorway, Ramp, and Parking, along with a new paved driveway, paved walkway, and updated landscaping.

For countless years, Waterford Library Trustees struggled to find a solution to make the building accessible. The dilemma was the stairs. There simply wasn’t enough room to extend a ramp out to the road. Instead, could a ramp come through the side doorway? (There is an in-house residence for the librarian or paying tenants that helps finance the library.) No. Existing doors were too small for a wheelchair. What about an entirely new back entrance and redesigned first floor? Would we have to sacrifice the apartment? Endless Options without any practical or realistic solutions.

Then, in 2017, the Board contacted the Portland firm of SMRT Inc. Paul Stevens, one of the partners, was also great-grandson of original architect John Calvin Stevens. With years of expertise in restoring historic  structures, we hoped they could develop a feasible adaptation. Ever optimistic, we started fundraising and applying for grants to pay for both their services and eventual construction. Subsequently, the Maine Community Foundation, Tabitha and Stephen King Foundation, Norway Savings Bank, Bear Mountain Grange, and other individuals generously contributed towards this important renovation.

Several solutions emerged. It was decided to build a ramp from the driveway around to the front door. We asked several local masons to provide estimates on the cost of removing one side of the field stone stairway entrance wall to make room for the ramp, plus lift the building to reposition all three granite steps to raise the threshold up to the doorway. Then, rebuild the stonewall to cosmetically mask the new ramp.

Fortunately, we overheard one of the masons mumbling, “why don’t they just go through the side window?” Years earlier this option had been discussed, but the window in question housed electrical and internet components, so the idea had been vetoed. With fresh eyes, that first driveway-side window was the perfect solution. Inside, the window seat could be removed, nearby book shelves were on wheels, and most importantly, the existing window was wide enough for an automatic door.   A new round of estimates began. Resulting quotes were now fractional, and incredibly, had already raised enough money to cover the projects.

Wilson Excavating was instrumental in initial site preparations. First, the septic system had to be moved to make room for new parking spaces behind the Rice Museum. Next, the driveway and front walkway were upgraded for paving, as well as clearing the front lawn area.

There are not enough adjectives to express our gratitude to James Long & Sons. Their contributions were above and beyond expectations. Along with the Waterford Historical Society, our greatest concern was preserving the historical integrity of the building. We all watched in fascination as James Long & Sons carefully disassembled the original stonework below the side window, then painstakingly reconstructed the exterior facade, disassembled the interior window seat, then skillfully and seamlessly used all those parts to integrate and recreate the new automatic doorway. It was a work of art. You would never know any element was not original. And, all on time and on budget. Extraordinary.

Requirements for the new ramp included complete ADA compliance, sensitivity to our Historic designation, and seamless integration with the new paved driveway. For this phase we contacted the Maine Accessibility Corporation of Herman.  As Mainers, we knew they understood the full range of our climatic needs. Consultant Kevin Grass provided a site assessment, then gave thoughtful, realistic advice with practical solutions. An ADA 36” wide Aluminum Mesh Ramp with 5’ x 5’ landing platform and dual handrails (all with a durable black powder coating) were selected, then fully installed by Maine Accessibility. Waterford resident Preston Harrison was given the honor of the first test-walk.

The front walkway posed its own problems. Depending upon the weather, It might be muddy, icy, slushy, or a mini pond. The solution: create an incline from the stairs down to the road with gravel side ditches for drainage. In addition, two new dry wells were dug on either side of the walkway to further divert water. We consulted with Beverly and Brian Hendricks of Deer Wood Gardens, who expertly planted various drought free landscape solutions, installed a charming new seating area in the side garden, and artistically repurposed all the rocks removed from the building. Thanks to Pine Tree Paving of Norway there is an actual paved driveway area and front walk. Finally, HeatTrack Heated Snow Melting stair pads were installed to de-ice the granite steps throughout the winter months.

Trustees Robert Spencer (a former landscape architect), Jane Traill (master gardener), Doretta Colburn (farmer), and Al Struck, each lent invaluable expertise throughout all stages of development under the inspiring leadership of Board President Gere O’Donnell. Extra Special thanks to project manager, John Wait, for the countless hours needed to coordinate the many facets of this plan. We are so grateful for all of these skilled contributors, and generous benefactors, who together made this impossible dream come true.

Please join us in recognizing all of them at our 2021 annual meeting  at 6:30 p.m. on June 25 at the library. All are welcome.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.