76-78 Park Street
Protesters outside 76-78 Park Street, June 20, 1988.
Protesters outside 76-78 Park Street, June 20, 1988.
Front page of the Evening Express, June 20, 1988, covering the protest and subsequent arrests at 76-78 Park St.
Built in 1857, this grand structure once faced Victoria Mansion across Park St. While its interpretation of the Italianate style was subdued compared to that of its neighbor, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Place in 1970 as a contributing building to the Spring Street Historic District. In 1988 it was owned by 75 State Street, a senior housing complex, and they deemed it unfit for their purposes so had it torn down despite having no plans to put anything else on the site. Today, where the house once stood there is a parklet for the residents of 75 State Street.
The day that the building was torn down, about 50 protesters were present, including staff and supporters of Greater Portland Landmarks. In all, seven people were arrested for their interference in the demolition. The outcry against its destruction led to the passage of a stronger demolition delay ordinance in the city.