Kennebunk, Maine is considering purchasing the former Christ Church where Taylor Swift filmed her music video, with the Select Board planning a public hearing for a potential $800,000 purchase. The property would provide parking for the Town Hall and accommodate future needs, as the town currently leases parking spaces at the site. If approved, the town would evaluate the historic church building for potential use, with the need for more parking spaces driven by community growth. Failure to purchase the properties could result in a loss of 31% of current Town Hall parking, prompting consideration of alternative parking options.
Exploring the Buzz: Kennebunk, Maine’s Quest for the Iconic Church from Taylor Swift’s ‘Mine’ Music Video
Hey there, music enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados! Have you ever imagined owning a piece of history that’s also been featured in a Taylor Swift music video? Well, the quaint town of Kennebunk, Maine, is buzzing with excitement as it considers purchasing the former Christ Church, a location immortalized by the iconic singer in her hit song “Mine.”
Behind the Scenes: The Potential Purchase of the Historic Church
Picture this: the Kennebunk Select Board is gearing up for a public hearing to discuss the potential acquisition of the former Christ Church on Dane Street, where Taylor Swift once graced the halls for her music video shoot. Town Manager Heather Balser and her team are seeking approval for an $800,000 purchase-and-sale agreement for the properties at 6 and 7 Dane Street. The plan also involves utilizing $20,000 from the town’s operational contingency fund for the required deposit linked to the agreement.
The primary aim behind this proposed purchase is to secure the existing parking for the Town Hall and explore the possibility of leasing the former church building. With the current parking capacity maxed out, the town sees this as an opportunity to cater to the growing needs of the community and efficiently utilize office space at the town hall. If all goes according to plan, the proposed purchase will be integrated into the 2025 budget and subject to voter approval at the annual Town Meeting in June.
From Pop Culture to Public Utility: The Evolution of the Church Property
The former Christ Church, a site that dates back to 1828, has come a long way since its inception. While it served as a place of worship for many years, it etched its name in pop culture history when Taylor Swift chose it as the backdrop for a wedding scene in her music video for “Mine” in 2010. The church, which has been vacant in recent years, was put on the market in December for $900,000, encompassing the church building and a parking lot at 7 Dane Street.
The decision to purchase the properties not only preserves a piece of Kennebunk’s history but also secures vital parking spaces for the Town Hall. With 19 parking spots at 6 Dane St. and an additional 11 spots at 7 Dane St., the combined properties hold significant value, assessed at nearly $1.4 million. The community’s potential ownership of these properties is crucial to prevent a potential loss of parking spaces, which currently account for 31% of the parking available at Town Hall.
Unveiling the Potential: Repurposing the Historic Church Building
Assuming the purchase is greenlit, the town will initiate a request for proposal process to explore the various ways the former church building can be repurposed. From community events to cultural gatherings, the possibilities are endless for this iconic structure that once hosted Taylor Swift herself. The town envisions a future where this historic landmark becomes a vibrant hub of activity, breathing new life into its storied walls.
As the town of Kennebunk embarks on this journey to acquire a piece of its past intertwined with pop culture allure, the residents eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters of this captivating tale. Stay tuned as the saga of the Kennebunk church immortalized by Taylor Swift’s music video continues to captivate hearts and minds, blending history with modern-day aspirations in a harmonious symphony of progress and preservation.
