There’s something about an island that “draws you in,” says Vincent “Cap” Mona, who fell for the 12.8-acre northeast half of wild, historic House Island and bought it on September 30, 2014. SeSSi nS 92 P r t L a n d montHL maga ine from the top of its hill. Near the water’s edge, the weatherbeaten wreck of the former Immigration Intake Station seemed a total loss, exploding with decay. Who is this Don Quixote who would tackle such a challenge, ful- ly restoring this lost kingdom while never tilting at windmills but instead harnessing solar power? Once triumphant, why would he ever relinquish this dream? hatdidthisislanddotos eepyoua ay The very first time I felt it was coming back from a dinner with our friends in his boat. It was a gorgeous fall night. The weather could not have been better. I was on Cloud Nine, breathing in the sweet, crisp air of Casco Bay, and my friend mentioned this island was for sale. The first thing that came to my mind was how gorgeous the surroundings were in close proximity to Portland Harbor. The sun had already set. In the darkness, I wasn’t able to see far into the is- land. Later on, I’d realize it was so overgrown with invasive vines it would take quite a lot more effort, inspiration, and money to bring it up to the level where it should be. My next thought was, this isn’t Florida; it’s not New York or Con- necticut. Maybe I could afford this island! i a tmeets asco ay. hat asitli etoexplorehere When the realtor took us to the island, we were in awe of the poten- tial this property could hold in the future. But it was a mess. The ev- er-growing and deadly invasive Black Swallow wort had killed a vast amount of native vegetation and trees. There were three 1907-era buildings. When we walked into each building, it was almost over- whelming–the degree of neglect, the water damage from roof and wall leakage. But being in the construction industry for many de-