Good news was received in Biddeford last week, especially for those who have been working hard to garner financial support for the Lincoln Mill clock tower: Enough money has been raised to secure and move the clock tower, with a view toward its future restoration.
Another clock tower, however, is in dire need of repairs, too: the one that sits atop City Hall. Just a few weeks ago, the city’s Facilities Manager Phil Radding was trying to draw attention to the issue during a tour of City Hall and City Theater. The tour had been arranged for Paul Stevens, the great-grandson of famed architect John Calvin Stevens, who designed the structure, which was rebuilt after a fire demolished it in 1894. The City Hall that still stands today opened in 1896.
City Theater is now in great condition thanks to support of the City Theater Associates, which led a major renovation campaign in the 1970s. Restoration work and improvements have also been made in the years since, keeping the theater a destination for patrons to see local arts and entertainment.
The clock tower, however ”“ which dates back to the 1896 structure ”“ will not have much of a future without some serious work.
Since 2007, voters have twice rejected bonds to restore the clock tower. In 2007, a report completed by Holt & Lachman Architects and Resurgence Engineering and Preservation, said that the tower was “very well designed, constructed and maintained for a century,” but the last time any major maintenance was performed on the tower was decades ago. At the time, the report stated that without any upkeep, the tower will eventually deteriorate rapidly. If that were to happen, emergency work would have to be done or the tower would need to be removed.
Just a year after that first referendum failed, in 2008, the city had to spend $195,000 to secure the tower and fix the problems that could become public safety issues. At that time, Radding said the money would cover “just weatherization, stabilization and public safety.” That work was only guaranteed for five years ”“ which means the tower is well overdue not only for further upgrades, but more importantly, a full restoration that would last decades, not just a few years.
It’s been heartening to see the effort to raise funds to save the Lincoln Mill clock tower, supporters for which raised $26,000 in a matter of months to be able to stabilize and move the structure while more money is raised for its restoration. While we’re certainly pleased to see this clock tower on its way to being saved, the City Hall clock tower also needs support. Residents need to rally around this tower as well, to preserve the iconic landmark for the future before it faces a fate similar to that of the Lincoln Mill tower.
City Manager John Bubier said this week a bond question will likely be headed to residents later this year to pay for the city clock tower renovations, which Radding estimated at $1.75 million. It’s a project of much higher magnitude than the Lincoln Mill tower, he said, particularly because the tower is still located on top of City Hall, but of much greater significance as well. The tower, with its golden dome, represents the city government and Biddeford’s pride of place.
Bubier pointed out that City Hall and City Theater ”“ both designed by John Calvin Stevens ”“ are historic buildings, including the clock tower.
Fundraising to gather the money necessary for the City Hall clock tower work would be a long process ”“ likely too long for the issues that are causing the structure to deteriorate.
Biddeford residents need to see the value in preserving the City Hall clock tower ”“ before it’s too late.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau 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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