Historic Preservation Board — Portland, ME
Date: 2025-10-15
Time: 17:00

MEMBERS
 Brad Miller, Chair
Historic Preservation Board Valerie Paquin-Gould, Vice Chair
 Hilary Bassett
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM Michael Hutchins
 Robert O'Brien
Room 24 (Ground Level of City Hall) and Brian Sosebee
Zoom Rob Whitten




HYBRID PARTICIPATION:
The Historic Preservation Board invites the public to attend the meeting in person or Zoom pursuant to the
Remote Meeting Policy adopted by the Historic Preservation Board. Prior to the meeting, please check the
Agenda Center https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com to view memos and reports which will be posted by the
end of the day on the Friday before the Historic Preservation Board meeting.

REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Allow your computer to install the free Zoom app to get the best meeting experience. If you are not able to
attend either in person or via Zoom, a recording will be available in the Agenda Center following the meeting.

For more information on how to use zoom, please go here: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/18148b5d-
f26e-472f-8d2c-245db97e5c27?cache=1800

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
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Join via audio:
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Webinar ID: 849 7764 7203
International numbers available: https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/u/kdobM1EhQd

 1
PUBLIC COMMENT INFORMATION:
To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email hp@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions must be
received by 12:00 pm the day before the Historic Preservation Board meeting to guarantee their inclusion in
the agenda packet. All submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help ensure your
comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda item (see below).



AGENDA:

1. ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM
2. REPORT OF ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
 i. Communications
 Adopt of Historic Preservation Board Procedural Rules: Bassett, Hutchins, Miller, O'Brien,
 Paquin-Gould, and Whitten present. Sosebee absent.
 Historic Designations Interactive Web-Based Map: Bassett, Hutchins, Miller, O'Brien,
 Paquin-Gould, and Whitten present. Sosebee absent.

 Workshop
 Updates to the City of Portland Historic Resources Design Manual: Bassett, Hutchins, Miller,
 O'Brien, Paquin-Gould, and Whitten present. Sosebee absent.

3. REPORTS OF DECISIONS AT THE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
 i. None

4. COMMUNICATION AND REPORTS
 i. None

5. PUBLIC HEARING
 i. None

6. WORKSHOP
 i. Review of New Construction and Sitework; 142 Free Street; Portland Museum of Art,
 Applicant. Plan Number: HP-00038-2025.




 2

MEMBERS
 Brad Miller, Chair
Historic Preservation Board Valerie Paquin-Gould, Vice Chair
 Hilary Bassett
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM Michael Hutchins
 Robert O'Brien
Room 24 (Ground Level of City Hall) and Brian Sosebee
Zoom Rob Whitten




HYBRID PARTICIPATION:
The Historic Preservation Board invites the public to attend the meeting in person or Zoom pursuant to the
Remote Meeting Policy adopted by the Historic Preservation Board. Prior to the meeting, please check the
Agenda Center https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com to view memos and reports which will be posted by the
end of the day on the Friday before the Historic Preservation Board meeting.

REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Allow your computer to install the free Zoom app to get the best meeting experience. If you are not able to
attend either in person or via Zoom, a recording will be available in the Agenda Center following the meeting.

For more information on how to use zoom, please go here: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/18148b5d-
f26e-472f-8d2c-245db97e5c27?cache=1800

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/84977647203

Phone one-tap:
+13126266799,,84977647203# US (Chicago)
+16469313860,,84977647203# US

Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Webinar ID: 849 7764 7203
International numbers available: https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/u/kdobM1EhQd

 1

 Page 1
PUBLIC COMMENT INFORMATION:
To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email hp@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions must be
received by 12:00 pm the day before the Historic Preservation Board meeting to guarantee their inclusion in
the agenda packet. All submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help ensure your
comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda item (see below).



AGENDA:

1. ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM
2. REPORT OF ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
 i. Communications
 Adopt of Historic Preservation Board Procedural Rules: Bassett, Hutchins, Miller, O'Brien,
 Paquin-Gould, and Whitten present. Sosebee absent.
 Historic Designations Interactive Web-Based Map: Bassett, Hutchins, Miller, O'Brien,
 Paquin-Gould, and Whitten present. Sosebee absent.

 Workshop
 Updates to the City of Portland Historic Resources Design Manual: Bassett, Hutchins, Miller,
 O'Brien, Paquin-Gould, and Whitten present. Sosebee absent.

3. REPORTS OF DECISIONS AT THE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
 i. None

4. COMMUNICATION AND REPORTS
 i. None

5. PUBLIC HEARING
 i. None

6. WORKSHOP
 i. Review of New Construction and Sitework; 142 Free Street; Portland Museum of Art,
 Applicant. Plan Number: HP-00038-2025.




 2

 Page 2
STAFF MEMORANDUM
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM
PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

TO: Chair Miller and Members of the Historic Preservation Board
FROM: Evan R. Schueckler, Historic Preservation Program Manager
DATE: October 10, 2025
RE: 142 Free Street – FIRST WORKSHOP – New Construction and Sitework
PROJECT ID: HP-00038-2025
MEETING: October 15, 2025

Owner: Portland Museum of Art
Architect: LEVER Architecture & Urban Projects Collaborative

A sign announcing the Historic Preservation Board’s meeting on October 15, 2025 was posted at
the property, and 30 notices were sent to neighboring property owners within 100 feet of the
subject property.

_________________________________________
PROJECT SCOPE
Construct new site enclosure and associated sitework.

Dimensions:
Overall Height: 25’
Footprint: 65’ x 150’

Material Specifications:
 Foundation Not applicable
 Siding Wood
 Trim Wood
 Roofing Fabric and cable
 Windows Not applicable
 Doors Gates, wood and metal

_________________________________________




 1

 Page 3
SUMMARY OF HISTORIC CONTEXT




 Figure 1: Map of the Congress Street Historic District showing location of 142 Free Street.

The visual character of the Congress Street Historic District is rich and varied thanks to a layered
historical development. The result is an area with structures from the eighteenth to twentieth
centuries, and which represents nearly every period of American architecture ranging from
Colonial to Post Modern. The district also represents a variety of architectural typologies including
residential, commercial, mixed-use, civic, religious, and institutional at widely varied scales.
Structures range from two stories to fourteen, generally exhibiting a greater concentration of
high-rise buildings than any other Historic District in Portland.

Despite the variety of styles, period, and scales of architecture within the district, there are several
urban design characteristics that serve to unify the area. First, with few exceptions, the structures
that line Congress are built up to the street, creating a strong street wall and sense of enclosure.
Second, the historic buildings exhibit high quality materials and a high level of craftsmanship. Third,
the majority of the commercial structures, particularly those built during the 19th and early 20th
century, share a basic visual organization with an identifiable base (storefront level), middle, and
top (cornice or cap). The buildings that depart from these unifying elements are typically the
oldest residential buildings that pre-date the commercial context, or civic/institutional buildings.




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 Page 4
 Figure 2: 2017 general view of Congress Street looking east from Congress Square showing the variety of
 scale and architecture found within the historic district.

The immediate context of the proposed development reflects the diversity of the overall district
with a mix of commercial, and institutional buildings of varying scales. Congress Square is
grounded by four impressive buildings, all individually designated Landmark structures:
 − The Payson Wing of the Portland Museum of Art (148 Free /7 Congress Square): A
 monumental postmodern institutional building with a distinctive first-floor portico, arched
 openings, and limited fenestration.
 − The Schwartz Building (600 Congress): A medium-sized commercial building with a large
 storefront, regular upper-story fenestration, and a distinctive clocktower.
 − The Congress Building/State Theater (142 High): A large neoclassical commercial building
 with a pronounced two-story base, prominent cornice, and consistent fenestration.
 − The Charles Q. Clapp Block/H. Hay Block (594 Congress): A lower-scale commercial
 building with a significant amount of fenestration/transparency arranged regularly.




 Figure 3: 2006 views of the Payson Wing (left) and Schwartz Building (right).




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 Page 5
 Figure 4: 2006 views of the Congress Building (left) and Charles Q. Clapp Block (right).

Along Free Street, the district extends to Oak Street on the south side, and to Brown Street on the
north side. The character of Free Street is less consistent than along Congress Street as the north
side of the street features several facades that are largely the rears of buildings along Congress
Street. Additionally, the street has experienced more demolition such as at the proposed
development site and the adjacent parking lots. Regardless, there are several contributing
buildings along the block the reinforce the general patterns of the district:
 − 133 Free: a low-scale block, likely originally built as a row of houses, which have been
 converted to commercial uses.
 − The Frye Building (44 Oak): A medium-size neoclassical commercial building with a two-
 story base, prominent cornice, and significant amounts of fenestration.




 Figure 5: 2006 views of the 133 Free (left) and the Frye Building (right).

Additional information on the Congress Street Historic District can be found on the city website:
https://www.portlandmaine.gov/1548/Historic-Designations

_________________________________________
STAFF COMMENTS


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 Page 6
The Portland Museum of Art is proposing to construct a new site enclosure and associated
sitework at 142 Free Street to create an outdoor space in which the Museum plans to host future
programming. The Museum has indicated that this project is intended to be temporary until they
are ready to apply for and construct a future addition. However, because no timeframe has been
given for when the proposed site enclosure might be taken down and the Historic Preservation
ordinance does not contemplate approvals for limited time frames, the Board should review this
project as it would any permanent intervention.

Staff would also note that while fences or other small site features are typically reviewed as site
work, because of the scale and street presence of the proposed enclosure, this project should be
reviewed against the Standards for New Construction to ensure that the work is compatible with
the context of the Congress Street Historic District. In reviewing the proposed site enclosure, staff
have identified two primary areas where the Board is recommended to discuss the design: The
composition of the Free Street façade and the choice in materials.

Regarding the Free Street façade, the applicant is proposing to construct a large frame which
establishes the outline of a street wall. The enclosure would then be set back from the frame to
create a curved plaza along the street. The wall of the enclosure along Free Street is then
proposed to be solid except for a large central opening which would contain a gate, providing
access to the site. The Board should consider how this proposed facade relates to the patterns of
the Congress Street Historic District, in particular with regards to proportion and arrangement of
openings and to walls of continuity and enclosure.

The enclosure is largely proposed to be constructed of wood, though construction details
provided at a future point will provide further detail on the assembly of the wooden elements. The
“roof” is proposed to be an open-air structure made up of cable and fabric. The Board should
consider how the proposed materials relate to the character of the typical materials of the
Congress Street Historic District in terms of color, texture, and scale. Staff would encourage the
Board to focus on the materials of the enclosure as they will be most visible. The “roof” structure
will be less prominent, but will have some visibility and presence.

_________________________________________




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 Page 7
ANALYSIS OF APPLICABLE REVIEW STANDARDS

Subsection 16.6.4 - Standards for review of additions and new construction:

 Standard A. Scale and form
 1. Height
 The height of the addition or new construction shall be visually compatible with the contributing
 buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation when viewed from any street
 or public open space.
 Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed new construction will be a single story, with a height that is
 equivalent to a typical two-story building. The surrounding context, especially
 along Free Street, exhibits a variety of building heights ranging from one to
 Yes seven stories. The proposed two-story height falls within this range of building
 heights. Additionally, the top of the front façade is proposed to align with a
 horizontal datum on the Congress Square façade of the Landmark Payson
 Wing of the Portland Museum of Art.
 2. Width
 The width of the addition or new construction shall be visually compatible with the contributing
 buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation when viewed from any street
 or public open space.
 Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed new construction will fill the width of the subject parcel. The
 surrounding context features a variety of building widths. Typically, buildings
 Yes similarly fill the full widths of their parcels, with little to no space between
 buildings. The proposed structure would follow this pattern, maintaining only a
 small gap between it and the Payson Wing.
 3. Proportion of principal facades
 The relationship of the width to the height of the principal facades shall be visually compatible
 with the contributing buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation when
 viewed from any street or public open space.
 Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed new construction will feature a primarily horizontal proportion.
 The surrounding context features a variety of façade proportions, with
 Yes horizontal facades being very common. The proposed structure is in keeping
 with the range of proportions found throughout the Congress Street Historic
 District.




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 Page 8
4. Roof shape
The roof shape of the addition or new construction shall be visually compatible with the
contributing buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation when viewed from
any street or public open space.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed new construction will not feature a solid roof; however, along
 Free Street, the flat top of the primary façade will present as a flat roof. The
 side elevation, facing the adjacent parking lot will feature a more dynamic and
 sweeping roofline. The Congress Street Historic District features a variety of
 Yes
 roof forms, with flat roofs being very prevalent. It’s also typical for side
 elevations or secondary facades to feature more varied and dynamic roof lines.
 The proposed flat-roof-like form at the primary façade is in keeping with the
 typical roof forms of the surrounding context.
5. Scale
The size and mass of the addition or new construction in relation to open spaces, windows,
doors, porches, and balconies shall be visually compatible with the contributing buildings,
structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation when viewed from any street or public
open space.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed structure will be a single story, but feature a more
 monumentally-scaled height given the proposed public assembly/institutional
 For Board use of the site. Larger first stories are common throughout the surrounding
 Discussion context, especially for civic and institutional buildings. The Board should
 consider whether the size of the doors/openings and other façade elements
 are of an appropriate scale relative to the overall scale of the façade.

Standard B. Composition of principle facades
1. Proportion of openings
The relationship of the width to height of windows and doors shall be visually compatible with
the contributing buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed new construction will include one set of vertically proportioned
 gates/entrances in the Free Street façade and some areas along the side where
 the walls are lower. The Free Street façade is also proposed to include a curved
 recessed area right along the street which makes the primary façade read as a
 For Board single large horizontal opening, up until the more solid wall of the fence/site
 Discussion enclosure. The surrounding context features primarily vertically-proportioned
 openings; however, more horizontal openings are common in first-floor
 storefronts and in some groupings of upper-story openings. The Board should
 consider whether the proposed proportions of these openings along the front
 façade are appropriate to the surrounding context.




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2. Rhythm of solids to voids
The relationship of solids to voids in the principal facades shall be visually compatible with the
contributing buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed new construction does not include openings other than the
 primary gates/entrance in the Free Street façade and some areas along the side
 where the walls are lower. The Free Street façade is proposed to include a
 curved recessed area right along the street which makes the primary façade
 read as a single large opening, up until the more solid wall of the fence/site
 For Board
 enclosure. It is typical for the first floors of buildings in the Congress Street
 Discussion
 Historic District to include large areas of glass for storefronts. The Board
 should consider whether the proposed pattern of openings along the front
 façade is appropriate to the surrounding context or whether additional
 openings/transparency or areas of solid should be incorporated into the
 primary façade to better relate to the surrounding context.
3. Rhythm of entrances, porches, and other projections or recesses
The relationship of entrances, porches, and other projections or recesses to sidewalks shall be
visually compatible with the contributing buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic
designation.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed structure will have one central entrance set within a curved,
 recessed area that occupies the full width of the front façade. Recesses for
 entrances are common within the Congress Street Historic District, though
 For Board
 recesses are typically only big enough to accommodate the entrance doors.
 Discussion
 Larger recesses are more common on civic and institution buildings. The Board
 should discuss whether the proposed full-width recessed area is compatible
 with the patterns of the surrounding context.
4. Relationship of materials
The relationship of the color and texture of materials (other than paint color) of the principal
facades shall be visually compatible with the predominant materials used on the contributing
buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed new construction will largely be constructed of wood, with a
 fabric canopy system covering most of the site. Brick, stone, terracotta, metal,
 and glass are the most common building materials within the Congress Street
 For Board Historic District, though wood is often found as a trim material or in other
 Discussion limited capacities. While this standard does not require that the materials
 themselves should exactly follow the pattern of historic material choices, the
 Board should consider how the proposed wood relates in color and texture to
 the historic materials used throughout the district.




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Standard C. Relationship to street
1. Walls of continuity
Facades and site features, such as masonry walls, fences, and landscape masses, shall, when it is a
characteristic of the context, form cohesive walls of enclosure along the street to ensure visual
compatibility with the contributing buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic
designation.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed structure will be constructed right along the street; however,
 the front façade will feature a curved recessed area for its full width. Buildings
 in the surrounding context are typically built right along the street establishing
 a very consistent street wall. The primary departures from this pattern are
 For Board older buildings that pre-date Congress Street’s advent as a commercial
 Discussion corridor, and civic or institutional buildings which sometimes feature plazas or
 other landscaped areas along the street. The Board should consider whether
 the proposed structure sufficiently reinforces the street wall of Free Street,
 and how the proposed recessed area relates to that street wall and the
 contributing site of Congress Square.
2. Rhythm and spacing along streets
The relationship of the addition or new construction to the open space between it and adjacent
buildings, structures, objects, or sites shall be visually compatible with the contributing buildings,
structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed structure will largely occupy the full width of the site. Properties
 within the Congress Street Historic District generally fill their full site, leaving
 Yes
 little to no space between buildings. The proposed structure follows this
 pattern of being constructed close to the adjacent property.
3. Directional expression of principal facades
The addition or new construction shall be visually compatible with the directional character of
the contributing buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation, whether this
be vertical character, horizontal character, or nondirectional character.
Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed structure will feature a primarily horizontal expression given the
 proportions of the primary façade; however, this will be broken up by the
 columns that frame the bays of the front and side facades. Buildings within the
 Yes Congress Street Historic District feature a variety of directional expressions
 with many featuring elements that contrast vertical facades with horizontal
 detailing and vice versa. The directional expression of the proposed façade is in
 keeping with the variety of expressions found in the surrounding context.




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 Page 11
 4. Streetscape, pedestrian improvements
 Streetscape and pedestrian improvements and any change in the appearance thereof located
 adjacent to any addition or new construction shall not be incongruous with the contributing
 buildings, structures, objects, and sites of the historic designation.
 Standard Met? Staff Comments
 The proposed structure will feature a curved, recessed area right off of the
 street. Buildings in the Congress Street Historic District are primarily
 For Board
 constructed right along the street with minimal on-site streetscape amenities.
 Discussion
 The Board should consider how the proposed recessed area fits with the
 pattern of the surrounding context, including Congress Square.

_________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS
 1. Project Summary
 2. Plans
 3. Materials Narrative




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7 CONGRESS EXTENSION (Name TBD)
A Temporary Cultural Annex in the Heart of Portland’s Arts District
Located at 142 Free Street | Launching Summer 2026

7 CONGRESS EXTENSION is a temporary civic space from the Portland Museum of Art, transforming
a lot near Congress Square into an outdoor hub for art, gathering, and community imagination.

It hosts rotating installations, performances, open-air studios, and workshops—a living sketch of
the future: visible, participatory, and always in motion.

Seasonal Programming:

 • Rotating artist commissions, engagement, and workshops with the public
 • Green space, rest zones, and pop-up performances
 • Outdoor Office with ample seating for meeting, lunch, and Free Wi-Fi
 • Third Thursday programming in partnership with local organizations
 • Outdoor installations and participatory public art
 • Youth-driven summer projects and storytelling
 • Community collaborations with businesses and nonprofits including interested parties
 such as Creative Portland, City of Portland, Hearts of Pine FC, Portland Squash, and Allagash
 Brewing and beyond...

Spring (Apr–Jun): Site launch, mural & poetry wall, family workshops
Summer (Jul–Aug): Monthly events, youth projects, live performances, movies
Fall (Sep–Oct): Storytelling, community showcases, Outdoor Office hours
Winter (Nov–Mar): Occasional activations, light-based art

Mission:
To turn a lot into a dynamic public space that connects people through art, ideas, and shared civic
life.

Vision:
7 CONGRESS EXTENSION will be a dynamic, temporary public space that is guided by artists and
open to all. This site will serve as a testing ground for new ideas; a catalyst for civic life; a renewed
investment in Portland’s Arts District; and a visible symbol of cultural momentum during a time of
transformation.

Guiding Principles:

 1. Artist-Centered: Artists shape the space and programming
 2. Community-Driven: Local partnerships and public input are central
 3. Accessible & Inclusive: Free, low-barrier engagement opportunities
 4. Visible Momentum: Signals progress toward PMA’s future campus

Safe & Sustainable: Built with care for people and environment




 Page 13
Portland Museum of Art
Temporary Community Space



August 19 2025
 Page 14
Scale and Form
The width and height of the Temporary Community
Space respects the scale and proportions of the
arches and openings on the Payson Building’s façade.
The width of the structure utilizes the site’s width to
create a street wall consistent with the surrounding
urban conditions.




 Page 15
Scale and Form The plan geometry of the Temporary
 Community Space is derived from the
 underlying circular and arched motifs of the
 Payson Building’s façade.

 The structure creates a consistent edge along
 with property line which is bookended by the
 brick facades of the wings of the Payson
 Building.




 Page 16
Scale and Form




The roof geometry of the
Temporary Community Space is
conceived as an inversion of the arch
forms articulated on the Payson
Building’s façade.

The roof geometry of the Temporary
Community Space is intentionally
distinct from the Payson Building’s
stepped roof profile.




 Page 17
Composition of Principal Facades




The grid dimensions of the Temporary
Community Space correspond to the
width of the arches on the Payson
Building’s façade.

 Page 18
Composition of Principal Facades




 The columns of the Temporary
 Community Space continues and
 reinforces the vertical rhythm of the
 colonnade on the existing building
 facade.
 Page 19
Composition of Principal Facades




  The Temporary Community Space
  projects the rhythm of the existing
  façade toward the street, continuing the
  building’s presence along the street.




 Page 20
Composition of Principal Facades
The timber frame marking the entrance of the
Temporary Community Space parallels the Payson
Building’s entrance, both functioning as threshold
elements that emphasize entry through a strong
rectilinear outline set against larger curved or open
forms.




 Page 21
Relationship to Street
A street facing portico provides directionality to the
structure. Similar to the Payson Building the
Temporary Community Space maintains the street
wall while providing a transitional public space.




 Page 22
Relationship to Street




 Free Street is a collection of buildings
 with varying heights and a number of
 parking lots that break up the street wall.
 The proposed Temporary Community
 Space will remain consistent with this
 character and acknowledge the condition
 presented by the adjacent parking by
 introducing a wall and roof profile as seen
 in building next door. Page 23
Relationship to Street
When seen from the intersection of
Congress and Free Streets the proposed
Temporary Community Space will remain
consistent with the existing character of a
variable street wall while aligning with a
datum set by the Payson Building.




 Page 24
Relationship to Street
The character of Free Street
varies considerably along its
length with many different
architectural expressions and
materials. The proposed
Temporary Community Space is
consistent with the street’s
character but as a structure
maintains a single material for
its walls and structure and
second material for its roof.




 Page 25
Thank you




 Page 26
Date: 8 October 2025

Project: Portland Museum of Art Interim Community Space / Project ID: HP-00038-2025

Re: 142 Free Street – Materials Narrative



Primary Structure
 • Columns – Maine sourced lathed round timber columns
 o Species: spruce pine fir
 o Color: natural finish
 o Texture: smooth
 • Beams - Maine sourced
 o Species: spruce pine fir
 o Color: natural finish
 o Texture: smooth

Fence Panels
 • Open fence panels -
 o Species: cedar planks, hemlock posts
 o Color: Natural finish
 o Texture: smooth
 • Curved solid panels
 o Species: cedar planks, hemlock posts
 o Color: natural finish
 o Texture: smooth
 • Solid fences
 o Species: plywood
 o Color: painted black
 o Texture: board and batten.

Flooring
 • Cedar Decking
 o Species: Cedar
 o Color: Natural finish
 o Texture: Smooth
 • Synthetic Turf (inside structure)
 o Color: Various
 o Texture: Turf like




LEVER ARCHITECTURE 4713 N. Albina Ave 4th Floor Portland OR 97217 T 503 928 6040 leverarchitecure.com
 1

 Page 27
Gates
 • Entry gate
 o Material: painted wood with metal substructure
 o Color: Various
 o Texture: Smooth
 • Security gate
 o Material: wood with metal substructure
 o Color: Natural finish
 o Texture: Smooth

Canopy
 • Material: steel cables, nylon rope, nylon flags
 • Color: Various




LEVER ARCHITECTURE 4713 N. Albina Ave 4th Floor Portland OR 97217 T 503 928 6040 leverarchitecure.com
 2
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