Maine preservation group lists former children's museum among most endangered places
Sep. 20—Maine Preservation has highlighted the former Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine on its list of "Most Endangered Historic Places" in the state, in light of its planned demolition.
In May, the Portland City Council voted to remove a historic classification that protected the building at 142 Free St. from being torn down. The Portland Museum of Art requested the change in order to build a sweeping glass-and-timber expansion on that site. In June, Greater Portland Landmarks sued in Cumberland County Superior Court seeking to reverse the City Council's decision, and that case is still pending.
On Friday, the statewide preservation group drew particular attention to the debate when it released the annual list. Maine Preservation said the reclassification "will establish a dangerous precedent that jeopardizes the efficacy and value of Portland's historic districts."
Also at the top were the state's 66 light stations, endangered by increasingly fierce winter storms.
"As we recognize five places that are facing costly repairs, structural failures, and community disagreement, we also want to highlight two emerging concerns that threaten a collection of significant coastal landmarks and the historic fabric of our state's largest city," said Tara Kelly, executive director of Maine Preservation. "Throughlines exist across our list, allowing us to tap into our experience, preservation partners, and supporters to effect change."
The building at 142 Free St. was previously considered a "contributing" structure to the surrounding Congress Street Historic District, which meant it could not be razed. Built in 1830 and later renovated by architect John Calvin Stevens, it has been home to a theater, a church, the Chamber of Commerce and the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine.
The Portland Museum of Art bought the neighboring property in 2019 with an eye toward growth, and the children's museum vacated in 2021 for a new home on Thompson's Point. Since then, the art museum has used the space mostly for offices. The museum applied to change the classification to "non-contributing," which would allow for the building's demolition.
The Historic Preservation Board and the Portland Planning Board both recommended against the change. But the Portland City Council ultimately voted 6-3 to reclassify the building on the basis of "significant alterations since it was originally constructed." It found that the building lacks integrity of design, materials and workmanship. In the complaint, Greater Portland Landmarks challenged the factual and legal basis for that decision.
Museum officials said in May that demolition is "not imminent" and have not shared an updated timeline for construction. Fundraising is ongoing, and the plans for expansion still need to go through the city's permitting process. An attorney for Greater Portland Landmarks said in June that the organization will file for an injunction if the museum moves to demolish the building while the case is pending.
Maine Preservation has published the annual list since 1996 as a way to increase awareness. This year's list included five other sites. They are the Sangerville Town Hall, the Central Congregational Church in Eastport, Starling Hall in Fayette, Eagle Island State Historic Site off the coast of Harpswell and Kneisel Hall in Blue Hill.
This story will be updated.
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