Greater Portland Landmarks Inc.

Overview

Greater Portland Landmarks Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the historical heritage of Portland, Maine, and its surrounding areas. Founded in 1964, the organization arose as a response to the demolition of Portland's Union Station during the Urban Renewal movement. Today, it plays a pivotal role in preserving historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Greater Portland Landmarks is to identify, preserve, and revitalize the architectural fabric, history, and character of Greater Portland. This is achieved by advocating for historic preservation through various means such as research, education, and community engagement. The organization encourages the thoughtful rehabilitation of historic buildings and supports the integration of high-quality new architecture that is responsive to its context.

Greater Portland Landmarks also manages notable historical sites, including the Portland Observatory, which is featured on the organization's logo. The Portland Observatory is a significant historical landmark in the area and serves as a symbol of the organization's commitment to local preservation efforts.

History and Achievements

• 1964: The organization was founded in response to the Urban Renewal movement's impact on Portland's historical landmarks.
• 1970: Greater Portland Landmarks achieved its first major victory by preventing the widening of Spring Street and getting the West End neighborhood listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 1972: Published "Portland," a comprehensive book about the city's architectural and social history.
• 1974: Introduced the Preservation Awards to recognize excellence in historic preservation.
• 1982: Assumed management of the Portland Observatory.
• 1990: The City of Portland passed a historic preservation ordinance, designating eight neighborhoods as local historic districts, a milestone supported by Greater Portland Landmarks.

Current Initiatives

As of recent years, Greater Portland Landmarks continues to advocate for the preservation of historic sites and neighborhoods. The organization has taken steps to protect buildings related to diverse cultural heritages and engages actively with local government and community to ensure that development respects historical contexts. For example, in 2022, it received grants to explore sites connected to Armenian American, Chinese American, and African American heritage. In 2024, it took legal action against the City of Portland to prevent the demolition of a historic building that was once the home of the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine.

Organizational Structure

Greater Portland Landmarks operates with a board of directors and key leadership positions, including a president and executive director. As of recent data, Bruce Roullard serves as president, and Kate Lemos McHale is the executive director. The organization's governance structure includes a mix of community leaders and preservation experts, ensuring a robust approach to historic preservation efforts.

[1] http://portlandlandmarks.squarespace.com/s/LandmarksBackground112918.pdf [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Portland_Landmarks [3] https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/issues [4] https://portlandlandmarks.squarespace.com/s/Observer-Fall-2014-5FINAL.pdf [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/01-0276272