Portland, Maine, one of New England’s fastest-growing cities, is set for a transformation. Safdie Architects has designed a 30-story tower for the historic Old Port maritime district, which will become the city’s tallest building. The tower, part of a 4-acre site redevelopment, will feature residences, retail, restaurants, hotels, offices, parks, and parking spaces.
The project aims to stitch together a “fragmented block” by restoring existing structures, integrating new architecture, and creating public spaces. According to Sean Scensor, Senior Partner at Safdie Architects, “We’re going building by building, restoring existing structures, integrating new architecture, and creating new public spaces for the community.”
The tower’s design takes cues from Maine’s lighthouses, incorporating materials and colors that echo Old Port’s character. A 33-foot-tall transparent base will anchor the tower, featuring two lobbies and a cafe. The building will have 90 hotel rooms on the first nine floors, followed by 14 floors of residences.
Moshe Safdie, Founder, Safdie Architects, said, “Portland is a city with a powerful history and heritage. Designing a tower in a city that’s generally low rise, at the heart of downtown, we asked ourselves: what are the elements that are going to make this really belong to Portland?” He added, “The project’s breakthrough was the day we latched onto the idea that this is a beacon… It’s a lighthouse in the tradition of the lighthouses of Portland.”
Image Courtesy: archpaper.com
