Demolition of the former barbershop in downtown Damariscotta to make way for new public restrooms began around 6:45 a.m., Wednesday, July 11.
The Damariscotta Public Works Department will work from 6:30-9 a.m. each day during demolition, and will resume work in the evening, so as not to cause conflicts with parking and traffic, according to Town Manager Matt Lutkus.
Road Commissioner Hugh Priebe plans to dismantle the building one section at a time, load the debris into the town’s dump truck, and promptly remove it from the site, according to Lutkus.
Priebe has rented the machinery needed to level the building for two weeks, but said he hopes to finish the job in three to five business days.
“From what I can see, (the building) is pretty rotted. I think I should be able to just take it down,” Priebe said.
Priebe removed trees and prepared the site for demolition Monday, July 9.
The sale of the property from Dan and Eileen Miller to the town closed Thursday, July 5, according to Lutkus.
“Wright-Pierce is currently finalizing the bid specifications for construction of the new building. I will let you know the timetable for construction as soon as we have more information to share,” Lutkus said in an email to downtown business and building owners Friday, July 6.
The plans for the new restroom include separate men’s and women’s rooms. The women’s restroom will have two stalls and the men’s room will have one stall and a urinal.
Each restroom will have two sinks and a baby changing station. There are also plans for a small shower, Lutkus told the Damariscotta Planning Board on April 2. The planning board approved the project application July 2.
The building will be granite and red brick, with a town seal on either side.
