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We're focusing on downtown.
 Augusta's
downtown, beautifully bisected by the mighty Kennebec River, has
always been the center of life in Maine's Capital City.
As early as 1628, trading posts
thrived along the river's banks. Later, Augusta's first permanent
settlers operated a community store in the converted military Fort
Western. With the industrial age came productive mills and factories,
and busy shops along Water Street. Throughout the last century,
people continued to flock to the waterfront - like their forefathers
- for goods, services, and employment.
 But
times inevitably change, as they have in many of America's cities.
The mills are gone. So, too, are some of the shops. Once proud structures
lost their luster. So did the once-magnificent river. Worst of all,
many people turned their backs on the heart of Maine's Capital City.
Now it's time for them to come
back. Spearheaded by a progressive
city government that has emphasized the importance of restoring
the city's core, and by a unique state-city partnership called the
Capital Riverfront Improvement District (CRID), the renaissance
of Augusta's downtown has begun.
- The nationally recognized
removal of the Edwards Mill Dam has returned wildlife to the river,
and left the Kennebec as clean and vital as it was one hundred
years ago.
- Private investment has led
to redevelopment of the downtown business core through the rehabilitation
and reuse of many of the downtown's landmark buildings, including
Old City Hall, the historic former home of city government and
now an assisted living residence for seniors.
- Corridor improvements in
the city's north end have commenced, and will result in improved
sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting along the downtown's main
thoroughfare.
- The CRID's downtown master
plan, developed by the people of Augusta and broadly supported
by both state and city government, envisions a revitalized recreational
waterfront, paths and parks tying together the areas features
and amenities, and a major urban park on the site of the former
Edwards Mill.
 So
what does all of this mean to you? It means that one day soon, you'll
enjoy a downtown like no other. Maybe you'll land a fish in the
Kennebec, or enjoy a summer concert in its banks. Maybe you'll bring
the kids to the Farmer's Market, or visit one of the boutique shops
downtown. Or maybe you'll just enjoy the restored views of the river
from the modern comfort of your loft-style apartment. Maybe you'll
cherish the rustic beauty of Maine coupled with the convenience
of a contemporary downtown.
Maybe you'll come back...to
downtown Augusta.
For more information on our
downtown revitalization initiative, contact:
Michael
A. Duguay
Program Administrator
Office of Economic and Community Development
City Center Plaza
16 Cony St.
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel: 207-626-2355
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