15 Sea Street
51 Water Street, PO Box 255 Eastport, Maine 04631 207-853-4123
15 Sea Street
A proud historic building becoming home to new businesses in Eastport, Maine
A souvenir booklet dated 1908 provides a glimpse into the historic role the Seacoast Canning Co. played in Eastport and neighboring communities.
“All of our Maine cities have attributes that in some especial measure claim and deserve consideration. Eastport eclipses all in its sardine industry and lays special claim to the fact that she has the largest sardine and canning industry in the world, that of the Seacoast Canning Co. This important industry was established in 1899 and it was incorporated as the Seacoast Canning Co. in 1903. The building at 15 Sea Street was constructed in 1908 and is known as the American Can Building. The building was home to the Continental Brand of roll key opening can.”
“The products produced by the Seacoast Canning Co. are favorably known throughout the civilized world and they have an established reputation for superiority. The specialty of the company is the Continental Brand of sardines which is know for its general excellence throughout the entire world and is a standard for all other manufacturers.”
Many residents of Eastport and surrounding communities earned their living in this building, and stories of the hard work and good times among the workers still abound today. After years of being home to sardine can making, the building served the aquaculture industry.
The first floor will be occupied by businesses mostly related to the arts and maritime activities. A flexible meeting/small theater/catered dining space will allow this floor to host specialized study groups, small conferences, Elderhostel classes, and provide a venue for presentations and performances.
Historical displays and exhibits will allow us to tell the stories of the area’s past and to demonstrate such things as how herring weirs operate, sardine cans were made, and sardines were prepared for packing. We will spotlight various activities related to local fisheries, ship building, wreath making, and blueberry harvesting.
A lobby and elevator will be on this floor, along with an information area, ticket sales for local adventures, and public restrooms.
The second floor will be known as The Waterfront Hotel at 15 Sea Street. Sixteen hotel rooms and suites will provide distinctive decor, comfortable amenities, and glorious views to our guests. In the center of this floor, we imagine a combination spa and fitness area which will provide pampering possibilities and healthy activity for our guests and people in the community who hold membership in the facility. A small guest library and laundry operations will round out the amenities on this floor. Hotel guests and spa/fitness area members will have card keys for entrance into the first floor elevator and onto the 2nd floor. We expect to showcase local artist’s work in the guest rooms and public areas on this hotel floor.
The third floor will be known as The Lantern, and will house six condominium residences. At present, we imagine six size options, from 760 to 1770 square feet, with each residence having ceilings ranging from 9-14 feet. A sky light, gas fireplace, and deck are features possible in each residence. One covered parking space with convenient storage unit will be provided for each residence. Residences can be completed for immediate move-in, or the owners can participate in the design and decor of their residence.
