PARIS — Thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of its new owners, the  Pine Street fire station is receiving a much-needed face-lift and a second lease on life.

On May 23, building owners Terry and Sandy Swett put the finishing touches on the station’s tower, including a golden spire.

“What a difference that makes, it was such an eyesore before” Sandy said.

The Swetts, who own a Bridgton-based sign business, purchased the building from the town this year for $25,000. They plan to install their business in the refurbished building they are dubbing the The Station House.

Paris struggled to sell or lease the building after the Fire Department moved to its current building on Western Avenue in 2003. Over the years, the abandoned station deteriorated, becoming an eyesore in the middle of town.

For the past few months, the Swetts, working with local contractors, have been steadily rehabilitating the building, adding insulation and new siding, framing windows, replacing the roof and rebuilding its distinctive tower.

Working from Terry’s design, they are recreating the building’s “period look,” including dark metal light fixtures and arched frames over the first-floor garage doors.

In addition, the building’s tower has been broadened and windows installed.

“We want to use and embellish the original architecture as much as we can,” Terry said, shortly after installing the gold spire.

Sandy said the building was structurally sound, but the couple had to address its appearance.

“We just wanted to bring the building back; make it into something the town can be proud of,” Sandy said.

Local contractors Tim Durgin and Scott Hamilton have been working with the Swetts to restore the station.

The work has attracted attention from people who have gotten used to seeing the building in its dilapidated state. Sandy said the same residents regularly visit the site to check on its progress.

Paris fire Chief Brad Frost said he was pleased that the Swetts had devoted their energy and resources to the project.

“I think it looks great and I think it will look even better once it’s finished,” he said.

Town Manager Amy Bernard agreed. “It’s an addition to the community,” she said. “We’re ecstatic to see them improve the building.”

Although the Swetts have rehabilitated the buildings on their North Bridgton homestead over the years, this is the first time they have pursued a project like the Station House renovation.

The Swetts intend to move their sign business into about two-thirds of the ground-floor of the building and rent out the other office space.

Originally, they intended to rent out the larger upstairs space for meetings, weddings and other occasions. Since taking a closer look at the space and its cathedral ceilings, however, the two are rethinking their plan.

Bringing his business back to Paris is, for Terry, coming full circle. He opened his first sign business in Market Square more than 35 years ago.

He estimated exterior work on the building should be completed within the next few weeks.

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