The Story
The A.B. Seavey House was built in 1890 and designed by J.M. Littlefield. Seavey was a successful local businessman dealing in musical instruments. The house was one of the finest examples of the Queen Anne architectural style in the city of Saco. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. A complete set of the architect's original drawings and specifications have survived. The NHRP listing states, the home is, “elaborate without being pretentious.”
The Threat
A fire in 2012 burned much of the roof and the third floor. The first and second floors sustained smoke and water damage. The City of Saco acquired the property because of three years of overdue taxes and would like to see the building rehabilitated for housing in order to strengthen this historic downtown neighborhood.
The Solution
While developers have expressed interest in the project, there is still much work to be done to attract potential investors. Despite damage from the 2012 fire, most of the decorative detailing remains intact throughout the property. If used as a rental property that contributes to the National Register district, work would be eligible for state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits for apartment use. The City has expressed interest in being flexible with zoning requirements. In order for this building to once again contribute to Saco’s future it must be immediately secured and the roof repaired to ensure the window of economic opportunity is not lost to rehabilitate this important structure.
