The Lantern on The Pier

15 Sea Street, Eastport, Maine

“All of our Maine cities have attributes that in some especial measure claim and deserve consideration. Eastport eclipses all in its sardine industry and lays special claim to the fact that she has the largest sardine and canning industry in the world, that of the Seacoast Canning Co. This important industry was established in 1899 and it was incorporated as the Seacoast Canning Co. in 1903. The building at 15 Sea Street was constructed in 1908 and is known as the American Can Building. The building was home to the Continental Brand of roll key opening can.”

“The products produced by the Seacoast Canning Co. are favorably known throughout the civilized world and they have an established reputation for superiority. The specialty of the company is the Continental Brand of sardines which is know for its general excellence throughout the entire world and is a standard for all other manufacturers.”

- A souvenir booklet dated 1908

Many residents of Eastport and surrounding communities earned their living in this building, and stories of the hard work and good times among the workers still abound today. After years of being home to sardine can making, the building served the aquaculture industry.

This historic building was purchased in 2005 and is ready for the next phase of its life. Dirigamus LLC partners Meg McGarvey, Linda Godfrey, and Nancy Asante, working with others, intend to create spaces and places which will honor our fishing history, showcase local creativity, and share nature’s abundance in and around Passamaquoddy Bay. Here you see the rendering of what 15 Sea Street will look like when completed. Imagine you are standing in the street outside of The Commons and looking southeast. This will be the new view as designed by our concept architect Peter MacKenzie of Comeau MacKenzie Architecture in Saint John, New Brunswick.

The first floor will have hotel rooms and seven retail spaces for small businesses mostly related to the arts and maritime activities. A full service restaurant which can also operate as meeting space/small theater will allow this floor to host specialized study groups, small conferences, Road Scholar classes, and provide a venue for presentations and performances.

Historical displays and exhibits along the Concourse will tell the stories of the area’s past and demonstrate such things as how herring weirs operate, sardine cans were made, and sardines were prepared for packing. We will spotlight various activities related to local fisheries, ship building, wreath making, and the creative arts.

A lobby and elevator will be on this floor, along with an information area, ticket sales for local adventures, and public restrooms.

The second floor will house hotel rooms, a small spa/fitness area, and media room. These rooms will provide distinctive designs, comfortable amenities, and glorious views to our guests. Rooms will have wi-fi and be served by alternative energy systems. A small guest library and laundry will be the amenities on this floor. All floors will showcase local artist’s work.

The third floor will be known as The Lantern, and will house five exquisite hotel rooms. Each room will have a high ceiling. Creative design of this floor will allow for different configurations of the space, from five separate rooms to combinations of rooms for groups, family reunions, wedding parties, and research teams. Views of Passamaquoddy Bay and nearby islands are spectacular.