The History and the Future of The Lafayette Center

The Lafayette Center has stood for generations as more than just a building — it has been a hub of livelihood, industry, and community identity in Kennebunk. Long before it housed modern-day businesses, this site was home to the Goodall Company, a critical employer in the region’s early industrial era. The mill produced woven goods and matting that were distributed far beyond Maine, providing steady employment and supporting hundreds of local families. Kennebunk’s population and commercial activity grew around industries like this one, and the mill became a foundational piece of the town’s economic and social life.

As the industrial landscape shifted during the mid-20th century, the property transitioned to become the Kesslen Shoe Company, marking a new chapter for both the site and the community. Once again, it served as a major source of employment — particularly for local families and craftspeople who took pride in producing goods made in Kennebunk. Generations recall the steady rhythm of production, the coming and going of workers on foot from nearby neighborhoods, and the way this building helped anchor downtown as a place of purpose and daily activity.

Today, the property is home to Toms of Maine, a modern reflection of Kennebunk’s enduring spirit of craftsmanship and small-business resilience. Though industries evolve, the heart of the property has remained the same: a place where local people work, gather, and shape the economic heartbeat of the town.

In 2024, White Bark Property Management acquired the Lafayette Center in one of Kennebunk’s most notable commercial real estate transactions in recent history — a story covered by Mainebiz. But for White Bark, this acquisition is not simply a transaction; it is a commitment.

White Bark approaches properties like the Lafayette Center not as assets to flip but as community anchors — living buildings with histories, tenants, and futures worth investing in. The company’s leadership is passionate about preserving New England’s heritage, supporting existing businesses, and ensuring that the character of small downtowns like Kennebunk is not lost to demolition or generic redevelopment.

Rather than displacing current tenants or reshaping the building’s identity, White Bark is focused on thoughtful preservation coupled with responsible modernization. All existing tenants will remain, and the investment strategy prioritizes tenant stability, local economic health, and maintaining the walkable, small-town charm that defines downtown Kennebunk. This philosophy reflects White Bark’s broader mission: to breathe new life into historic properties without erasing the very elements that make them meaningful.

White Bark’s renovation plan is already in motion, with a phased approach designed to minimize disruption while delivering meaningful improvements. These include:

These improvements are not just about physical renovations — they are about respecting the dignity of tenants, supporting local business owners, and ensuring that the Lafayette Center continues to serve as a functional, vibrant cornerstone of Kennebunk’s commercial corridor.

White Bark does not see this as a short-term project, but as a long-term partnership with the town, its tenants, and its history. The Lafayette Center will continue to evolve in phases, with future updates planned around sustainability, tenant needs, and community feedback.

Learn more about our work and future plans HERE