Maine's Commercial Builder - Steel Building Specialists
Select Page

Patco Construction recently wrapped up a new 19,200-sq.ft cold storage facility for Port Harbor Marine. Their brand new facility will help them meet the growing demand for secure, off-season boat storage on Sebago Lake community.

The building is designed to accommodate up to 86 rack positions, allowing for roughly 100 boats to be stored within the space by stacking vertically. It also includes privateInside of Port Harbor Marine restrooms and showers for marina customers, creating a more convenient experience for those spending the day on the water.

By building up rather than out, the facility makes more efficient use of the available footprint, which is an important advantage for a busy waterfront property where space is always at a premium.

While the result looks relatively simplistic, achieving the finished product took some careful planning. With the combination of teamwork and communication, Patco was able to push forward with construction while the client was still actively running their day-to-day operations.

What This Project Represents

This project came out of a simple but ongoing need: more space.

For Port Harbor Marine, expanding storage capacity wasn’t just about growth; it was about flexibility in how they can serve customers. With the new building, the team can store more boats in a smaller footprint and better manage seasonal demand.

Patco Construction was recommended through a local connection, and this marked the first time the marina worked with the team. From early planning through completion, the focus stayed on creating a practical, buildable solution that met the client’s needs without unnecessary complexity.

Building Around a Working Waterfront

Work took place during the busy season, with the boatyard remaining active throughout construction. That meant coordinating deliveries, equipment, and crews alongside constant marina traffic.

The structure itself also came with its own complexities, including 16-foot foundation walls that required extra planning and attention to safety during installation.

“You start stacking panels 16 feet high and pouring concrete into them, there’s always a chance of something happening—but with the right precautions in place, everything went smoothly.”
— Ron Mercier

A Commitment to Quality and Client Focus

Early on, the project included architectural plans that were ultimately more complex than needed. Patco helped simplify the design and move the project toward a more practical, cost-effective approach that could be executed efficiently.

Throughout the process, the team remained responsive and easy to work with – an important factor for a project happening alongside active business operations.

For marina operators like Port Harbor Marine, facilities like this directly impact both operations and customer experience.

In a region where boat storage is in high demand, the ability to store more boats, especially using vertical racking, creates immediate value. At the same time, the added amenities and improved layout give the marina more flexibility in how they serve customers.

“It gives us a lot more flexibility in how we can service the customer,” the owner, Mike Soucy, said. “We’re excited to get it up and running.”

Projects like this reflect Patco Construction’s approach to building: practical solutions, thoughtful planning, and a focus on delivering spaces that work for clients long after construction is complete. From concept to completion, the goal remains the same—build with purpose and deliver results that support long-term success.