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AUGUSTA — The historic windows and doors at the Gannett House are slated for removal and restoration starting Jan. 9. The project is the first large-scale restoration project to begin at the house that will be transformed into a First Amendment museum. The windows and doors are a key design element in the 1911 Mediterranean Revival building.
Winslow-based Jacobs Glass Inc. will carry out the project from removal through re-installation. JGI is a professional glazing company specializing in historic window and door restoration and has completed numerous restoration projects throughout the state including the Bath Customs House windows and doors.
The window restoration process begins with cataloging the window sashes and removing them according to lead paint safe procedures. Sashes are treated in a steam oven to loosen paint and glazing. The windows are repaired, reglazed and re-installed, a process that for completion of the building’s 42 historic windows will take until spring.
The doors, including the large mahogany front door and sidelights will also be restored.
Historic paint analysis on the windows and doors will be handled by Amy Cole Ives of Sutherland Conservation & Consulting. The sampling and analysis is being done for documentation purposes and in order to inform the project’s decisions going forward for exterior trim and window color.
The Gannett House Project’s mission includes stewardship of the National Register property while at the same time planning for its future use as a museum that will foster dialogue and discussion about the First Amendment, a subject with ongoing and increasing relevance.
Located at 184 State St. just steps from the Maine Capitol, The Gannett House Project is a 501c3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to stimulating and inspiring public understanding of the rights and responsibilities inherent in the First Amendment. For more information, call 207-557-2290, visit gannetthouseproject.org or follow @FiveFreedomsME.
