In 1989, the NMTC student population was again outgrowing the available buildings on campus, not only in terms of housing, but in classroom space as well. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of many student and employee volunteers, $3.6 million was included in the bond issue to benefit the Maine Technical College System in November of 1989. The measure passed and plans were set to erect a $2 million classroom/administrative building (later to be known as the John L. Martin Building). The remaining funds were allocated for construction of a new residence hall (Snow Hall), and renovations throughout the campus.

The John L. Martin Building was designed by Harriman Associates of Auburn, Maine, to be the front door of the college— to create a welcoming environment for students. The 15,729 square foot building would be three stories and serve a variety of purposes. The general contractor on the project was The A. E. Flewelling Firm of Crouseville, Maine. On November 4, 1991, the parking lot in front of the Christie Complex was removed to make way for the new building, and the official groundbreaking ceremony was held four days later. The ceremonial first shovel was removed by then Speaker of the House, John L. Martin, for whom the building was named. Contractors anticipated completion of the project by late fall of 1992.

A dedication ceremony was held in the Christie lobby on March 28, 1993, at which John L. Martin, Durward Huffman (then President of NMTC), and John Fitzsimmons (then president of the Maine Technical College System) spoke in celebration of the event.

Over the first several months of use, the first floor of the Martin Building served a multitude of purposes in order to accommodate the ongoing renovations in the Christie Building. Eventually, the space was transformed into a bookstore, a student lounge, two computer labs, and a writing lab. The second floor of the Martin building became two computer labs, four classrooms, and four instructor offices as the original design intended. The third floor was put to use as the offices of the President and Vice-President as well as the development office, which has since been moved to the Christie Lobby area.

The John L. Martin Building has become a hub of activity on campus by providing a student meeting place, snacks in the bookstore, and a comfortable learning environment. It has truly become “the front door of the college” as the designers intended.

Credit: Brian Hall June 3, 2011