For the first time since it underwent a $6.5 million restoration, members of the public will get a chance to tour the Gerald Hotel on Thursday.

An open house is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Street building, which has been restored and converted to senior apartments.

Additional Images

The former Gerald Hotel on Main Street in Fairfield, seen here in November while it was being renovated, will be open for tours Thursday. Tenants began moving into the building, now a residence for seniors, shortly after the photo was taken. Staff file photo by David Leaming

Much about the building has changed since it first opened in 1901 under the ownership of Amos F. Gerald to serve affluent tourists. The Gerald, known for its unique architecture and luxurious designs, closed in 1937 and has served several purposes since, most recently as the home of the Northern Mattress and Furniture Gallery, which closed in 2006.

The renovation was funded in part by federal historic preservation tax credits, which stipulated that many of the building’s features must be preserved. As a result, visitors on Thursday will be able to see intricate wood detail in the walls, restored ceiling paintings, stained glass and original tin ceiling panels, among many other features.

The building is owned by the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program.

The Gerald also displays artifacts that were recovered from its days as a hotel and an original circular radiator that has been converted into a glass-topped table.

In addition to 28 apartments for income-qualified seniors, the building also now houses Meridians, a beer, food and wine shop that emphasizes local food.

The tours are free and open to the public.

Matt Hongoltz-Hetling — 861-9287

mhhetling@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @hh_matt

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