A multimillionaire's ambitious project to construct a state-of-the-art garage and apartment on the grounds of a historic Bar Harbor mansion has captured the attention of the local community. The 114-year-old property, known as East of Eden, was purchased in 2020 by Douglas D. Schumann, the founder and majority owner of PQ Controls in Bristol, Connecticut. Schumann's plans for the estate include a massive 15,700-square-foot accessory building that will house his impressive antique car collection and provide luxurious living quarters for his guests.

Transforming a Storied Mansion into a Automotive Oasis

A Garage Fit for a Connoisseur

The new garage building will be a true marvel of engineering and design. Spanning 8,000 square feet on the first floor, it will provide ample space for Schumann's growing collection of vintage automobiles. With room for 24 cars, the garage will feature a unique layout that maximizes storage and accessibility. Twenty parking spaces will be available on the main floor, while an additional four cars can be accommodated on lifts that will raise them up, allowing for even more vehicles to be housed underneath.The attention to detail in the garage's construction is remarkable. Each of the four bedrooms on the second floor will have its own private bathroom and walk-in closet, ensuring the utmost comfort and convenience for Schumann's guests. Other amenities in the upstairs apartment include a half-bath, game room, butler's pantry, family room, great room, and a spacious kitchen-dining area.

Preserving the Grandeur of East of Eden

The East of Eden mansion, built in 1910, is a true architectural gem. The Italianate palazzo-style estate was previously owned by William Ruger, heir to the Ruger firearms company, before being sold at auction in 2019 for $4.5 million. Schumann, who purchased the property for $5 million in 2020, is committed to preserving the mansion's historic charm while enhancing it with modern luxuries.The original 9-acre waterfront estate boasts roughly 1,100 feet of shoreline frontage overlooking the picturesque Frenchman Bay. The mansion itself is a sprawling 28-room property, featuring eight bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, three half-baths, a professional-grade kitchen, and a wine cellar. The current overall assessed value of the property is a staggering $8 million, testament to its enduring elegance and prestige.

A Passion for Automotive History

Schumann's love for vintage automobiles is evident in his personal collection, which he has showcased on his social media platforms. One of his prized possessions is a 1929 Ford truck, painted in a striking hot rod style with flames adorning the hood and doors. The truck was photographed in front of the Criterion Theater on Cottage Street, adding to the nostalgic charm of the scene.Another notable vehicle in Schumann's collection is a 1941 Cadillac 'Woody' wagon, which was captured parked next to the iconic Bar Harbor Inn. These glimpses into his automotive passion suggest that the new garage building will serve as a true sanctuary for Schumann's cherished collection, allowing him to showcase and maintain these historic vehicles with the utmost care and attention.

A Lifelong Connection to Maine

Schumann's affinity for Maine extends beyond his recent acquisition of the East of Eden estate. His company, PQ Controls, operates a production facility in Dover-Foxcroft, further cementing his ties to the state. A graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston and the University of New Haven, Schumann has a long-standing relationship with the region, having even survived a plane crash at Dexter Regional Airport in 2002.The construction of the new garage and apartment building on the East of Eden property represents Schumann's continued investment in Maine's rich history and culture. As he transforms the iconic mansion into a personal automotive haven, he is not only preserving a piece of the state's architectural legacy but also sharing his passion for vintage cars with the local community.