PORTLAND, ME | Old Port Square | 380 FT | 30 FLOORS

[Urbannizer]

Old Port Square: Developer plans to construct tallest building in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine — A major transformation is in the works in the heart of downtown Portland, and it includes what could become the tallest building in Maine.

The project, called Old Port Square, is led by Tim Soley, president of the Portland-based development firm East Brown Cow, along with Safdie Architects. It centers around a four-acre block bordered by Exchange, Union, Fore, and Middle Streets, an area currently dominated by office buildings.

"We have a city that is now rebirthing for retail activity, for people living downtown once again," Soley said.

Over the last 16 years, Soley has strategically acquired properties in this block. His latest vision includes a 30-story hospitality and residential tower—approximately 380 feet tall. The top of the tower would include a publicly accessible sky lobby and restaurant that offers 360-degree views of Casco Bay and the White Mountains.

If approved, this would eclipse the current tallest building in Maine, 201 Federal Street, which stands at just over 200 feet.

But the tower is just one piece of the larger puzzle. The Old Port Square plan also includes:

Revitalizing older structures for modern retail and restaurant use
New hotels, office space, and residences
Additional parking and open space

The tower must still go through the city's planning board approval process. If it gets the green light, construction on the tower could begin within the next few years.

https://www.oldportsquare.com/vision

[ColDayMan]

I...like it???

[Mr Saturn64]

Huh. It's weird because it doesn't look like what I would expect a "skyscraper in Maine" to look like, but then again there is no precedence at all for "skyscraper in Maine."

[DetroitSky]

I love this. Good for Maine!

[ThatAtlantaGoat]

im eager to see if this one goes through. lets go maine!!!!

[Urbannizer]

Portland approves plans for Maine's tallest building

PORTLAND, Maine —
The Portland Planning Board has unanimously approved plans for a 30-story mixed-use tower at 45 Union Street, clearing a major hurdle for what would become the tallest building in Maine.

The nearly 200,000-square-foot project in the Old Port includes 73 residential condominiums, an 88-room hotel, and ground-floor commercial space.

As 380 feet, the proposed building has drawn significant public attention, with some residents and business owners expressing enthusiasm about bringing new housing and economic activity to the downtown area. Supporters say the project would transform an underused parcel and strengthen Portland’s urban core.

[Crawford]

Please, no. This would be a nightmare. Developers have already largely ruined Portland, which was a quaint, historic town. This would be the ultimate indignity.

[patriotizzy]

Originally Posted by Crawford

Please, no. This would be a nightmare. Developers have already largely ruined Portland, which was a quaint, historic town. This would be the ultimate indignity.

I'm sure there are plenty of quaint historic towns nearby that will maintain their "dignity."
Just because a town is growing doesn't mean it spells doom. If anything, I would assume anyone would be proud of their "quaint, historic" town growing!