Embracing the architectural spirit.

Greater Portland Landmarks is establishing the Center for Architecture and Preservation to address the increasing demands for education, advocacy, and library and research services related to the built environment of greater Portland. GPL wants to provide improved physical and intellectual access to information and ideas, and a venue where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate in educational activities that explore the role that architecture and preservation play in history, in current development, and in forming our community’s sense of place.

The Center will strengthen GPL’s position for the future by allowing us to fulfill our mission more effectively. We are undertaking this project to:

• Promote historic preservation and high quality new architecture;
• Increase public access to our Library and other unique resources, including extensive collections of surveys, books, photographs, postcards, manuscripts and archives relating to preservation, architecture, and local and regional history;
• Advocate for historic preservation and for well-designed new buildings which are compatible with historic contexts, and promote sustainable growth while ensuring that Portland and its surrounding communities retain their distinctive historic character and sense of place;
• Convene key players and promote community dialogue that will help guide decision-making regarding current and future architectural development; and
• Expand our outreach through public educational programs focused on architecture, preserving community heritage, and best practices in historic preservation.

GPL is currently raising funds in a multi-year capital and endowment campaign to create the Center and to purchase and restore the Safford House (1858), at 93 High Street, to serve as its home. This architecturally significant, Italianate-style building is located on a visible, busy intersection in the Spring Street Historic District near the heart of Portland’s Arts District. The building is attributed to Charles Alexander, architect for J. B. Brown’s Bramhall estate and waterfront sugar house, the Chestnut Street Church and numerous private residences, including his own house on Danforth Street. The Center for Architecture and Preservation will be housed on the first floor of the building.