What: Certificate of appropriateness for roof and drainage restoration at the historic George E. Thompson House, 28 West Broadway (map-lot 2265), proposed by Blackstone Restoration for the owners; an expansion of work already approved and completed on the carriage house.
Where it stands: Granted unanimously on October 8, 2026.
Next: Work proceeds; the commission's discussion hoped the owners would restore the missing balustrade finials.
Details
Mixed metals (steel, aluminum, lead) are corroding and letting water in. The plan replaces steel gutter liners, valleys, downspouts and a vent pipe with 20-ounce copper with soldered joints, and adds two downspouts where the front of the building has settled.
Damaged carpentry would be replaced in kind with mahogany in place of pine, painted to match; the existing Douglas fir wooden gutters stay.
The slate hips and ridge would be removed for repairs and replaced with Quebec slate from the same geological formation as the original Monson slate. Snow guards (two courses, three on the generator side) would be added, and the failed EPDM roof section on top replaced with EPDM edged in copper.
The commission's consultant described the house as a Colonial Revival design by the firm that became the present WBRC. Members asked about original materials, EPDM lifespan (30 to 40 years with maintenance), copper solder compatibility and snow guard effectiveness. No public comment.
A member disclosed that the applicant rents a workshop from them; the commission found no conflict (the member voted that it was not).
Findings under Bangor's historic preservation code 148-9 and 148-9(B)(2) were adopted one by one before the certificate was granted.
Applicant presented the project; the consultant's questions were answered and the findings and decision were adopted. Certificate of appropriateness granted unanimously.