Infill and Small Developments | Portland
- Thread starter Cosakita18
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markhb
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Speaking of "Open late by Portland standards," I recently discovered that the North Deering Taco Bell is now open until 3 Am. They've given up on breakfast and even taken that off the sign, alas, but it's a second late choice besides Irving and Burger King.
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markhb
Guest
Thought I'd mention this since it looks kind of cool.... They've done a complete teardown and rebuild of the Classy Chassie car wash at Morrill's Corner, next door to Susan's. I liked the old painted sign they uncovered when they took off the siding (see GSV for that), but here's what's in progress...
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Looks like Old McDonald's Farm.
PortLandArch20
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Is this replacing the existing building at 161 or going in the empty lots next door?
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markhb
Guest
I, personally, am always looking for a reason to describe the USM Library as the largest glow-in-the-dark building between Wiscasset and Seabrook.
The empty lot - there seems to be a discrepancy between Google Maps and the submitted documents. They're also proposing to subdivide and put and one building on each new lot. Not clear why, smarter people may have better insight.
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Portlander
Guest
Hopefully this new contractor will be able to complete the project! Sadly, there were at least four building entrances along Congress Street that were blocked by the sleeping homeless so I guess the clean up of the stretch between Monument Square and Congress Square does not apply on weekends.
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Portlander
Guest
Nice job with the exterior refurbishing.
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Portlander
Guest
Temporary art exhibit from the Old Port Square folks.
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The University of Maine will be taking full control of the Custom House Block which the Law school resides on the fore street side, now will renovate the front side including Commercial Street renovating the upper floors to the Maine Center (Alfond)
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markhb
Guest
Including the W.L. Blake building? Or just the modern part along Custom House St.? (I'm probably thrown off by the idea that the upper parts of the old building could possibly hold offices.)
Stroudwater Commons, 1877 Congress.
I want to say this has been posted before, but I can't find it. The buildings are a little awkward looking (what's with that third floor transition?) but the project is interesting:
156 units, the developer is not paying the fee-in-lieu and is instead building 39 "affordable units" - those start at 240k for a 1BR or 265k for a 2BR. Market rate units start at 335k for a 1BR and 400k for a 2BR. All 3BR units start at 440k. You can buy an optional ADU for 225k. Amenities include a fitness center, game room, lounge and a co-working space.
At these prices, how does this project break even let alone be profitable? Subsidized somehow? Is there any precedent in Maine for something like this? Project has approval but they've not applied for a building permit. Units are listed on Zillow.
I want to say this has been posted before, but I can't find it. The buildings are a little awkward looking (what's with that third floor transition?) but the project is interesting:
156 units, the developer is not paying the fee-in-lieu and is instead building 39 "affordable units" - those start at 240k for a 1BR or 265k for a 2BR. Market rate units start at 335k for a 1BR and 400k for a 2BR. All 3BR units start at 440k. You can buy an optional ADU for 225k. Amenities include a fitness center, game room, lounge and a co-working space.
At these prices, how does this project break even let alone be profitable? Subsidized somehow? Is there any precedent in Maine for something like this? Project has approval but they've not applied for a building permit. Units are listed on Zillow.
Someone went a little nuts with that transition to the third floor. Looks AI produced.
Still Tom Nevers
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From the PPH:
“The nonprofit group trying to build a 400-seat performance venue on the site of the former St. Lawrence Church in Portland is attempting a "Hail Mary" to keep the project alive.
The Hill Arts says it needs to raise $7 million for the theater's construction this year, or it will be forced to cancel the $18 million project because of expiring city approvals and rising costs. About $11 million has already been raised but the group says it needs to have the total budget in hand before construction can continue.”
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/01/portland-arts-center-may-not-get-built/
The proposed building is handsome but I won’t shed any tears if this proposal falls through. It feels like this site is better suited to housing and perhaps that will be considered if they have to go back to square one.
Just editing to note this building would be constructed at the corner of Congress and Munjoy.
“The nonprofit group trying to build a 400-seat performance venue on the site of the former St. Lawrence Church in Portland is attempting a "Hail Mary" to keep the project alive.
The Hill Arts says it needs to raise $7 million for the theater's construction this year, or it will be forced to cancel the $18 million project because of expiring city approvals and rising costs. About $11 million has already been raised but the group says it needs to have the total budget in hand before construction can continue.”
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/01/portland-arts-center-may-not-get-built/
The proposed building is handsome but I won’t shed any tears if this proposal falls through. It feels like this site is better suited to housing and perhaps that will be considered if they have to go back to square one.
Just editing to note this building would be constructed at the corner of Congress and Munjoy.
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