History of The Atlantic House

The original Atlantic House was built in 1888, and then sold in 1894 for $9,000. The Atlantic House was built as a grand hotel, four stories high with shops below, a long open air balcony with ocean views above and a win-win location right in the heart of York Beach's bustling summer business center. However, by the end of the 20th century, the building was nothing more than an enormous eye sore and a dangerous safety hazard.

Donald Rivers, owner of Rivers By The Sea Real Estate Sales and Rentals, understood the need for a dire face-lift and transformation of the old Pop's Shell Shack to help maintain York Beach as a quality family vacation destination.

A dream and vision ensued. A sales contract was drawn up and plans began… Four years later, after town-wide votes needed to initiate change were successful, after numerous planning board meetings attended over a three year period and endless details pondered, the Atlantic House team will finally be able to mplement its plan for a rejuvenation of an anchor establishment in downtown Short Sands Beach. The 12 million dollar project also includes renovating the historic Kearsarge House, currently known as Shelton's Gifts and Gabby Sullivan's Restaurant.

TMS Architects, noted for their much heralded design work at the Wentworth By The Sea Hotel in New Hampshire, have been working on the plans for the past year and a half. By partnering with one of the best architects in the area, Rivers is ensuring that the original beauty and integrity of the buildings' architecture will remain intact. Also deserving of credit for involvement in the project is the construction management company, John DeStefano and Associates- a commercial management company that will coordinate contractors and construction schedules making sure project stays on track. Joanne Fryer from CLD Engineering has also played a major role in the development process from the planning stages and will continue to work as point engineer on the project.

The renovations of these buildings are in concert with the York