Another piece of Ellsworth’s downtown history is getting some much-deserved attention!
The City of Ellsworth is inviting qualified contractors to submit bids for the rehabilitation of historic entrance doors at The Grand, located at 165 and 169 Main Street, as part of the City’s Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program.
The project is supported through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to the City in 2024 by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
Preserving a Downtown Landmark
The Grand is an important part of Ellsworth’s downtown identity, bringing arts, entertainment and community gatherings to Main Street.
The proposed rehabilitation work will help preserve the historic character of the building while addressing deterioration and improving the condition and functionality of its entrance doors.
According to the project specifications, work includes:
- Repairing deteriorated wooden doors and frames, replacing damaged sections where necessary.
- Preparing, patching and repainting doors, frames and exterior entrance ceilings.
- Repairing and reconditioning existing door hardware.
- Installing new weatherstripping and door sweeps.
- Addressing additional entrance details identified in the project specifications.
The work must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation, with an emphasis on retaining and repairing original materials wherever possible.
Part of a Larger Investment in Downtown Ellsworth
The City’s Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program was established to help property owners and eligible tenants improve commercial building exteriors while preserving the character of downtown Ellsworth.
The program supports rehabilitation of buildings at least 50 years old within the designated downtown grant area.
Following the review and selection of grant recipients in FY25, the program is now in an extended implementation phase through June 2027.
Projects like this one at The Grand demonstrate how targeted investments can help maintain the character and vitality of our historic downtown.
Invitation to Bid: The Grand Door Rehabilitation Project
Qualified contractors interested in the project are encouraged to review the complete specifications and submit bids through the City’s OpenGov Procurement Portal. Not registered for OpenGov yet? CLICK HERE and register today!
Important dates:
- RFP Release: Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Questions Due: Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- Bids Due: Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 4 p.m.
All bids must be submitted through the City’s procurement portal.
Looking Ahead
Ellsworth’s historic buildings help tell the story of our community. Preserving their architectural features while supporting their continued use is an important part of maintaining a vibrant downtown. The City looks forward to seeing this next phase of The Grand’s preservation move forward.
Interested contractors can find complete project details through the City of Ellsworth Procurement Portal.
