News, Reviews & Awards

The Atlantic House Comes Back To Life

By Larry Favinger
November 9, 2007

PHOTO CAPTION: Chairwoman Dawn Fernald (with scissors) cut the ribbon as Don Rivers, the developer, held it. Rob Yandow, the York town manager, is standing directly behind Dawn. (Larry Favinger photo)

YORK BEACH - One of, if not the biggest eyesores in York Beach is now a shining example of the proposed Renaissance.

A week ago the ribbon was officially cut opening the Atlantic House and the Meeting House, the first steps in the effort to rehabilitate the area to make it a year round destination for Seacoast residents and visitors as well.

Less than a year ago the Atlantic House was a dilapidated structure that appeared on its last legs and the old movie theater was better but still not up to modern standards.

Today the Atlantic House houses a world-class restaurant, and soon will have a bakery, a clothing boutique, an art gallery, more businesses and as yet unfinished residential condominiums while the Meeting House is a modern function hall, part of the Union Bluff House campus.

The red ribbon opening the Atlantic House was cut by Dawn Fernald, chairwoman of the Renaissance Committee of the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce, as Don Rivers, the developer of the project and more than 150 people looked on. Fernald said she was “looking forward to what York Beach can be” as work continues to upgrade the various buildings and other infrastructure of the area.

“Welcome to beautiful, downtown York Beach,” Cathy Goodwin, president and CEO of the Chamber said, opening the ceremony that included many of those who have worked on various aspects of the project.

She said the opening of the buildings turns dreams and eyesores into reality.

This work, Goodwin said, “has not been without some pain” along the way, as there were conflicts to overcome but all have been surmounted.

She said this is the first project of many being planned. “Each project stands alone,” she said. But in the end all of these projects get connected. “They are the parts and pieces to make this a vibrant community,” she said.

Bret Merritt, owner of the Union Bluff, congratulated Rivers for his perseverance and his “don't take ‘No' attitude” as he fought those who opposed the project in one form or another.

“This project was a long time coming,” Town Manager Rob Yandow said, and “had its hiccups long the way”, but due to hard work and perseverance it is a reality. “It's great to have it finished,” he said. “It is a shining example of what can happen at York Beach.”

The restaurant, Blue Sky on York Beach, is a joint venture of Rivers, his wife, Mary, and nationally renowned chef and restaurateur Lydia Shire.

Shire, who was familiar with Ogunquit and loves Maine “knew this was the right place to have a special restaurant” when she became aware of York Beach.

She said it has been “an absolute blast putting this together” with the Rivers. “It s been really, really special.”

The second floor 160-seat restaurant with an additional 55 on an outdoor porch weather permitting, features a bar, televisions and a see through fireplace.

“I just want this to be a used restaurant,” said Shire, who had also opened numerous restaurants including Locke Ober in Boston.