ORONO, Maine University CU on Tuesday began clearing ground at the historic 1820s Katahdin Building which was gutted by fire in 2009 on a new 16,000-square-foot, Greek Revival-style structure that will serve as its administrative offices.
The project will consist of two wings and include drive-through lanes, a parking area and an urban plaza. The plaza which will have seating, a sculpture and other amenities will serve as a community gathering spot, University CU said.
According to an agreement with the town, the $210-million credit union will be responsible for the building. The town will build an 88-space parking lot and the two parties will share the cost of developing the urban plaza.
The credit union will occupy about one-third of the building and said it hopes to find tenants for the rest of the space.
