Augusta Civic Center | 76 Community Drive | Augusta

[markhb]

With the CCCC / CIA refurb and the replacement of the Bangor Auditorium behind us, Augusta is now looking at updates or replacement to the Augusta Civic Center. The arena is owned by the city, which means they don't have the benefit of county-wide funding, nor do they have a casino pumping cash into city coffers (caveat wisecracks about the Legislature).

From today's Press Herald, City officials ponder future of Augusta Civic Center, including millions of dollars in needed repairs

AUGUSTA — About $2 million has been set aside to replace the leaky roof at the Augusta Civic Center, but that repair is prompting a larger discussion by city officials on the much pricier proposition of bringing the 50-year-old building and its outdated systems and aesthetics into the future.

The cost to repair, refurbish and update the building at 76 Community Drive so it can continue as a convention, conference and entertainment facility that is a major economic driver for Augusta is estimated at about $33 million.

The cost could leap by another $40 million to $50 million if officials opt to have the entire structure beefed up....

The article also states that one councilor wants to look at a new building, which would cost somewhere between $100 - 140 million.

 

[nomc]

"Councilor Mike Michaud said it is nearly impossible to measure the economic impact the building has had on Augusta when hosting events..."

Is there actually any hard data on the economic impact? Without it, hard to make a case for a new building. Also hard to make a case for a new building if there isn't anything wrong with the layout or amount of space, especially if the new building is 50-90M more than a reno.

 

[Portlander]

For being over 50 years old, the exterior of the building has aged well in my opinion.

 

[Portlander]

As far as the interior goes it's colorful but rather generic looking but similar to other venues constructed in the same era. Should be fairly easy to expand the 5000 seat capacity by knocking out the end wall and replacing the temporary bleachers with permanent seating and a row of luxury suites. Would be an expensive renovation from a city of 19,000 with limited tax revenues but far cheaper than a new facility which I don't see happening.

 

[Portlander]

Some photos of the 3700 seat Colisee in Lewiston which was renovated several years ago.

 

[markhb]

I've never actually been in the Colisee, but I've long thought that somewhere in the lobby they should have a big-ass painted collage-style mural with images of the Lewiston and St. Dom's hockey teams, the Maineiacs and Nordiques (I thought of this before the new Nordiques came along, which unbalances things if you include the original team as well), and the Ali photo in the middle.

 

[Portlander]

My former girlfriend's son played hockey for Greely High so I've spent my fair share of time in the arena prior to it being renovated and it was gritty and very outdated. New decor and color scheme is a huge improvement and I agree with some type of Ali tribute in the lobby.