PORT CLYDE, Maine — Colby College’s new Center for Resilience and Economic Impact has purchased considerable property and buildings in the center of the village “to help revitalize the community’s historic waterfront and create a home” for its new center.
“Finalized on Nov. 21, 2025, the transaction includes the purchase of the Seaside Inn, The Barn, the Squid Ink building and the site of the beloved Port Clyde General Store, which was destroyed by the fire in September 2023. The acquisition of the historic waterfront properties was made possible by a generous donation to the College from longtime Port Clyde residents Dan and Sheryl Tishman,” a Colby news article announcing the acquisition states.
The sale price for the properties totaled $3,325,000, according to state records.
Not clear is whether the general store will be rebuilt, or whether the property will be tax exempt. Colleges are exempt from the state’s property taxes if the properties are used for educational purposes.
An email and phone message have been left with the college’s media director.
Town Manager Brandon Leppanen noted the school also owns two islands off St. George and voluntarily pays $69,043 in lieu of taxes. He said in initial conversations with the school there was talk of building a small provisions store on the site.
No applications have been filed by the college for the project.
This story appears through a media partnership with Midcoast Villager.
