REDEFINING BANGOR

Planning for a new version of the Bangor Auditorium and Civic Center is an exciting opportunity for the city, one which could include the larger opportunity to create a new vision for Bangor as a regional cultural and entertainment service center.

The site that has emerged as the leading contender from among five sites suggested by a consultant is on the southern edge of Bass Park. This part of the city offers opportunities for Bangor the others do not.

A Bass Park site is easily accessible to Interstate 395, which links readily to Interstate 95, thereby providing easy travel into and out of Bangor for those who live west, north and south of the city. And I-395’s access to Route 9 connects points as far east as New Brunswick, a province which is becoming increasingly enamored of visiting the Queen City, thanks to the booming Canadian dollar. But if visitors are given easy access and easy egress, an objection to the Bass Park South site immediately suggests itself: shouldn’t the city try to bring visitors to the heart of the downtown, to shop and eat, instead of shuffling them quickly in and out? The answer is tied to a broader self-image for Bangor, one which relies on a confidence in what it offers.

Above all, visitors should come away from a concert, sporting event or trade show with a pleasant memory of the experience. The smile that a great concert puts on people’s faces should not be allowed to turn into a scowl as they fight traffic to get out of the city to head home. Parking is also critical to the experience; if visitors know they can find a spot near the building, they will be more likely to arrive an hour or so before the curtain goes up to get dinner or lunch. A shuttle bus might add to that mobility.

Many have discovered or rediscovered all downtown Bangor has to offer, thanks to the American Folk Festival. A new auditorium, civic and conference center would build on this momentum.

Innovative marketing using computer kiosks in the lobby could allow visitors to click to find up-to-date menus from the city’s many fine restaurants as well as pages of merchandise available for sale at its shops.

Key to the new vision of Bangor as an entertainment destination is for residents and city leaders to see the downtown as extending from State and Union streets south to Bass Park. One important anchor at the city’s southern gateway – the Hollywood Slots facility – is on its way to completion. A new auditorium and civic center would be another, substantial anchor. With these new draws, the city should take steps to connect the Bass Park area with what has traditionally been seen as the downtown. Broader sidewalks with benches and period lighting are among the amenities that should be considered.

The potential is great for a new auditorium, civic and conference center. But there is only one shot at getting it right. Careful consideration, with an eye to how visitors see the facility, are essential.