Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546328
18 Fact Book / Doing Business in Maine VO L . X X X I I N O. X I X R ichard Parkhurst, retired co-founder of O&P Glass, has a thing for older build- ings, and is passionate about not seeing yet another one get torn down. So when he learned that a circa 1899 John Calvin Stevens design at 15 Western Ave. in Augusta was going to be demolished to make room for an office building, he purchased it and had it moved down the street. e move was a complex project, involving weeks of detailed coordination with local and state officials. e building is 6,200 square feet, and 60 feet wide at its broadest. It had to be cut into two sections to be moved. Parkhurst said it was also a lot of fun. "I was fortunate to find the best of the best con- tractors on this project," he said. "Not only were they good, but every contractor took a special interest in the project, including every laborer." J.F. Scott from Winthrop and Scott Lyon, based in Manchester, prepped the house for the move. "We demoed additions that were not relevant to the original structure and we had to rebuild portions of the roof that had been compromised by additions. We had to remove porches that wouldn't withstand the move, and those will be rebuilt," Parkhurst said. "We had to disconnect and make safe gas, water, electric and sewer lines. We had to remove historic steps, remove plantings and prep the area around the house for the movers." Parkhurst said the house was in good shape. It had been built by a Water Street mercantile C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 0 » Moving house A historic John Calvin Stevens house in Augusta goes for a ride B y T i n a F i s c h e r I was fortunate to find the best of the best contractors on this project. Not only were they good, but every contractor took a special interest in the project, including every laborer. — Richard Parkhurst Owner of the house The house Richard Parkhurst (inset) saved from demolition had to be cut into two pieces to be moved. Q UA L I T Y O F L I F E P H O T O S / DAV E D O S T I E Richard Parkhurst