Overshadowed by all the Election Day hubbub, an exciting development has happened in downtown Biddeford with the recent donation of the former Reny’s department store location to the Engine arts organization.
The significance of this donation will come to be realized long after the racino question and local mayoral races have been settled, and its impact, we hope, will be felt for just as long, if not longer.
Engine, a nonprofit arts organization, is made up of local movers and shakers, like its executive director, Tammy Ackerman, who has been involved in downtown revitalization through the Heart of Biddeford for many years now. These people have had the vision for quite some time ”“ that Biddeford can be a hub for artists and creativity ”“ and with this donation they will have a place to carry out that vision.
It’s true that on evenings when City Theater has a production on stage, the downtown is more vibrant as theater-goers take in dinner before the show or drinks and dessert afterwards. As well, The Oak & Ax and Bebe’s Burritos already host performers downtown, as do the nearby pubs, and the area is heating up as a go-to destination for arts and music.
Another venue, rent-free, will draw other types of entertainment and crowds.
With a parking garage in the works and a growing arts community in the mills and elsewhere downtown, this is an exciting time to be in Biddeford, and this donation of space is a boon to the efforts of those who are making revitalization happen.
It’s no small gesture for a business to simply donate an entire retail building in the heart of the downtown. The building is 19,000 square feet that can be used for performances and planning space for the arts community, giving artists a neutral hub where they can network with each other and plan events to draw people downtown.
This donation is going to have a real impact on Biddeford and is a fitting tribute to Robert H. Reny, whose family said he held the Biddeford store most dear because it was in his hometown.
The possibilities for this space are many, and we hope the community comes forward not only with ideas, but also with the funds to help renovate and maintain the building. Already suggested is space for crafters and a glass blowing school ”“ two exciting possibilities among many that will no doubt be discussed as the planning process gets underway for transfer of the building to Engine.
We’re watching Biddeford’s rebirth right before our eyes, a time when Main Street is going to be bustling again with commerce and arts, and now’s the time to get in on the action.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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