Maine’s 66 lighthouses added to list of most endangered historic places

Maine Preservation's 2024 list of most endangered historic places in Maine is out, and a Portland building at the center of a demolition debate is on the list.

The former Children's Museum at 142 Free St. is owned by the Portland Museum of Art and threatened with demolition for an expansion. The PMA asked the Portland City Council to reclassify the building as a non-contributing structure in the Congress Street Historic District. The Council voted to do so.

Tara Kelly, executive director of Maine Preservation, said a historic district is distinct because of all of the buildings in it, and reclassifying a structure sets a dangerous precedent.

"If we chip away at that, any building owner can come forward and say, 'I want my building reclassified and it's not contributing.' That could have a terrible impact on the future of historic districts in Portland, so we really needed to call attention to that," Kelly said.

Other nominated buildings include Maine's 66 lighthouses, which sustained significant damage during the January storms.

Kelly said since they are built in precarious spots along the coast, thought must be given to their future amid climate change.

"We needed to call attention to all of the damage that took place at that time and think about what we need to do to mitigate, adapt, and prepare for future storms," she said.

Rounding out the list are Central Congregational Church in Eastport, Eagle Island State Historic Site off Harpswell, Kneisel Hall in Blue Hill, Sangerville Town Hall and Starling Hall in Fayette.

In November, voters will be asked whether to approve Question 3, a $10 million bond to help restore historic buildings across the state.