ROCKLAND — Mario Albaldo and crew have a project to keep them busy over the winter, and then some. They purchased the former Lincoln Street Center (and prior to that, the old Rockland High School) Dec. 28, and intend to complete a major renovation of the building.

The goal is to reopen the historic arts and education building by April as a cultural center for the arts, a place to see theater, dance and concerts, attend lectures and yoga classes, and visit artists at work in their studios.

“This is really an incredible building,” said Mario Abaldo, in a news release. “It would cost a fortune to build anything like it. The craftsmanship and detail are spectacular. There is also such a strong local history with people, so many stories. It  just had to be saved."

Under the auspices of Orchid LLC, Abaldo, his wife, Sherry, and his West Coast investors announced Jan. 7 that they would be renovating the building, installng a new elevator, making roof repairs, upgrading the heating system, installing new windows, remodeling and putting in new insulation, "while keeping the original refinished wood floors, and the original character and charm of the building," Abaldo said.

They will also restore the 300-plus seat theater and gymnasium, as well as studios.   

Albaldo declined to discuss the purchase price, or the level of financial investment he and his partners will make to complete the renovations. He said the building space will be rented to artists and professionals, as before, yet "with more variety, more quality, and multi-function space."

The Lincoln Street Center closed its doors last spring, after several years of financial uncertainty. The 34,000-square-foot building was built in 1866, and was a school until it became  the Lincoln Street Center for Arts and Education in 2002, acquired by the nonprofit Lincoln Street Center for $61,833. Last August, it was auctioned off, and Camden National Bank, holder of two mortgages on it, became its owner. Orchid LLC bought the property from Camden National Bank.

Mario and his brother, Vincent, of Lincolnville, will do the renovation work on the building. The two are in business as Abaldo Design Build.

The primary goal in acquiring the property is "to save the local historic building," said Mario Abaldo. "To bring it back to life."

According to Rockland city records, the building and its property is appraised at $1.6 million. The building, appraised at $1.4 million, sits on 1.65 acres. Its location is near the library and courthouse, close to Rockland's downtown.

"We are excited to update the systems while preserving the historic integrity," said Abaldo. "There is nothing like being in a great building.”   

He also said that Orchid LLC has plans for more developments in the area.

For inquiries, contact Mario at 691-8892 or email mario@abaldoenterprises.com.

Editorial Director Lynda Clancy can be reached at lyndaclancy@PenBayPilot.com; 706-6657.