Augusta—
Beginning To Shine
By Ramona du
Houx
All along the
Kennebec River, towns are waking up to the river’s force that throughout history has
helped mold the lives of the people of Maine. Native Americans traveled its byways,
connecting communities and sustaining their tribes with the river’s plentiful fish
and game. As the nation grew, more settlements grew up along its banks. At one time, they
say a skilled logger could walk across the river from log to log, floating downstream to
the mills. More than a century later, the river is breathing new life again, into
communities that are transforming in the global economy along its banks.
Augusta is
nestled along those banks. In 1827, the town was designated the capital of Maine, our
nation’s 23rd state.
When some of
the first Maine lawmakers looked out from the Capitol, across the river, they knew growth
was imminent. To provide a free and public space for the people of Augusta to enjoy, they
designated land for Capitol Park.
Now city
planners have also realized the value of open spaces for a new generation. "Augusta
can create the first green belt in Maine," they wrote in their planning proposal
report. "East Augusta already has large blocs of conservation lands. If they are
connected they can provide a large bloc of undeveloped area that will allow wildlife to
thrive and people to enjoy themselves in the outdoors."
In the
city’s proposal, using green spaces that connect existing trails, athletic fields,
and parks is highly recommended. Imagine walkways along the riverbank intertwining with
parks. With the rail trail, which hundreds enjoy every day, and existing dispersed green
spaces, it’s possible.
In pursuit of
this goal the city council agreed to purchase more than 166 acres of undeveloped land
along Bond Brook for $160,000 in August. The land will be used to create a new city park
and protect the brook’s water quality.
The city’s
Comprehensive Planning Committee’s proposal promotes the Kennebec as a focal point
for a Renaissance in activities, development and economic growth. "Augusta is on the
threshold of a new era," the report says. "The new Augusta starts with the
Kennebec River."
"We have
the momentum and optimism," said Mayor Roger Katz, an Augusta native. "I believe
we have a window here of three to four years to put the pieces in place for a more livable
city and riverfront. We need to seize this opportunity."
With the
publication last fall of the Brookings Institution Report on Maine, there has been a
greater focus with policymakers statewide on developing areas in a way that preserves
Maine’s quality of life. The value Maine has in its historic buildings, natural
resources, hospitality sector, and hard workers is being recognized more since the report,
and city planners and officials are now focusing more on these factors to maintain and
foster.
They also are
important to Tom Niemann of Niemann Capital, whose company recently purchased the Kennebec
Arsenal.
"The
Kennebec Arsenal, a national landmark, will be the destination in Augusta, Maine, for many
visitors and residents to enjoy for a long time," said Niemann during the transfer of
property ceremony last spring. "Niemann Capital and its partners will be good
stewards of this neighborhood and are committed in being good neighbors, not only in
Augusta but throughout Maine. We really want this signature landmark preservation project
to be a community asset which everyone enjoys."
Tom Niemann speaks at
the ceremony transferring the Arsenal property over to Niemann Capital.
A new wharf,
walking trails, and public access to the historic site are guaranteed by provisions of the
sale.
The wharf area
and levee on the Arsenal property were cleaned up by the procurement of a Save
America’s Treasure grant, coupled with a financial match by the state in a joint
city-state Capital Riverfront Improvement District effort. That initiative was spearheaded
by Elaine Clark, former state Bureau of General Services director, which started some nine
years ago.
It took the
vision of Niemann to see the potential of the Arsenal property. Working with state and
local government, he devoted himself to the project, and after meeting with the governor
there was no turning back.
"Without
Tom’s persistence, leadership and vision, the redevelopment of the arsenal in Augusta
would not be happening," said Sen. Libby Mitchell, who helped lead the effort to pass
the state tax credit for the Arsenal property project. She also credited the governor with
opening his door to project planners, helping to back the project.
The
redevelopment of the eight granite-block buildings and nearly 20 acres of the former
federal arms repository is predicted to help launch a renaissance of Augusta’s
downtown.
"We in
Augusta are waking up to see that our sense of place is the Kennebec River," said
Mayor Katz. "I want to be standing by the river 20 years from now, hopefully with my
grandchildren, to see not only this project come to fruition, but all the other projects
we expect to happen, with this as a catalyst."
Though the Arsenal
is located across the river from downtown Augusta, the scale of activity that is projected
to happen with the redevelopment project could very well
be a tremendous catalyst.
Niemann’s
personal experiences in renovating mills in North Carolina are a testament to the fact
that the ripple effect of investing in a project invigorates the surrounding businesses,
as it infuses money into the economy and creates new business opportunities. According to
Niemann, he started out with $40 million in investment; now over $200 million has been
invested in the tobacco mill downtown renovation project in North Carolina.
"We have a
thriving historic downtown community in NC," said Niemann. "Imagine a boutique
hotel, signature restaurants, a coffee shop, unique office space, a public wharf, great
walking and hiking trails, condominiums and apartments, and more, all here on 20 acres of
pristine, green, rolling hills overlooking the Kennebec River, with an incredible view of
the statehouse and beautiful downtown Augusta. We are committed to a triple-bottom-line
approach to community development which stresses historic preservation, environmental
preservation, environmental sustainability, and community equity."
"I think
any new development that excites interest in the riverfront area is a positive
thing," said Stacy Gervais of Stacy’s Hallmark gift shop in the center of
downtown. Stacy’s Hallmark has been a recognizable landmark in Augusta for 34 years,
since Gervais’s father first opened the store bearing his daughter’s name. Over
the years they have weathered economic changes by reinventing themselves with different
products and always serving the customers’ needs. When big box stores moved into
Maine, they lost a lot of business to mega-centers like Wal-Mart and Staples. With
unwavering enthusiasm, Gervais moved forward with her father, Richard Cummings, by being a
mainstay in the community. "Shop for the people you love with the people you
know," is the Stacy’s motto.
Stacy and her father
enjoy greeting customers with warm welcomes at Stacy’s Hallmark card and gift shop.
"Our goal
is to be the place our customers start looking for what they might want," said
Gervais. "If we don’t have what you are looking for, we will do our best to help
you find it somewhere else. That willingness to serve the customers’ needs and not
just make a sale is what I believe sets us apart."
"Our niche
has always been in greeting cards," said Cummings who was a Hallmark Sales Manager
before buying his own store. "And Stacy has a gift for bringing in what young people
are looking for. She’s got a gift for running the business."
"I grew up
in this store. There is something special about shopping where you live, in your
community," said Gervais. "We value that human connection."
Stacy meets
informally with other business leaders to discuss issues pertinent to Augusta. She’s
committed to her community and is working to see it progress, hoping that the novelty of
big box stores is beginning to wear thin and that people will want to rediscover downtown.
Helping to revitalize a community takes an investment of time, energy, and sometimes a
shift in attitude.
"You have
to believe in it — in what you’re doing," said Gervais. "When I have a
down day, I remind myself how lucky I am."
As customers
filtered in and out of the store, each one was approached with a smile and a warm
greeting, asking if they needed assistance. As they made their purchases they left with a
good memory of Stacy’s.
"It’s
about our neighbors, our community," said Gervais. "That’s what we believe
in, and that’s what it will take to revitalize Augusta."
Last spring the
Children’s Discovery Museum reopened with a new look and outlook. Even museum
officials were surprised by the popularity of their project as almost a thousand people
visited the museum before the official opening.
"Early
childhood development is so important. I’m a mother of two; for me this place really
is for them," said Kelly Byron who volunteered nonstop to get the museum back on its
feet. "And the community has been so great, volunteering time, materials, and labor
to the project."
Mayor Katz looks on as Gov.
Baldacci helps children cut the ceremonial ribbon to the reopening of the Children’s
Discovery Museum in Augusta.
On the opening
day, wide-eyed children packed the two-level museum, enjoying the new atmosphere and
eagerly partaking in new interactive exhibits.
"We
decided to make the museum more of a hands-on learning experience," said Babs
Wheelden who teaches art part time at Kent’s high school and volunteered to help
redesign the museum. "There really wasn’t anywhere for children in the Augusta
area to go. Now there is. It took ‘a village’ to do it."
The museum also
houses a mock grocery store, healthy restaurant, and bank, giving lifelong learning
experiences to children.
"The
community has been so supportive of this effort, it’s wonderful. Towns need places
for children to interact and learn," said Governor Baldacci at the ribbon-cutting
ceremony. "This is a special place for these children, their families and the
community. Downtowns are the heart and soul of communities; they give them their character
and identity. Redeveloping the waterfront, redesigning this museum, along with other
projects along the way, is reinvigorating the community and will bring people back
downtown."
Augusta’s
young professionals are declaring that they too are an important part of the community and
want to partake in helping to revitalize it.
Cynergy, a new
group of young professionals located in the Augusta area, celebrated their formation and
plans for the future during a networking party last June.
Amy Leeman enjoys the Cynergy event
 We’re really excited to get Cynergy
off the ground and formally introduce ourselves to the community," said Co-Chair Rick
Redmond. "It’s important for people to know that Cynergy is really all about
connecting our members with each other, with established professionals and with
opportunities that make life a little better for
everyone in our community."
Over 200
people, mostly between the ages of 20 and 40, were gathered at the Kennebec Arsenal
complex on the banks of river listening to rock n’ roll and enjoying Maine’s
quality of life.
"The
message I heard tonight is that people want to be a part of what is happening, and they
want to see it grow," said Cynergy Co-Chair Jean Claveau of Bangor Savings Bank.
"We intend to get more involved, volunteering in the community and civic activities.
We have a mentoring project in the works with Coney High School and the Chamber of
Commerce. We will be doing more social networking and professional development. We are
living in a new economy, which presents many new challenges as well as new opportunities.
My father worked at the same job for 25 years; now we change employment on a regular
basis. We need to connect with each other to discover more opportunities for our community
and our futures. That’s what Cynergy is all about — a partnership with people
that have experience and energy."
Since he was
first elected, the governor has been working to establish a foundation for the state to
move forward in this innovative global economy.
"You are a
part of that foundation," he told the audience at the Cynergy launch. "Today, in
this technological age, where you can connect anywhere and go anywhere, Maine offers a
quality of life and resources that are second to none. Maine is becoming a quality
destination. Your views, your vision, your future matters to me. I want you to know that
we are continuing to invest in you."
The state
recently passed a bill to provide REALIZE!Maine with $75,000 over two years, of which at
least 50 percent will go to regional groups like Cynergy. REALIZE!Maine is now a program
of the Maine Development Foundation (MDF) that works to attract more young working-age
people to the state and support those who are currently here. It started with the
governor’s Summit on Youth Migration in 2004 and was transferred from the
Governor’s Office to MDF in 2005.
"It’s
great to see and to be able to encourage so many young entrepreneurs here in
Augusta," said Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce President Peter Thompson during
the launch party. KVC has partnered with Cynergy.
"I was
initially attracted to Maine for the obvious quality of life and the work/life balance I
saw among my peers. Now, as a mother of two small children, I find I can run a business
while also enjoying that very quality of life, provide jobs to other people in the state,
and grow a small company! All the resources I need are here, and every year I continue to
discover new ones. I have had my company in two other states, and nothing compares,"
said Gabrielle Melchionda, founder of Mad Gabs, a personal care products company.
As more Augusta
citizens are becoming engaged in their community, they are influencing policy to make the
city a destination center of historic merit. With the Arsenal, Fort Western, the Capitol,
and other unique buildings, the potential is great. The city’s Historic Preservation
Commission envisions a walking tour along the capital’s streets, to view historic
sties. The wharf from the Arsenal has been recommended for expansion, so a full-service
marina could be put in place, welcoming mariners and tour boats.
The city’s
ongoing developing plan emphasizes the look and feel of Augusta, now and in the future.
"Efforts
to make Augusta look what I might call more stately are a good thing," said Lester
Wilkinson, Jr., who is working on the city’s comprehensive plan.
With a new high
school, and the old one destined for renovation, a new bridge, a new YMCA, housing
projects, the Arsenal project, a cutting-edge cancer care treatment center, and community
members stepping forward to help on various projects, working with state and local
government, balanced growth is under way in the capital. The city’s character is
beginning to shine along the riverbank once again, enhancing Maine’s quality of life.
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