Tammy Ackerman is moving forward with promoting plans to transform the dusty, water-damaged Main Street storefront, which was formerly a Renys department store, into a space for technology and the arts.
While the plans are far from set in stone, Ackerman said in a recent interview that she envisions making the building a hub of arts and culture in Biddeford’s downtown. It could house an art gallery, a FabLab studio, space for classes and workshops, artists’ studios, offices and even a live performing space.
With the help of a $25,000 grant from the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation to Engine, the Biddeford-based nonprofit arts organization, of which Ackerman is the executive director, plans can get under way. The money will be used to conduct demolition and electrical work and upgrade the sprinkler system on the front of the first floor.
The building has sat empty and been mothballed since 2008, and was donated by the Renys family in 2011 to Engine.
With the upgrades and continued work, we hope the 19,000-square-foot building will be another downtown success story.
Development is on the rise, and interest in Biddeford’s downtown and adjacent mill district is growing, too. More quality developments and renovations that site organizations like Engine, artists and other entrepreneurs in town will only strengthen the local economy and improve the area’s reputation.
We hope Ackerman and others will rally around this project and raise the funds need to keep this project alive. The project, however, will likely cost several millions dollars to complete. The building has three stories, and the cost to renovate the first floor alone is estimated at $1 million.
The cost, however, will be well worth it in the end when the burgeoning arts scene in Biddeford gains more attention and attracts more residents and tourists alike. We’re pleased to see Ackerman’s interest in technology as well, and hope that remains a part of the plan when it comes to fruition.
For those who want to support Ackerman’s and Engine’s efforts to restore the building, a fundraiser, “Reviving the Marble Block,” will be held on Aug. 11 from 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, or $20 for those 65 and older and students under 21. They can be purchased in person at Engine during regular gallery hours, by emailing Ackerman at director@feedtheengine.org, calling 370-9130 or visiting www.feedtheengine.org.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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