Maine Academy of Natural Sciences at Good Will-Hinckley - Hinckley, ME

Auburn, ME Harriman's work at the Charles E. Moody School Maine Academy of Natural Sciences at Good Will-Hinckley has been awarded a 2016 Maine Preservation Honor Award. The school was constructed in 1905, replacing an earlier structure that was destroyed by fire. The building is a contributing structure to the “Hinckley Good Will Home Historic District,” designated a National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Maine Preservation is a non-profit historic preservation organization that recognizes excellence in historic preservation, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of historic Maine landmarks. Harriman was recognized for taking a long vacant facility and overcoming significantly deteriorated conditions with permanent improvements to ensure it lasts into the future.

“Historic preservation preserves cultural assets and links us to the past with environmental, cultural and economic benefits. Harriman thrives on the challenge to seamlessly blend restored architectural features with building systems that meet modern standards,” said Sharon Ames, RA, LEED AP BD+C, senior architect at Harriman.

“We are grateful to have our work recognized for our commitment to both preserving the past and practicing forward-thinking sustainable building methods.”

The historic preservation project at the Charles E. Moody School Maine Academy of Natural Sciences at Good Will-Hinckley took a 110-year-old building, which had stood empty for 40 years, and created an energy-efficient and sustainable environment. The original eight classroom school was thoughtfully renovated to retain its historic character and defining features. Four new classrooms were created within the basement through excavation and significant waterproofing efforts. The exterior envelope was analyzed and repaired to ensure compatibility with the new insulation measures. 

“The people who embark on historic preservation work know that these distinctive, character-rich places not only contribute to our understanding of our history in Maine, they also create investment, opportunity and sustainability,” said Susan Burns, president of the Maine Preservation board of trustees.

An addition allowed for five new, state-of-the-art classrooms and lab space, creating a total of 23,580 s/f.  The building was designed to an energy usage level approximately 30% less than conventional educational buildings, thanks to a highly insulated envelope and energy-efficient mechanical and lighting systems. Daylight was maximized in the design, and 267 photovoltaic panels were installed. Storm water runoff is collected and utilized in the adjacent hay fields. The design is capable of accommodating the anticipated enrollment growth from 46 students to more than 200 students within the next five years. Located in Central Maine on several hundred acres of wilderness, organic farmland and river frontage, the school’s program is tailored to introducing students in grades 9-12 to careers in farming, forestry, sustainability, alternative energy and other related fields. The Charles E. Moody School Maine Academy of Natural Sciences at Good Will-Hinckley is the first charter school in the State of Maine.

General Contractor: Landry/French Construction Mechanical Contractor: RaNor Mechanical Electrical Contractor: Ideal Electric Solar Photovoltaic Contractor: ReVision Energy Millwork Contractor: Pond Cove Millwork Masonry Contractor: Bellefleur Masonry