The Paint Factory

It's been there since 1860 producing marine bottom paint as late as 1985! Anti-fouling paint to keep off those barnicles,worms and any natural growths and make hulls smooth and fast. During the Civil War Union naval ships had an edge over the Confederate Navy because they were bottom coated with Gloucester Seajacket paints!
Since it's closure in the 80's the structure is showing her age. A private developer wanted to turn it into condo's but residents complained....too little parking was one argument. Too much traffic was another.Then a proposal to turn it into a "James Bond" style mansion,complete with a hidden boat house! Residents again voiced their concern. The argument now was that the Paint Factory is an icon.How can you deface an icon? What would Rockport's Motif #1 look like with an attatched garage and a picture window? Would Paul Revere approve of a three season porch and a TV dish on the roof of his house?
Ocean Alliance to the rescue,an ocean research organization dedicated to the conservation of whales and their habitat. They plan on turning the Paint Factory into their home base. The best news is the promise to keep the look of the building as it is....after improvements of it' structure that is. Sorta like the rebuild of "Old Ironsides"!