The future headquarters of the Pemaquid Watershed Association at 584 Main St. in Damariscotta. (Maia Zewert photo)
The Pemaquid Watershed Association is on the move, but the nonprofit’s headquarters will still be on Main Street in Damariscotta.
The nonprofit recently purchased about 2 acres of land, including a two-story home, at 584 Main St. in Damariscotta. The property will serve as PWA’s new headquarters, PWA Board of Directors President Michael Kane said.
PWA has been leasing office space at 15 Courtyard St. in Damariscotta above the Salt Bay Cafe for more than 10 years. The organization has been considering a move to a more permanent location for about three years, Kane said.
A sign on Main Street in Damariscotta advertises the new headquarters of the Pemaquid Watershed Association. After leasing office space at 15 Courtyard St. above the Salt Bay Cafe for more than 10 years, the PWA will soon relocate to 584 Main St. (Maia Zewert photo)
“We really wanted to make an investment for our future,” Kane said. “Rather than spending money on rent, we wanted to invest in a building that could serve us for years to come.”
PWA conducted a member survey a few years ago regarding a potential relocation. Kane said the survey showed that members wanted PWA to stay on Main Street.
“We were hoping to find a location that fit those criteria (and) that we could afford, and we ended up with exactly that,” Kane said.
The new building has more space for offices and meeting rooms, Kane said. The new building will also be handicapped-accessible, something that had not been possible in the previous location.
“One of the things we can do a much better job of is accommodating those who can’t climb stairs,” Kane said. “That was one of our major considerations in wanting to relocate. We hope to renovate the rooms and restrooms to be (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.”
PWA will continue to feature artwork from local artists and participate in the Twin Villages ArtWalk, Kane said. The organization also hopes to host educational programming on site.
PWA purchased the property for $167,000 on March 31, Kane said. After renovations are complete, PWA hopes to move into the new building July 1.
“We hope to have a lot of visibility in our new, stand-alone location,” Kane said. “The increased visibility and space are really important and will be a great benefit to PWA.”
