City Takes Control Of Historic Bangor Building

The City of Bangor has taken control of a historic building on Central Street that has been vacant for years.

73 Central Street was the focus of a discussion at Monday night's Finance Committee meeting. The huge brick building sits right next to the park that connects Exchange and Central Streets. City officials say that there are six liens against the building, totaling nearly $35,000 dollars. In addition, according to the BDN, owner David Boyd of California owes nearly $34,000 in unpaid real estate taxes, just under $1,000 in downtown development taxes, and unpaid sewer taxes.

Notices have been sent to Boyd, and were returned with signatures, but he's made no effort to repay any of the debt on the building. So the city has decided to take control of the structure, assessed at $477,500 and turn it into a productive part of the downtown district.

According to real estate website 'Loopnet,' the building has an elevator, two fire-rated stairwells, and a sprinkler system. However, city officials say those systems have fallen into disrepair and the building would likely need extensive renovations. It's been home to campaign headquarters and used for historical exhibits. The upper floors have great views of downtown and it's located within walking distance to the library and the Federal building.

The Central Building, as it's known, was built in 1911, after Bangor's Great Fire, and opened in 1912. In 1980, an extra floor was added to the building, with the intention of a fitness studio with amazing views of Bangor being built. However, that plan never materialized.