May 15, 2007 VIENNA -- A preservationist told residents last week the Vienna Town House is an architectural gem. Denis Lachman, a Portland architect specializing in historic preservation, told attendees of a Town House Committee meeting Wednesday that the building's Italianate style was very stylish and sophisticated for its time -- and quite different from other town house construction in the region. A gift of former resident Joseph Whittier, the Town House was formally dedicated on Sept. 5, 1855. During Lachman's presentation on the history of the building, he quoted a speech given by resident Nathaniel Graves, Esq. marking the significance of the dedication, in which Graves said: "Within these walls, may we assemble in unity and a spirit of kindness and forbearance in the transaction of our town affairs. Here may we ever be true to those privileges guaranteed to us by the constitutions of our state and country." The quote was met with good humor as the audience considered the realities of town business over the past 150 years. Wednesday's meeting was the first of three planned forums seeking citizen input in planning renovations and possible expansion of the building. Noting concerns that the historical integrity of the building be protected, Town House Committee member Norma Wing said the committee sought the expertise of Lachman and preservation engineer Alfred Hodson, using funds from the Dorothy Waugh Trust specified for the "preservation, maintenance and upkeep" of the Town House. Hodson presented his structural assessment of the building, noting four critical areas: the foundation, exterior, attic and roof, and interior components. His list of needed repairs included grading to keep water from draining into the building, repositioning of granite foundation blocks, a new roof to replace the old metal roof over wood shingles, renovation of exterior siding, and replacement of a rotted truss in the attic. Hodson said a new furnace is needed and should be moved from its current location, which blocks the only other exit from the building. The original faux grained finish on the interior woodwork and wooden voting booths earned special note; it's recommended that restoration work be completed by a conservator who specializes in historic paint techniques. When asked for a "ballpark" figure on the cost or repairs, Hodson said a rough estimate would be $250,000 but noted that number was based on Portland construction prices. Following the historical and structural presentations, attendees were divided into four groups led by facilitators provided by Lachman and Hodson. Participants were instructed to brainstorm ideas about repairs to the existing building, possible expansion and future use. Lachman said the ideas generated would be presented as drawings at the second forum in October, followed by final plans to be reviewed at a third forum later in the year. Copyright, 2007, Blethen Maine Newspapers, Inc. |