The official residence of Maine Governor Janet Mills is set to undergo significant upgrades, including a new security fence and various enhancements, by the end of 2025. This project, known as the Blaine House improvement initiative, is estimated to cost $4.5 million and has been in development since a security study was commissioned in 2018.
Crews are currently constructing a new fence made of stone masonry and metal around the perimeter of the Blaine House property, which is situated along Chamberlain, Capitol, and State streets in Augusta. This fence will replace the previous wooden picket barrier and is designed to be “more substantial and provide greater security,” according to Sharon Huntley, spokesperson for the Department of Administrative and Financial Services.
The improvements are not limited to the fence alone. A new electronic security system featuring enhanced lighting and surveillance cameras is also being implemented. Recent violent incidents targeting politicians across the United States have underscored the importance of these upgrades for the safety of elected officials like Mills and her colleagues. The Blaine House improvements are projected to be completed by November, as confirmed by Huntley.
The Blaine House has a storied history, originally built in 1833 by retired ship captain James Hall and later purchased in 1862 by prominent Maine politician James G. Blaine as a gift for his wife. Former Governor Carl E. Milliken, a Republican, was the first chief executive to reside there, and in 1920, he commissioned the renowned Olmsted Brothers architectural firm to design the grounds.
In addition to the security upgrades, ongoing work includes landscaping and the replacement or resetting of sidewalks and curbs on the property opposite the State House. The initial phase of the project involved creating an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible entrance at the back of the house. Currently, the project is progressing with the demolition of the staff house, asbestos removal, repairs to the adjacent garage wall and roof, and the installation of new gates for vehicles and pedestrians. An ADA-accessible path from Chamberlain Street to the back lawn, used for events, is also being added.
Across Capitol Street, a separate project costing $7.2 million is underway at the State House and Cross Office Building. This initiative includes the construction of a new security entrance for the Cross Office Building and modifications to the existing State House security entrance. According to Huntley, both projects are expected to be completed prior to the commencement of the next legislative session in January 2024.
Funding for these projects originates from a 2024 bond, supplemented by some contributions from the General Fund for the Blaine House improvements. This comprehensive approach to security and accessibility reflects a proactive stance on the part of state officials in ensuring the safety and functionality of Maine’s political residences.
