KENNEBUNK – Here in the heart of downtown is a rare opportunity to own an historic building, and establish a business that should become a landmark, just like the property.
Of course, an existing business should also prosper after moving to this classic, traditional New England setting. The location is the town’s walkable Historic District. The high-visibility property sits next door to the Brick Store Museum, opposite the Free Library, and near Town Hall.
We learn from the Museum that this is the town’s oldest existing commercial building, built in 1793 for merchant Nathaniel Frost; and that in 1809, James Remick began publishing the Weekly Visitor, which later became the Kennebunk Gazette, on the second floor here. Today, one can readily imagine an architectural firm or other professional offices – law, consulting, real estate, e.g. – here.
Retail is another prime option. The most recent occupant was Rambler’s Way, the high-end clothing company owned by Tom and Kate Chappell (of Tom’s of Maine fame). Rambler’s Way proved such a success at this address, the expanding company had to move on to larger quarters.
Not that this pleasant interior, at more than 2,900 square feet on its two levels, is anything but spacious. Off the brick-and granite courtyard, advantages include floor-plan flexibility: On each floor are three smaller rooms that make ideal offices. Convenience is here, too. The main level has a kitchenette, and each level has a large, well-appointed half-bath.
The first floor has an open, gallery-like, central reception space, and a front room measuring more than 300 square feet. Upstairs, the front room is the same size, with a cathedral ceiling. Both rooms have abundant built-ins.
Throughout, the interior is finely finished, having been impeccably re-designed. Original features have been restored; “imported” details, such as wood flooring and exposed ceiling beams, are repurposed and period-authentic.
The building is impeccably modern in being sustainable and super-efficient. Forced hot air heating is geothermal, produced via four wells. A plaque hanging downstairs proclaims Gold-level LEED certification.
The property at 119 Main St., Kennebunk, is listed at $760,000 by John Downing of Downing Real Estate Agency in Kennebunk. For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact John at 985-3328 or at info@downingagency.com.
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