By David Harry

Staff Writer 

Maine’s Historic Preservation Committee will meet Friday in Sanford to consider applications for the Sanford Mill District and Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport to be placed on the National Register for Historic Places.

The list recognizes the historic significance of a place or district. It also provides significant tax credits for projects to restore and renovate sites, said commission staffer Christi Mitchell. Approved applications are forwarded to the National Park Service, which administers the list.

 “For most owners, it is nothing more than an honor,” she said. “It is not just old pretty houses.” 

According to the preservation committee Web site, federal tax credits can cover 20 percent of redevelopment costs of a building or site, and state tax credits worth 25 percent also are available for projects as long as historical significance and integrity are maintained.

At Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport, head PGA pro Ken Raynor said the register listing will be an honor, but not a component of development plans.

“It makes it even more special for people who play here,” Raynor said of the potential listing for the course, built in 1896 and then redesigned about 85 years ago by Walter Travis.

Mitchell said the application for the listing is being considered by looking “at the context of the landscape architecture and its fit into the context of entertainment in the area.”

She added that the listing will recognize the design work and support for the game Travis provided.

Raynor, a teaching professional at the club since 1979, said the design of the course, which is reminiscent of Scottish “links”-style clubs, sets it apart and reminds players of the origins of the game.

At 6,000 yards, the par-69 course can accommodate long hitters, but Raynor said the lack of trees, sea breezes and sand dunes make placing a tee shot very important for a successful second shot at a green.

Raynor also said the style of play serves as a good reminder that “golf is a game where everyone plays by the same set of rules and the governing body is themselves.” 

In the Sanford Mill District, bounded by Washington, High and Emery streets and Pioneer Drive, tax credits are a component in redevelopment of Sanford Mill on Washington Street, Northland Enterprises principal partner Rex Bell said last spring.

Bell, who with partners Robert Monks and Josh Benthian, form the Portland-based development company, anticipates spending more than $12 million to convert the World War I-era, three-story building on Washington Street into a commercial and residential complex.

Renovation of the town-owned building will begin after the environmental cleanup, paid for in part with federal “Brownfields” grants from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The town last winter took the 65,000-square-foot mill by eminent domain from developer Patrick Fagan for $150,000. Northlands Enterprises is expected to buy the building for the same price when the environmental cleanup is finished.

Mitchell said there is no cost to apply for a placement listing, and that 20 to 25 applications are considered annually. The National Parks Service, which administers the historic register, has 45 days to decide on an application after it has been received from the state commission.

Staff writer David Harry can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 241