Restoration
In 2005, a group of Machiasport year-round and seasonal residents established the Committee to Save Liberty Hall. Following extensive discussion, the Committee engaged John Turk of ttl-Architects in Portland, a firm specializing in historic preservation, to conduct a full Building Conditions Assessment. The objective was to define the work required to save the building and to draw up a schedule of priorities necessary for its restoration.
In 2006, a multiphase plan for the restoration of Liberty Hall was launched. Phase One was successfully completed in 2007; Phase Two in 2009; and Phase Three is currently being completed (2021-22).
Preserving the building's historical integrity has been the highest priority. All restoration work has been carefully carried out in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
Phase 01
Restoration
The 2006 Building Assessment Report prepared by ttl-architects in conjunction with Al Hodson of Resurgence Engineering identified a number of problems that required immediate intervention. In particular, extensive water damage had created both internal and external decay that without swift action would render Liberty Hall beyond the point of repair.
Phase One of the restoration plan was devised to address the urgent repairs needed to stabilize and protect the building.
Fragile and perilous belvedere brought to ground level for restoration
New roof, new chimney and flashing added to building
Sitework (re-grading of rear and sides of building)
Drip edge installed, new drainage system
Gutters removed, new historically correct eaves and cornice installed
Foundation damage corrected and foundation secured
Bio-hazard treatment (raccoons and raccoon deposits eliminated)
Phase 02
Restoration
Phase Two, conducted by Consigli Construction of Portland, ME., completed the exterior restoration of Liberty Hall. It included:
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Restoration of belvedere tower and return to top of building
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Reconstruction of historic mansard roof on top of belvedere
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Reinstallation original weathervane
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Repair of belvedere base on roof
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Repair and replacement of two-storey windows
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Repair and restoration of decorative exterior trim
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Repair and replacement of clapboards
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Painting of building
The new belvedere tower and mansard have been named the Knowlton Belvedere, in recognition of Warren D. and Judy Knowlton's gift honoring their parents and grandparents.
Phase 03
Restoration
Phase 3, part 1. 2018-2019, completed
With the very generous support from the Davis Family Foundation, the Fisher Foundation and Maine Community’s Belvedere Fund, the following tasks were completed on the rear façade:
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Removal and restoration of lower level and theater level windows
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Installation of temporary protection in opening during off-site window restoration
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Replication of window to replace old exit door opening through rear façade
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Reinstallation of 4 rear façade windows
The work was carried out by Whitehouse Management and Construction in collaboration with Jacobs Glass of Gardiner, Maine
Phase 3, part 2: 2020-2021, completed
With the very generous support from the Davis Family Foundation and Maine Community’s Belvedere Fund, the following tasks were completed on the rear façade:
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Demolition of old outhouse
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Structural repairs at base of rear wall
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Repair and replacement of rotted clapboards
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Repair and replacement of decorative trim
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Priming and painting of rear façade
The work was carried out by Whitehouse Management and Construction of Gardiner, Maine
Phase 3, part 3: 2025-26, in progress
Funding is currently being sought for the completion of Phase 3 of Liberty Hall’s restoration. The following tasks comprise the scope of work:
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Framing of an exit door at back of second/theater floor
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Construction of bridge to the bank at the back of Liberty Hall to provide for emergency egress from theater level
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Clearing of bank at back of building and the creation of an illuminated walkway from the exit bridge to the public highway
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Creation of emergency exit door from lower level through rear façade of the building
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Repainting of the exterior of Liberty Hall
Phase 04
Restoration
The Campaign to Save Liberty Hall is now working closely with the project architect, John Turk, to draw up plans for the interior restoration of the building.
The work of Phase Four will be divided into two stages:
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Renovation of the ground floor to make the space functional and accessible for meetings, community events and for cultural, artistic and educational purposes.
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Restoration of the upper floor, including the 250-seat theater and backstage areas
A prestigious grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation has enabled the architect to draft a site plan and design for a septic system. He is also providing provisional sketches of the building interior that include the proposed location of an elevator, community kitchen, ADA bathroom, meeting rooms and library.
In preparing the architectural design for Phase Four, John Turk will collaborate with the staff of Earle Shettleworth in the office of Maine Historic Preservation Commission to ensure that the original features of Andrew Gilson’s building are properly preserved. This will involve the restoration wherever possible of the original decorative plaster and woodwork. Where repair is not possible, replica details will be manufactured and integrated into the building.
The major tasks comprising the work of Phase Four include:
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Installation of well and septic system
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Installation of storm windows
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Demolition and preparation of interior for installation of heating, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems
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Installation of elevator and handicap ramps
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Restoration of interior plaster and woodwork
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Installation of community kitchen and ADA bathroom
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Restoration of entry hall double staircase
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Re-creation and installation of front doors and steps
