Updates on our recent advocacy efforts:
On January 6th, GPL welcomed its new Director of Advocacy, Alison Frazee, joining us from Boston where she led advocacy efforts at the Boston Preservation Alliance for over a decade. Connect with Alison on LinkedIn, email her (afrazee@portlandlandmarks.org), or call if you have any questions about GPL's advocacy work: 207.358.7061
Alison and Executive Director Kate Lemos McHale attended the January 8th Portland Historic Preservation Board meeting and spoke in support of two efforts: the Waynflete School application for new construction in the West End historic district and the recommendation to the ME Historic Preservation Commission to list the Western Cemetery at 6 Vaughan Street to the National Register of Historic Places. GPL also submitted a letter in support of listing the Western Cemetery (Can we link PDFs on the website?). Learn more about the inspiring work of the dedicated volunteers who are restoring and protecting Western Cemetery: Stewards of the Western Cemetery.
On January 27th, Alison attended a public meeting for a presentation by Mile Marker Investments and Live Nation Entertainment about a new proposal to construct a 65,00+ square foot performance venue across from Merrill Auditorium in downtown Portland. The 3,310 seat venue will host musical acts and comedians, according to the project team. While the proposal includes interior parking for tour buses and loading, it does not include visitor parking, which was one of the major concern of the meeting's attendees. GPL is reviewing this proposal and will connect with the project team, abutters to the site, and our partners in historic sites that host performing arts events to learn more about concerns and opportunities for this proposal. Read more about the proposal here.
GPL is aiding the Portland Masonic to plan renovation and restoration efforts. Built in 1911 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Portland Masonic is home to several active Masonic organizations dating back to the 18th century and has beautiful interior gathering spaces. With proactive maintenance and sensitive upgrades, this historic resource will continue to serve the region for generations to come.
What's on our mind:
GPL is currently deeply engaged in a robust strategic planning initiative: we're analyzing our role in greater Portland over the last 60 years, the changing landscape of preservation nationally, and how we can position ourselves best serve our communities moving forward, and to play a leading and sustainable role in advancing historic preservation. Though we're proud of successes, we know that not all of our past efforts have reflected the complete history of the area and have left important stories untold, so we're focused on doing better. We're also thinking about a new definition of historic preservation beyond bricks and mortar. Stay tuned for updates on this process and, in the meantime, let us know what you think about our work. Email Alison Frazee at afrazee@portlandlandmarks.org
Alison is getting up to speed on ReCode Portland. One area of focus is the removal of the "100' rule" that gave the City’s Historic Preservation Board advisory review over projects within 100' of a designated historic resource. This has already led to some confusion and concerns about how new development adjacent to designated sites will reflect historic contexts. GPL is considering how we might play an effective role in this kind of review and discussion, especially through education and awareness within early stages of project development. While we welcome new development in Portland and creative design expression, we also want to ensure that Portland retains its unique sense of place that draws residents and visitors from around the world.
With the growing demand for housing in Portland, and changes in the zoning code to allow for more development, it's possible taller buildings will be proposed than have been typical in the past. We've been thinking about height in the context of historic resources; what are the real and perceived impacts of tall buildings? How can we mitigate those impacts while allowing for vertical growth? What does the idea of "vertical urban sprawl" mean and how can we promote necessary growth and avoid the unintended consequences of height experienced in other cities? What role does reuse of existing buildings for affordable housing play compared to the construction of new housing towers and where we can find inspiration, such as London's new 'retrofit first' policy? How can we encourage deconstruction over mechanical demolition, like Boulder? Follow along as we explore these topics in this blog, on social media, in our newsletter, and other communication.
With the recent freeze on federal funding that impacted many of our colleagues at historic sites and organizations around the country, we wanted to let our community know that GPL is not currently relying on federal funding. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity of our local support. (To learn more about the ways you can support landmarks, click here.)
We’re mindful that important projects we have in the pipeline could involve federal funding and we are monitoring the situation carefully. We are committed to building new connections and partnerships while remaining devoted to uncovering histories that have gone untold, uplifting stories that illuminate the full picture of our diverse past, and working to protect the places that reflect our shared American experience. We look forward to sharing previous research that has not yet been publicized, and we are considering new initiatives to better connect with residents, so stay tuned as we work through our strategic planning process to determine how we can best serve our community during these uncertain times.
