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 Gardiner is located in Central Maine and has a population of 6,198 (2000 U.S. Census). It has long been an
economic center for the state, and its location on the Kennebec River provided many commerce opportunities, from wharves and mills to tanneries, lumber yards,
paper mills, and ice production.
As mill
production waned and businesses closed, Gardiner changed from a factory
community to a bedroom community. Gardiner is within reasonable commuting
distance of major employment centers (Augusta, Bath, Portland), yet far enough
away that it is a service center for the surrounding area. Over 30,000
vehicles pass through downtown Gardiner on any given day.
In 2001
Gardiner was named as one of the original Main Street Maine communities, and
the results have been impressive. A1 To Go-Community Café & Deli has
become a popular community gathering place and source of  pride. ModaBella, a women’s clothing store that opened in 2004,
sells gowns and casual wear to women from all over Maine. ArtDogs, which
includes six artist studios, a residential apartment and a new fine art press
have added to the creative economy downtown. They have established Artwalk
Gardiner and the recent Art Talks, bringing art and community together.
Elemental Angle, a frame shop, opened as a result of the new artist
community. Other new creative businesses like Studio MN and Shoestring
Creative Group have opened in upper floor spaces, as have several financial
firms. Property owners have been investing in quality residential units thus
attracting new people who want to live downtown. The city recently added a
500’ boardwalk and a kayak & canoe launch on the newly expanded Kennebec River waterfront. The Kennebec River Rail Trail now connects Gardiner to Augusta and the city has plans for additional trail connections within Gardiner. By early
summer, downtown will see new businesses opening: The Mad Dog – Fine Wine,
Spirits & Ale House, Mill Stream Restaurant, and R & B Dance
Company. The Historic District boasts 47 buildings, including the Gardiner
Public Library, Johnson Hall Opera House and the renowned A1 Diner. The
Library just completed a restoration of its stained glass window and removed
a dropped ceiling to highlight the vaulted ceiling. Plans for Johnson Hall
include a 400 seat theater with conference space capabilities. A1 Diner
continues to garner national press in everything from the Food Network to
USAir’s inflight magazine for best eating spots in Maine. But the most
telling success is the pride Gardiner residents feel for their “hidden gem”
of a downtown.
Since being designated a Main Street Maine
community, downtown Gardiner’s revitalization efforts have resulted in:
•15 net new businesses
•$7.7 million in new public and
private downtown investment
•Over 4,200 volunteer hours
•56 net new jobs
•For every $1 invested in the Gardiner Main Street program, an additional $17 have been invested in downtown Gardiner
For more
information on the Gardiner Main Street, please go to their website.
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