Staff Writer

The Saco City Council voted Monday to list the old Central Fire Station for sale on the open real estate market for four months.

Councilors Margaret Mills and Eric Cote voted against the plan. The council for months has discussed the fate of the building, which will be empty after the fire department moves today into its new station on North Street.

Much of the discussion has centered on the fair market value of the building and a proposal by Saco Spirit to use the building for a year-round public market and community space. Councilors said listing the building will allow them to see how much the city could get for the building, which needs repairs to meet city code.

A seven-member ad-hoc committee last year examined the fate of the 73-year-old brick building and recommended the city council put out a request for proposals. Proposals from Nate Libby Masonry, Saco Spirit, Waterman Development LLC and Dan Burdick of Eat A Fish Inc. were received after the deadline.

City staff suggested councilors list the property on the open market. The assessed value of the station and office building is $498,100, according to City Assessor Daniel Sanborn. Two commercial brokers estimated the market value of the station at $298,000 and $395,000.

City councilors gave Nate Libby and Saco Spirit time to work together on a joint proposal, which was presented last month. Libby proposed buying the building for $40,000 to use as a base for his company and space for Saco Spirit to create a public market, artist studios and community space.

Libby withdrew his proposal March 21 and Saco Spirit is now working with resident Tom Merrill on a plan to buy the building, said Saco Spirit President Johanna Hoffman. 

During a public hearing Monday night, Hoffman said Saco Spirit is still interested in creating the Firehouse Public Market, as well as artist studios, community meeting space and kitchen space to be used by local caterers. She said the building also could include a small firehouse museum and office space for Saco Spirit.

“The main goal is create a destination,” Hoffman said.

Merrill said he wants to buy the fire station and office building and rent the space to Saco Spirit. He said his intent is civic in nature.

“My intent would be not to lose money, but it is not a business venture. My interest is in trying to preserve the fire station,” he said.

Merrill said he is concerned the building could be torn down if the council sells it to the highest bidder. He said he believes Saco Spirit’s plans would “bring lots of vitality downtown.”

Resident Elizabeth DeSimone said she supports Saco Spirit’s  “unique” plan because it will help bring people downtown.

“I think one of Saco’s greatest assets has been the vitality of Main Street,” she said. “This is an opportunity to strengthen our downtown and really strengthen the community.”

Resident Christopher DiMatteo said he also supports Saco Spirit’s plan for the building. He said he hopes councilors give serious thought to the sale of the building.

“It is a special asset for the city,” he said.

Resident Tarik Sivonen said he supports the long-term benefits of Saco Spirit’s plan. He said Saco is an inviting city.

“This kind of project is the reason why. I think taking the risk is worth it,” he said.

Councilor Eric Cote said he is concerned the building could be torn down. Councilor Leslie Smith Jr. said the building requires “a certain amount of work to bring it up to code” and code enforcement staff could monitor the building.

Mills, who said she at first favored tearing down the building, said she changed her mind after talking with residents.

“I listened to a lot of people who appreciate the building and feel it is an asset to the community,” she said. “People in our community know it will probably cost the city more money not to just sell the parcel on the open market. The majority of people have stepped up to say ‘it matters to me.’”

The council reserves the right to reject any proposal received.

City Administrator Richard Michaud said he expects the city to move forward quickly with listing the building with CBRE/The Boulos Co.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.