10 months ago
MACHIASPORT (NEWS CENTER)--An historic landmark in the town of Machiasport is one step closer to being restored to its former glory. Liberty Hall, which has been boarded up since 2000, was once the town's community center. For the past decade, a group known as Friends of Liberty Hall have been raising money to restore the aging building. Wednesday, the friends group celebrated a major milestone in the restoration project. Phase one of the restoration project involved repairing the foundation and roof. Phase two involved restoring the belvedere and painting the exterior of the building. Friends of Liberty Hall are already fundraising for the next phase of the project which will restore the inside of the building. Chip Knowlton and his wife, Judy, donated $150,000 towards the restoration project. The town chipped in $35,000 to match a $350,000 federal grant. The belvedere is the signature structure of this historic building. It is an example of Italianate style civic architecture and was designed by Machias architect Andrew Gilson in 1873. For many Machiasport residents, it is a source of pride and a place of fond memories.
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