Shaping Up

Looking up at the Maine Irish Heritage Center (formerly Saint Dominic's Church) in the West End. The center was recently awarded $3 million in federal funding to restore, update, and weatherize the historic building.

Hall of Mechanics

The brick and stone exterior of Mechanics' Hall (1859), which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places this week.

The Abyssinian

A glimpse of the Abyssinian Meeting House on Newbury Street, which was built in 1828 and is the third oldest standing African American meeting house in the United States. You can donate to the restoration efforts at http://www.abyme.org/.

Brick Blocks

Morning sun highlights the row of brick buildings on Middle Street. This block was mostly built after the Fire of 1866 and designed by architect George M. Harding.

One Thomas

The notable tile roof of the Harry Butler house (1 Thomas Street) in the West End. Designed by John Calvin Stevens.

Deering Oaks Castle

Details of the "Castle in the Park" building in Deering Oaks Park. The building dates back to 1894. 

All Along the Clock Tower

A black and white close up of the City Hall clock tower on a grey day.

Clapp House, February Night

A night view of the historical Charles Q. Clapp House on Spring Street, part of the nearby Portland Museum of Art. Also, possibly haunted? Source.

Waynflete Lower School

An exterior view of the new Lower School addition at Waynflete in the West End. The addition was built to "passive house standards" and according to the school is "one of the most energy-efficient buildings of its size in the state. Passive House structures are typically 80% more efficient than code-compliant buildings."

Canal Zero

Reflections of Middle Street in the windows of Zero Canal Plaza.

Caroll's Mansion

Nighttime view of the stately Carroll Mansion on Park Street.

Rackleff Building, Looking Up

Looking up at a corner of the Rackleff Building, 127-133 Middle Street. Built in 1867, right after the great fire, to a design by architect George M. Harding. I find it fascinating to think that after such a destructive fire people were able to quickly build these beautiful structures.

Brick by Fassett

Two beautiful brick buildings designed by Francis Fassett in Portland's West End. The Mellen E. Bolster House on Congress Street is now home to boutique hotel The Francis and restaurant Bolster, Snow & Co. And the other building pictured is one of my favorite residential buildings on Pine Street.

South Portland Armory

A few recent shots of the former Maine National Guard Armory building across the bridge in South Portland. It has been spruced up very nicely and now is home to a gas station/convenience store and martial-arts center.

Victoria Mansion, May 2017

A late afternoon view of the Victoria Mansion from Park Street. This side view of the building looks rather impressive.

Like a Good Neighbor

Looking towards the William F. Safford House (home of Greater Portland Landmarks) on the left and the Charles Q. Clapp House (part of the Portland Museum of Art) on the right.

  

McLellan-Sweat Mansion

A nighttime view of the McLellan-Sweat Mansion, at the corner of High and Spring Streets.

Inside the Custom House

A few photos from inside the U.S. Custom House in the Old Port. A few weeks ago I finally got to check the building out by participating in the Maine Historical Society's "Magical History Tour."

U.S. Custom House, Looking Up

Today I enjoyed visiting a bunch of sites that are not usually open to the public, as part of the annual "Magical History Tour." The tour is put on by and benefits the Maine Historical Society. This first photo is from before we entered the U.S. Custom House in the Old Port. This is from below the Fore Street entrance, looking up.

Looking Up: Exchange & Middle

From the corner of Exchange and Middle Streets, looking up towards the old First National Bank building. According to the Maine Historical Society, the building was designed by Henry Van Brunt and built in 1884. A few other notable buildings designed by Van Brunt's firm, Van Brunt & Howe, include the iconic Union Station in Portland, Oregon, and the Cambridge Public Library in Massachusetts.