This story originally appeared as an entry in the column Gordon’s Corner.
The beautiful old “turret” building on the northeast corner of 26th and Bank Street has stood abandoned and neglected for years. Her age was showing. It seemed inevitable that she would just fall down or be demolished, her elegance and history lost forever.
However, she has been reborn, her structure strengthened, her internal systems updated, her walls restored, her windows polished, new modern colors on her exterior, and her restored turret again stands proudly above the neighborhood. She will soon have people bustling in and out seeking the services to be housed within.
The turret building is a symbol of the past and the future of Portland, proud history and hopeful future.
There is a human story of foresight, courage and determination here. Many of us fretted about the old building hoping someone would do something. Others acted! Luckily, there were a handful of people who took action and saved the turret building.
The first is an organization called Vital Sites. This organization is dedicated to saving architecturally and historically significant structures. They step in to purchase the structures and to stabilize them in preparation for their eventual restoration. Thank you, Vital Sites, for saving the turret building.
And now for the VISION AND COURAGE. A young man named SEBA BAWAH stepped in as developer to complete the restoration. Seba is married with two boys. He has education and experience in business administration and the hospitality industry. Seba also has a fascination with historical buildings and the ability to envision them restored.
Seba is courageous. He took on the turret building project, knowing he would have to find creative ways to finance the work. He also committed to doing much of the labor involved in the project, convincing sub-contractors to work with him, at times teaching Seba how to do some of the labor needed to keep costs down.
Seba is quick to acknowledge that he had help from others. He thanks Vital Sites for all the work they did to preserve the building, for helping with guidance and advice and for providing affordable loans when needed. Seba also recognizes advice from Portland resident, Gary Watrous, architect. Seba is grateful for the various sub-contractors who showed him the way and often let him do some of the labor.
Seba wants the services to be housed in the turret building to serve the needs of the community. The storefront is currently being prepared to house a bakery/café previously slated for 2610 Portland Avenue, and the second floor will contain office rental spaces. The café, if finalized successfully, is planning to open on weekends at first, with increased menu offerings as the kitchen capacity is expanded.
Good luck Seba. You are an inspiration to other aspiring young entrepreneurs in Portland. And thank you for saving our turret building.
Loving Portland, Gordon
The old Vickie’s Variety Store
Do they keep Copies of old Portland Anchor from years ago?