LISBON — A nonprofit wants to save deteriorating building slated for demolition in Lisbon, but it remains to be seen whether there’s a realistic way of doing so.
The Cushman Tavern sits on the town line of Lisbon and Sabattus. Officials in both towns decided the building was dangerous and should be demolished during a meeting in September, according to the Sun Journal.
Maine Preservation, a nonprofit statewide historic preservation group not related to the state’s official Maine Historic Preservation Commission, included the building as one of seven on its 2018 list of Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places. In the announcement, the group says it’s willing to work with the towns or owners to preserve the building, rather than tear it down.
“We urge the communities to immediately delay the demolition order until there’s been an opportunity to explore the extent of necessary stabilization and rehabilitation and work with the current owner or locate a new owner to preserve it in place,” Maine Preservation’s announcement read.
Cushman Tavern was built around 1825, and was run as a tavern by Capt. Samuel Cushman before it became a private home. It is now owned by Pamela McGuire and the heirs of Robert McGuire
Lisbon councilors and Sabattus selectmen ordered the owner, who was not at the meeting, to demolish the building. After 30 days, the responsibility falls into the hands of the towns, with officials from both sides expressing reluctance to tear down the historic site.
Related: Historic former tavern on Sabattus-Lisbon line considered for demolition
Maine Preservation believes it can help. The organization’s Real Estate Manager Sarah Hansen said there are a number of ways they could get involved. She cited programs Maine Preservation has to help find a new owner who may be able to make needed repairs to the building. At the very least, they would like to look at the damage to the property. She said the organization recently purchased a property in Richmond in order to save it.
“It would be a shame to see (Cushman Tavern) go,” said Hansen.
Hansen added Maine Preservation has been in contact with Lisbon’s code enforcement officer, but has yet to get response from other officials in each town. The old tavern houses some historical pieces as well. Artist Orison Wood painted murals on its walls prior to the 1830s.
Hansen said she believed a contractor had come forward with an interest in preserving the artwork, but Maine Preservation would like to see the whole building saved.
According to town officials, the building has not been maintained and is in danger of collapsing.
Lisbon Town Manager Diane Barnes told the Sun Journal in September that it was “unfortunate” to lose the building, “but the condition of the house now is so bad that I don’t think we have any other alternatives at this point.”
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