Restore Wing Park, Robinson House

It is clear from the recent public outcry that the historic Wing Park Estate and the Robinson House (both National Register eligible) hold a special place in the hearts of the Greater Bangor community. Of recent concern, however, has been the condition of the two buildings and especially whether or not they have problems that are too serious to allow them to be economically renovated.

I have been working on distressed historic buildings for more than 25 years and, compared to most of the buildings I have worked on, neither Wing Park nor the Robinson House would qualify as distressed. During a recent tour with a representative of Eastern Maine Medical Center I found that the buildings are sound and have most of their original features, including trim, fireplaces, hardwood floors, etc. intact.

This is not to say that they don’t need work to bring them back into A-1 condition: The Robinson House needs a roof, outside and inside painting, upgrades to the kitchens and bathrooms, as well as grounds work. However, for the right family, it would make a great home that would continue to enhance this prominent historic neighborhood.

Wing Park is in need of upgrades and repairs but given the beautiful features of the building and its location, it would be exceptionally comfortable, attractive and convenient office space.

EMMC has noted several reasons why they can’t restore and use these buildings. Firstly, hospital representatives note that razing the buildings would help alleviate some of the parking crunch they are experiencing. We can all see that a solution must be found to this problem, but it is even more apparent that tearing a hole on this prominent hill to make way for 100 parking spaces is not much of a solution.

Secondly, EMMC representatives claim that it would cost too much to bring the buildings up to state hospital and American with Disabilities Act standards. There are numerous historic buildings in the Bangor area that have been successfully upgraded to meet current building codes and ADA standards. It is a challenging and often expensive undertaking. However, it can be done and it is well worth it when you look at what these buildings (e.g., Penobscot Theatre conversion to Merrill Bank Trust Department.; Prentiss & Carlisle on Court Street; Seven Islands Building on Broadway) contribute to Bangor’s architectural heritage and sense of community.

If the hospital doesn’t have the resources or desire to manage and maintain these buildings, there should be no shortage of developers that would gladly take the project on, either under EMMC ownership or on their own. Financing of this kind of project often involves the formation of a limited liability corporation (LLC) that can take advantage of the historic redevelopment tax credits that are quite advantageous to some investors. I would be surprised if the desire to save these buildings that has been displayed by the community at large wouldn’t also be a prime motivator for investors.

In any case, these are buildings that deserve to be saved and they exist in a community that wants them protected. EMMC has begun the process of forming a work group representing the interests and concerns of the hospital, the neighborhood, the community-at-large and the city of Bangor (both the council and the historic preservation commission). Certainly something can be worked out to find other solutions to EMMC’s parking problems while keeping Wing Park and the Robinson House where they belong – as part of Bangor’s treasured historic landscape.

Bob Kelly is a resident of Bangor. He is a contractor specializing in historic restoration and is the adviser to the Bangor Historic Preservation Commission.