Bangor architect Wilfred Mansur designed the Classical Revival-Style First National Bank Building at 33 State Street to anchor the heart of the city’s business district following the 1911 fire. After the bank failed in the Great Depression, the building was purchased by Bangor Hydro-Electric Company to serve as its headquarters. The company later acquired neighboring 213 Exchange Street, built in 1912, and connected them internally to expand office space.
Fast forward one hundred years, and the facades of tan pressed-brick, cast-stone columns, decorative cornices, and original windows remained but presented a mere shell, the buildings were empty and idle inside. In 2016, both buildings were sold, and the storefront of 213 Exchange was rehabilitated for a commercial tenant. The remaining interior spaces were underused and unmaintained. Enter Dash Davidson of High Tide Capital, whose vision for downtown Bangor led him to purchase these properties at State and Exchange in 2022 after successfully rehabilitating the nearby Merrill Trust Company building. Dash’s approach relied on state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits and was supported by investment and guidance from CEI, Preti Flaherty, and First National Bank.
Pike Project Development acted as the lead contractor, rehabilitating and converting the upper stories of both buildings into 18 market rate apartments. Hardwood floors were uncovered and restored, and historic plaster and trim were retained throughout. A traditional storefront design was reestablished at 213 Exchange and now hosts a boutique store. A tenant for the grand former banking hall is still being sought.
The design team, including WBRC Architects and Hanson Historic Consulting, demonstrated creative approaches to achieving compliance with modern code requirements while meeting historic rehabilitation standards. This included a fire-rated stair tower shared by both buildings and pairing sprinklers and intumescent coatings to allow use of the original wood and glass doors and transoms instead of installing new entryways. When exposed to high heat, the coating expands and creates the required fire separation for the upstairs apartments.
The adaptive reuse project at 33 State/213 Exchange retained and restored significant historic features and materials representing the heyday of Bangor’s commercial activity, created new housing, and now contributes significantly to the momentum of a revitalized city core. It is a shining example of the power of preservation in renewing our downtowns.
Project Participants
CEI
Dee Bielenberg
First National Bank
Hanson Historic Consulting
High Tide Capital
Pike Project Development
Preti Flaherty
WBRC Architects
Photo Credits: Scott Hanson, Hanson Historic Consulting; Connor Griffin, NoLimit Films
