The preservation movement in Portland.
A Brief History
The demolition of Union Station (1888) in August 1961 was a rallying cry to those who wished to preserve Portland’s identity. Beloved by people throughout the community, the train station was immediately replaced by a strip shopping center. Edith Sills, civic leader and wife of the former president of Bowdoin College, rallied concerned citizens in her Vaughan Street living room to form an organization to advocate for the preservation of Portland’s historic architecture. Among those present was Deering High School student Earle Shettleworth, Jr., who is now the director of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. The fledgling group began surveying the city’s architecture the following year. In 1964, Greater Portland Landmarks was incorporated, with John Calvin Stevens II, grandson of prolific Portland architect John Calvin Stevens and father of architect Paul Stevens, as its first president.
In the 1960s and early 70s, Urban Renewal was in full swing in Portland. The program encouraged large-scale demolition and reconfiguration of urban areas to accommodate “modern” development and the automobile. Many historic buildings fell to the wrecking ball - the Falmouth Hotel (1868), the Old Post Office (1868), and the Grand Trunk Railroad Terminal (1903) to name a few. Swaths of buildings were cleared to make way for the Spring Street and Franklin Street arterials, and an entire historic neighborhood just east of India Street and off Fore Street was replaced with Model Cities housing.
GPL set about identifying the buildings that should be saved and then saving as many as possible, including moving the Gothic House (1845) to a new location on Spring Street. GPL sought designation of historic districts on the newly-formed National Register of Historic Places to raise awareness and influence development projects in historic neighborhoods. The strategy worked! GPL saved the Park Row and several blocks of historic buildings from destruction. The city had to stop the Spring Street Arterial at the corner because the newly declared Spring Street Historic District would be adversely impacted by the federally funded transportation project.
Beginning in 1975, GPL focused its political energy on establishing a historic preservation ordinance. An early effort failed to gain approval in 1978, and the battle continued until the ordinance was passed in 1989.
During the 1980s, development pressures increased as Portland became part of the New England real estate boom. A large condominium and retail development at Long Wharf was proposed, igniting protests from preservationists and advocates of the working waterfront. With dramatic support from the membership, GPL sued the City of Portland. After eight months of negotiation, the development was reduced in scale, but ultimately the economic downturn killed the project.
In the 1990s, GPL led the effort to rescue the Portland Observatory (1807), which had suffered damage from seeping moisture and an infestation of powder post beetles. The City of Portland, corporations, foundations, families and individuals gave $1.28 million for the restoration, which returned the building to its former glory. GPL expanded its focus on education by developing The City is a Classroom interdisciplinary curriculum for third graders, Old Port walking tours, slide shows, teacher workshops, and school programs and activities.
In 2004, with strong backing from GPL and support from the City Council, Portland adopted a strengthened historic preservation ordinance. The city’s Historic Preservation Committee achieved Board status with full decision-making authority. Meanwhile, in a climate of increased real estate development, GPL broadened its advocacy for the best in new architecture. GPL is actively involved in planning for the redevelopment of the eastern waterfront and Maine State Pier and the creation of a Congress Street Historic District.
Greater Portland Landmarks Timeline
1961
Union Station demolished
1962
Individuals Rally
21 individuals meet at the home of Mrs. Kenneth C.M. Sills to discuss the need for preservation measures.
Architectural Surveys Begin
Earle Shettleworth, Jr. and Peter Kyros begin surveys of Portland which become the basis for historic districts.
1964
Greater Portland Landmarks incorporated
John Pancoast suggests the name for a group passionate about saving our communities’ historic resources.
1966-67
GPL mobilizes
First newsletter, 294 members, cash balance $1,750.
First walking tours
Led by Glenn Skillin, John Pancoast, and Earle Shettleworth, Jr.
1967
GPL saves the Daniel How House (1799)
House is donated by C.H. Robinson and GPL joins forces with the Junior League to save it.
Revolving Fund established
With proceeds from the sale of the How House
1968
Advisory Service established
To help homeowners restore their properties
1969
First Executive Director
Pam Plumb is hired part-time with a $3,000 grant from the Junior League.
1970
Spring Street historic district listed in the National Register
1971
Greater Portland Landmarks establishes the Library
GPL saves the Gothic House
It is moved it to a new location on Spring Street
1972
GPL publishes Portland
The first comprehensive book about Portland’s social history and architecture
1974
Annual Awards established
Old Port Exchange Association receives first award for work in waterfront area.
CETA program expands GPL staff
1975
Marker Program established
To build awareness of historic architecture
Fight begins to establish Portland historic preservation ordinance
1976
Noon Lectures begin
1977
GPL moves to 165 State Street
After many years of moving from office to office.
GPL receives $40,000 grant to expand Revolving Fund
1978
City rejects first attempt at Historic Preservation Ordinance
Greater Portland Landmarks saves the Hay building (1825/1922)
With Maine Historic Preservation Commission grant and Revolving Fund, from 1978-80. GPL sells building and retains preservation easement.
1982
GPL assumes management of the Portland Observatory from the city
1983
Summer Tour program starts
Portland demolition delay ordinance passes
Frances W. Peabody Library dedicated
To honor a devoted preservation activist.
Deering Street and Western Promenade added to National Register
1984
Landmarks receives an honor award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation
1985
Preservation Bond Issue passed by the state legislature
GPL raises funds for second Tommy’s Park mural
And contributes $10,000 from Revolving Fund for Post Office Park project across the street.
1986
GPL sues the city over Long Wharf development
After 8 months negotiations, project is scaled back. Failing economy kills the project.
1987
GPL participates in conversion of Rosa True School to housing
With $5,000 loan from the Revolving Fund.
1988
GPL rallies to protest the demolition of 76-78 Park Street
Building is destroyed but city passes stronger demolition delay ordinance which saves the Tracy-Causer block.
GPL publishes Congress Street: A Guide to Building Rehabilitation and New Construction
1989
GPL publishes Historic Resources Design Manual
To support Portland’s historic preservation ordinance
1990
GPL’s 15-year battle for Portland historic preservation ordinance, at last, succeeds!
The ordinance passes establishing 8 historic districts; however not all historic neighborhoods are protected.
1993
GPL works to save the balconies and historic interiors at City Hall Auditorium
GPL is actively involved in developing an alternative plan for the Auditorium restoration.
1994
Buildings make Community education workshop energizes teachers
Post Office Park completed
At Exchange and Middle Streets, the site of the Old Post Office. At last, the parking lot becomes a park.
GPL backs Eastern Promenade Trail
Along with Portland’s master planning for parks and green spaces
1996
First Old House Trade Show
1997
Portland’s Historic Districts revised and expanded
GPL is a key player in Council approval, supplying research, expertise, and testimony.
GPL co-sponsors Monument Restoration
With Maine Bank and Trust and Soldiers & Sailors Monument looks fresh again
1998
GPL launches The City is a Classroom
Curriculum for third-graders highlighting Portland architecture and history
Greater Portland Landmarks Leads $1.2 million Campaign to Save the Observatory
In partnership with the City of Portland, Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization and the Portland Marine Society
1999
Two Lights Keeper’s House loss points out need for historic preservation in surrounding communities
GPL poised to assist Cape Elizabeth and other communities in protecting historic resources
GPL publishes Bold Vision: The Development of the Parks in Portland, Maine
Expanding its roster of publications on historic architecture and landscapes.
2000
Portland Observatory reopens to public
With new interpretive exhibits and guided tours
Master Planning for the east end of the waterfront begins
With strong Landmarks participation
2001
GPL receives Honor Award from National Trust for Historic Preservation
For Portland Observatory restoration (one of only 15 awards from over 200 nominations)
Bayside and India Street surveys completed
2003
City threatens to cut funding for Historic Preservation Program
GPL makes the case for the economic benefits of preservation, and funding is restored.
GPL publishes John Calvin Stevens on the Portland Peninsula: 1880-1940 by Earle Shettleworth
And updates Researching the Old Hous
2004
Portland becomes a Certified Local Government
The historic preservation ordinance is stronger and the city gains access to preservation funds.
GPL develops a five-year strategic plan
The goal is to strengthen programming and support and to establish the Center for Architecture and Preservation.
GPL sells 165 State Street
And leases the building while seeking a location for the Center for Architecture and Preservation
GPL participates in Eastern Promenade Master Plan
2005
10th anniversary of the Old House Trade Show
Portland’s planning board approves modern infill residence
with GPL’s support for this compatible design for Clark Street
2006
Portland Observatory named a National Historic Landmark
By the National Park Service; and a National Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers
GPL convenes key players at Martin’s Point
Historic marine hospital is completely rehabilitated and reopens in 2007
2007
200th anniversary of the Portland Observatory
Annual attendance is over 9,000
GPL develops 14 Guiding Principles for Maine State Pier redevelopment
Maine Legislature passes historic preservation tax credit and statewide building code and GPL serves on Governor’s Council on Maine’s Quality of Place
GPL identifies 93 High Street for Center for Architecture and Preservation
And begins capital campaign to fund this exciting community resource
2008
City budget cuts result in reduced hours for preservation staff
National Trust Preservation Leadership Training workshop,
presented in partnership with GPL, features the historic Baxter Library