To spot the Atkinson Building, look for a tall, six-story brick and stone building with arched windows right on the pointed corner of Lisbon and Pine Streets-just look for the most impressive red-brick giant across from City Hall.
Standing here today, you’re right in front of one of Lewiston’s proudest show-offs! Back in 1892, the townsfolk must’ve craned their necks in awe as this six-story Romanesque masterpiece soared above every other rooftop in town. Just imagine the fresh clang of hammers and chisel on pink-red granite brought all the way from North Conway, New Hampshire, the same quarry that worked overtime for City Hall next door. The Atkinson Building went up on land where the first City Hall unfortunately met its fiery fate in 1890-talk about putting a phoenix on the corner!
Elmer I. Thomas, the building’s architect, wasn’t just out to impress. He wanted this new commercial jewel to look like City Hall’s tall, stylish cousin. Take in the pairs of sash windows and their fancy Romanesque arches on the upper floors, each outlined in lighter terra cotta. The grand, angled corner-once the bustling entrance to Atkinson Home Furnishings-invited folks in for everything from fine furniture to the latest gadgets. Down at street level, the shimmering plate glass windows hint at a time when window shopping was practically a sport.
As the city bustled around it, the Atkinson Building kept watch, like a stoic guardian of Victorian style amid changing times. In 1983, it earned a badge of honor by joining the National Register of Historic Places-not bad for a building that once had to outshine the new city hall next door with a little architectural flair and a whole lot of red brick attitude!
