Lost & Demolished

Not every old building can be saved but our advocacy efforts strive to maintain greater Portland’s sense of place while helping the region develop for the future, balancing preservation with change. In course, we strive for preservation to play an active role in some of the most pressing current needs of our communities, including climate change, affordable housing, and DEIJ. This work is possible thanks to the founding of Greater Portland Landmarks in 1964 as a response to the destruction of some of Portland’s iconic structures. Many of the buildings that give Portland its distinctive architectural character today are the result of the intensive period of rebuilding immediately following the Great Fire of 1866.

Today, the fight to preserve continues, and faces new challenges such as climate change and aging housing stock, but we hope that with your continued support this list need not continue to grow.

Far from a comprehensive list, below you can see some of what has been lost.

Featured

96 Clifford Street, South Portland

Part of the planned Sylvan Site neighborhood in South Portland, the house at 96 Clifford Street was torn down in 2022 and the only one of the 37 unique structures to have been destroyed.

Cedar Street Houses

Torn down in 2021, two houses on Cedar Street were survivors of the fire of 1866 and urban renewal, and were a part of Portland’s immigrant history.

St. Lawrence Church, 66 Congress Street

Built in 1897 to accommodate a growing congregation on Munjoy Hill, the St. Lawrence Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Despite best efforts, the Sanctuary had deteriorated beyond repair and was torn down in 2008.

76-78 Park Street

Built in 1857, this grand structure once faced Victoria Mansion across Park St. The outcry against its destruction in 1988 led to the passage of a stronger demolition delay ordinance in the city.

YMCA/Libby Building, High & Free Streets

Several historic buildings at the corner of High and Free Streets were removed for the expansion of the Portland Museum of Art in 1980. The most prominent building was originally the Young Men’s Christian Association Building (1897), a mixed use building of shops, offices and apartments.

Spring Stret Houses

Houses between Spring and Oak Streets represented a microcosm of Portland’s domestic architecture landscape. They were torn down in 1971 when Spring Street was widened.

Grand Trunk Railway Station

Grand Trunk Railway Station was abandoned with the end of rail service to Montreal and was demolished in 1966. The office building adjacent to the station (1 India St.) survives and has been restored.

Old Post Office, 171 Middle Street

The monumental Greek Revival style building was built in 1868, following the Great Fire. It was demolished in 1965 to make room for a parking lot for employees of the nearby Federal building.

Union Station, St. John Street

Built in 1888, this iconic building was doomed when Maine Central Railroad ceased passenger service to Portland in 1960 and began selling off its properties. The station was demolished in 1961 to make way for a shopping center. The demolition led to the organization of Greater Portland Landmarks and rallied public support for preserving Portland’s historic character.

Longfellow Birthplace, 159-161 Fore Street

Built in 1800, this handsome Federal style structure was demolished in 1955 to accommodate the expansion of a local business.