Maine Preservation identifies most endangered historic places for 2026

Maine Preservation has released its 2026 list of the state’s most endangered historic places, highlighting properties in Augusta, Bath, Columbia Falls, and Eastport that face uncertain futures.

In Augusta, Handley Hall is under threat. Completed in 1899 as the headquarters for the Kennebec Journal, the Renaissance Revival building currently houses the University of Maine at Augusta’s architecture program. The University of Maine System has proposed relocating the program due to high repair and maintenance costs. While the relocation plan is currently paused, university officials warn that moving the program could lead to a loss of national accreditation, and preservationists argue the move could jeopardize the state’s pipeline of future architects.