Everything We Know About the New Tallest Building in Maine

Normally, when we think about buildings in Maine, skyscrapers are the last thing to cross our minds.

In the minds of many, a 'Maine' building is brick or granite and less than five stories tall.  If you live in places like Lewiston or Sanford, the buildings that pop in your mind may be old mill buildings.  In most of Maine, the tallest buildings you ever see are hospitals and churches.

Of course, in Portland, there are a few taller buildings.  The 204-foot Casco, which was built in 2023, for example.  Also, Franklin Tower and Back Bay Tower.

Those are all about the be eclipsed by a new building that has just been approved by the City of Portland.  At 30 stories, this new building would be nearly 200 feet taller than The Casco.

According to an article on the WABI website, the plan covers nearly two hundred thousand square feet and includes seventy three residential condos, an eighty eight room hotel, and commercial space on the ground floor.

At 380 feet tall, the proposed tower has drawn a lot of eyes.  Some folks in the area see it as a chance to boost housing and bring fresh energy to the downtown neighborhood. Supporters believe the project could turn an underused piece of land into something that strengthens the heart of Portland.  One business owner said it could bring new life into the Old Port and help move the city to a new economic level.

Not everyone sees it that way.

Concerns have been raised about the scale of the building and whether something that large fits the character of the Old Port.  A few people have questioned how the project fits into the city’s affordability challenges and whether it matches Portland’s identity.

Of course, it is not a done deal, yet.  There is still much that needs to be done before construction can even begin.

With Planning Board approval now in hand, the developers can begin working through the next steps of permits and preparation.

If the building moves ahead as designed, it would reshape the Portland skyline and open a brand new chapter in the city’s growth.

As we learn more we will keep you updated.