Nonprofit says it will move out of pricey MDI neighborhood
Maine Seacoast Mission is developing plans to move its administrative headquarters out of the Colket Center in Bar Harbor.
In a letter mailed Monday, President Scott Planting outlined reasons for the move to Mission supporters and donors:
“It is with mixed feelings that I tell you that the Mission plans to move its administrative headquarters out of its beloved Colket Center in Bar Harbor, which was donated in 1972. Its value having appreciated significantly over the years, we will transform this remarkable asset into valuable support for the Mission's programs and services.”
In a phone interview with Mainebiz, Planting said the nonprofit’s board decided it would be better served selling the property where it has been based for more than four decades. It is evaluating where it might move, but would likely stay in the general area. Selling the property, which was Its donated by Ruth and Tristram Colket, would allow it to move to cheaper space while adding funding to its programs and services.
“It’s such a valuable asset to have as administrative offices for nine people. We could [sell the property and] take the assets and put them into programs and services,” Planting told Mainebiz. “We’re at the beginning of this process. We’re looking at the Trenton area. We’ve been on MDI our entire existence so I think we want to stay in this area.”
“It’s wiser to invest in the people we’ll serve,” he added.
The mission’s ad hoc property committee, chaired by board member Stefan Cushman, met Tuesday to put together a process to move forward.
The Mission's first headquarters in 1905 was a house on Ledgelawn Avenue. Mission founders Alexander and Angus McDonald spent much of their time sailing to and from communities on Maine islands on the sloop Hope. Since then, always with an eye toward excellent asset stewardship, the Mission has made careful changes while honoring its mission through its programs and services, according to the nonprofit.
The Maine Seacoast Mission, founded in 1905, serves Downeast Maine's outer islands and coastal communities to build healthy communities, strengthen families, and keep children invested in their education and future. It provides critical necessities like food, medical treatment, warm clothing, emergency heating assistance, and essential home repairs, and the educational and social opportunities people need to better their lives. The Mission provides services to the islands via the MV Sunbeam.
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