Staff Writer

A former building where catholic congregations prayed will now be used for partying on Pine Point Road in Scarborough.

Saint Jude Chapel, a former seasonal church located across the street from the Clambake is being converted into the Landing at Pine Point, a convention center to host various events, said owner Jim Ciampi.

The 10,000-square-foot building, resting on more than four acres of land, will be the “flagship station,” of Cityside Events, an event planning business based in Portland.

Ciampi, who is also owner of Cityside Events, said he purchased the building in 2007 because of its location, which is close to the beach. The building was purchased for $540,000, said Town Assessor Paul Lesperance.

“The real draw in this community is that it has all the amenities,” Ciampi said. “A beach community, a beautiful beach and it’s also close to the airport and the turnpike.”

Town Planner Dan Bacon said remodeling the 52-year old building has been happening for a year. 

Saint Maximillian Kolbe Church Office Manager Judith Hochmuth said the church had its last mass in 2006, and was used by Saint Maximillian members, and was owned by the Catholic Diocese of Portland.

Ciampi said the main area of the building, which formerly housed pews and an altar, has been transformed into the “Grand Point Room,” which he said will have a maximum capacity of 400 people for weddings, business conventions and larger events. He said the room will also have a sound system, with 7-foot by 10-foot projection screens. He said for concerts, the Grand Point Room can fit 600 people.

As part of the remodeling process, a new spiral staircase has been constructed at the front of the building near the lobby, which leads to the “Compass Room,” which features a fire place and can fit another 50 people. Ciampi said the Compass Room would be used for smaller settings, such as business meetings.

A patio, as well as the parking lot, will be located on the left side of the building.

Ciampi said Wright-Ryan Construction, based in Portland has remodeled the building.

“They’re doing a great job,” Ciampi said.

Scarborough Economic Development Corporation President Harvey Rosenfeld said there is a need for convention centers, not just in Scarborough, but also in the greater Portland area.

“I think it will be great,” Rosenfeld said. “It’s in an interesting location, down at the beach. It’s a good re-use of the church.”

Ciampi’s business partner Kevin McQuinn said he heard good responses to the Landing during a Pine Point Resident Group meeting.

Ciampi said McQuinn attended the meeting and asked residents if they had any questions about the Landing.

“I think they’re generally positive about it,” McQuinn said. 

Judy Shirk, a resident the Pine Point area, said she is looking forward to the opening of the building.

“I feel that the Landing at Pine Point is a wonderful, positive addition to the area,” she said.

Ciampi said they have already booked weddings and corporate events, but the first scheduled public performance will be a concert by Grammy winning artist Paula Cole. Ciampi said he wants to feature both local and regional musicians at the Landing.

Rosenfeld said he thinks the Landing will be successful throughout the entire year, not just during the tourist season.

“Though [Pine Point] more of a summer area, it’s getting more year-round,” Rosenfeld said.

Other upcoming events for the Landing include the Signature Wedding Premiere showcase May 30, as well as a Friday Nite Lights summer dance party series beginning June 5 and continuing through June 12.

More information about the Landing at Pine Point can be found on their Web site, www.thelandingatpinepoint.com.