Local-
US Custom House: Portland’s US Custom House is among a list of 26 federal buildings currently being reviewed by the Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB) for possible disposal. On June 25th the PRBR held a public meeting to discuss the progress of their review. According to a report by the PBRB, the federal government is carrying approximately $50 billion in deferred maintenance and repair liabilities across its portfolio of properties. The Board’s task is to determine which buildings are underutilized and have high deferred maintenance costs, and make recommendations to the Government Services Administration (GSA) about which buildings to dispose of. Currently the government owns nearly 2,000 buildings, and 57% are more than 30 years old. The Board finds that this inventory would have to shrink by 80% to reach a size where existing appropriations would be adequate for renovation and ongoing maintenance.
In 2025, a list appeared on GSA’s website of properties that could be considered for disposal. While the list was quickly removed, its inclusion of the historic Custom House in Portland alarmed GPL and community members. GPL helped to form Friends of the US Custom House – Portland Maine to ensure the building’s preservation and public benefit. We have been actively gathering information, building support and connections with stakeholders, meeting with the City and congressional delegation, and preparing for various scenarios so that we can act quickly should the GSA decide to dispose of the building. The PBRB is expected to make its next round of recommendations in early September. At nearly 24,000 square feet, the building is carrying $1,900,000 in deferred maintenance costs. The Board is asking for public feedback to aid their deliberation. For more information, contact us or public_relations@pbrb.gov.
In partnership with the Friends of the US Custom House and through a generous private donation, GPL is working with an economic development consultant to complete an economic feasibility study to test the market potential for the building as a mixed use, community-serving asset, that preserves the building and ensures its public benefit. We will remain in dialogue with local partners to be prepared for GSA’s decision.
57 St. Lawrence, Munjoy Hill: GPL submitted written comments, and Executive Director Kate Lemos McHale provided verbal comments, for the July 1st Historic Preservation Board review of 57 St. Lawrence Street in the Munjoy Hill local historic district. The applicants are proposing to construct a new seven-unit, four-story building on a surface parking lot. GPL supports new construction and infill residential development in historic neighborhoods, and offered some recommendations to help this design become more consistent with the standards for new design in historic districts. Learn more about the proposal by reading through the meeting attachments including GPL’s comment letter. This review was a workshop so no vote was taken and there will be additional opportunities to comment when the applicant returns to the Board for a hearing.
Bell Tower Restored!: In 2017, GPL named Dunn Memorial Church at 4 Brentwood Street in Portland to our list of Places in Peril. The church we completed in 1907 and is a visual landmark on the corner of Stevens Avenue. With over a century of Maine winters, the building’s iconic bell tower required $1.5 million in repairs. Finally, the church (now called The Light Church) is celebrating the completion of the restoration! Come by tomorrow, July 11th, from 1-3 for refreshments, activities for kids, lawn games, a special dedication, and ringing of the bell! Congratulations on a job well done!
State-
Statewide Plan: The Maine Historic Preservation Commission is requesting feedback on Heritage for the Future: Maine’s Statewide Historic Preservation Plan. The 2021-2026 plan is scheduled for an update to ensure that it can continue to “inspire Mainers to expand on their efforts to preserve the state’s diverse historic and archeological resources by providing a framework of action…” Read the plan and take the survey to help shape future preservation efforts across the state. The deadline to complete the survey is July 17th.
Trades Training: GPL is collaborating with a statewide advocacy group called the Maine Deconstruction Network to bring stronger deconstruction and salvage policies and practices to Maine. We’re focusing on training the crews who will deconstruct, rather than mechanically demolish, buildings so that their materials can be reused, as was the norm until after the Second World War. Not only does this keep more waste out of landfills, it makes quality materials available for reuse at lower prices to consumers. If you know of a current trades program that offers training for deconstruction and salvage (or reusing materials), or could incorporate these skills into an existing program, please let us know! Email Alison Frazee- afrazee@portlandlandmarks.org.
National-
Nonprofit Funding Threatened: Our partners at the Maine Association of Nonprofits have issued a call to action. Last month, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed sweeping changes to overhaul the set of rules governing federal grants to nonprofits, state and local governments (which are often utilized by nonprofits), and other grantees. If implemented, these changes could make federal funding less stable, less predictable, and more vulnerable to political influence. Our voices are needed. Use this comment guide to submit a public comment, don’t forget to contact your representatives in Congress. The deadline to submit comments is JULY 13th!
