MILBRIDGE — A renovation project began this week at the Narraguagus Bay Health Care Facility on Main Street. Ground was broken Monday by Atlantic Builders Inc. of Surry, the contractor for the project.

The former Marchalin Restorative Health Care Center was acquired June 14, 1989, by Larry M. Brown of Lubec, and Steven I. Weisberger of Jonesport. The previous owners were Marcus Cunningham and Charles Gleason, both of Ellsworth.

The nursing home is a concrete-block structure with facilities for 65 patients. Brown administers the facility with a staff of 76 employees.

Brown said the renovations would include interior and exterior changes. More dining room space and a new and larger kitchen have been planned. The kitchen and laundry, both of which are in the south wing on the first floor, will be relocated.

The renovations will include a new roof with 2 inches of pressed foam insulation, new windows and a new heating system. The facility also will have a new front entrance and a new exterior.

By Thursday, porches had been removed from the southwest corner of the building, and forms were being installed for the pouring of concrete for foundation footings.

The renovations and improvements were designed by David Joy of Joy and Hamilton, Architects of Sanford. The project is expected to be completed by June 1991.