When the leadership of Maine Central Institute (MCI) planned to rehabilitate Founders Hall, it was also necessary to prepare the building for the next generation of students.
MCI was founded by the same five Maine businessmen who founded Bates College and was intended to serve as a preparatory school positioned near the geographic center of the state. In 1868, the State of Maine granted MCI a charter and the cornerstone of Founders Hall was laid two years later. The sophisticated Italianate building is an excellent example of mid-19th century academic architecture with an elaborate wood cornice, rounded arch windows, and an octagonal bell tower. In recognition of its history and architecture, Founders Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Over the years, much of the building, particularly the basement and attic, had become de facto storage space, accumulating teaching material and furniture. Its twelve classrooms and performance hall were serviced by only one bathroom. Moisture issues in the basement would require excavation and waterproofing measures.
Following nearly two decades of efforts to renovate Founders Hall, a concerted capital campaign supported by the school’s Trustees and loyal alumni base jumpstarted the project. In the spring of 2021, Cianbro, a Pittsfield-based construction company with strong ties to MCI, commenced the 18-month project. Tim Archibald, Principal of Midwest Architecture Studio, and MCI class of ’84, along with Plymouth Engineering Inc. and Hewett & Whitney Engineers made up the design team.
To increase access to the building, the design team created a new ADA compliant entrance and accessible bathrooms on each floor. An older renovation plan called for the addition of an elevator tower, but the design team was able to integrate an elevator inside the building’s envelope linking all floors. The original wood floors and wainscotting were refinished in each classroom. The performance space, Powers Hall, was given extra care, including new theatrical lighting, sound system, and audio-visual equipment with livestreaming capability. Along with installation of a new sprinkler and fire alarm system, the design team renovated the existing stair halls to create fire-rated corridors. Fresh air ventilation, a new radiant heat system, electrical service, energy efficient lighting, and fiber optic network will serve the building well into the future. Construction was crowned with restoration of the iconic cupola, and the bell automated for ringing.
The renovated Founders Hall has enhanced MCI’s ability to recruit students from across the globe. The investment on campus reaches into the community, where local businesses are frequented by students and their families, and increased programming leads to more jobs in central Maine. Additionally, the school’s internationally renowned Bossov Ballet Theatre troupe now has a spectacular rehearsal and performance space in Powers Hall.
The rehabilitation of Founders Hall has not only ensured Maine Central Institute’s history is preserved, but has prepared the school’s edifice to serve as the hub of education in Pittsfield, Maine, for another 150 years.
