CORINNA, Maine — Two groups have recently given the town grants that total more than $1 million to help preserve and renovate the historic 1898 Stewart Library Building and its clock tower and steeple for generations to come.
Next Generation Foundation of Maine recently issued a $1 million grant and the Maine Historic Preservation Commission awarded the town grants totaling $15,000 for the planning needed to repair the 116-year-old clock tower and steeple.
“The Stewart Library Building along with the spectacular Levi Stewart library collection it contains is one of Maine’s hidden gems, and we are pleased to serve as lead funder,” a trustee from Next Generation said in the grant announcement.
The total renovation costs are estimated at more than $2.5 million, according to Kenneth Dow, chair of the town’s Building Preservation Group, who said, “These grants will enable the town to begin the process of renovating and preserving this unique, historic treasure.”
“The Next Generation Foundation trustees viewed several wonderful old buildings being restored for modern use during our site visits around Maine, and the Stewart Library Building stood out as one of the more magnificent,” the trustee said. “It sits commandingly on a hill overlooking what used to be the bustling town of Corinna.”
The Stewart Library Building was built in 1898 by Levi M. Stewart, a noted philanthropist and childhood resident of Corinna, Dow’s statement says. The building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to the town’s public library and town office, the Stewart Private Library and includes a second floor auditorium and stage.
“It has been the focus of cultural life in Corinna for over a hundred years, but used much less lately because of age and a lack of modern accommodations,” Dow said. “These grants will help the town begin to restore this building to its place at the center of the community.”