The City of Ellsworth has issued a Request for Proposals for an important historic preservation project involving one of City Hall’s most recognizable features — the historic City Hall Seal Pediment.
The approximately 91-year-old, hand-carved wooden architectural relief stretches about 18 feet across the front gable of City Hall and sits approximately 30 feet above the ground. After decades of exposure to the elements, the Seal has significantly deteriorated and requires specialized attention.
Rather than determine a restoration approach before the full condition of the wood is known, the City is taking a careful, phased approach.
The first phase will involve safely removing and documenting the Seal, stabilizing and transporting it to an appropriate facility, allowing it to dry in a controlled environment, and completing a professional condition assessment. That assessment will then help the City and the Ellsworth Historic Preservation Commission determine the appropriate conservation and restoration work for the next phase.
The City is seeking proposals from qualified historic preservation contractors, architectural conservators, conservation firms and appropriately qualified teams with the expertise necessary to care for this significant piece of Ellsworth history.
Interested professionals can review the complete RFP, requirements and submission information through the City’s OpenGov procurement portal:
View the City Hall Seal RFP on OpenGov
We look forward to taking this important first step toward preserving the City Hall Seal for future generations.
