South Street runs from Pleasant Street to a concrete wall on the edge of Spring Street in Portland’s Gorham’s Corner neighborhood. South Street originally ran from Spring to Free Streets with the current section being laid out around 1830. This is the same time frame that our subject was built. The earliest parts of South Street were removed during the era of Urban Renewal and now lie under the Cross Arena.
It sits, rather forlornly, behind the group home at 71 High Street. Neglected and overlooked, it seems to be the victim of ‘destruction by neglect’. A sad state for a building with a long story to tell. With a construction date of 1800, I believe it to be the oldest carriage house in Portland.
94 Pine Street & 137 Emery Street
A wonderful pair of Queen Anne homes tucked into the corner of Pine & Emery Streets. These are some of the unsung heroes of the West End
I am not sure I can say why, but this little carriage house has always fascinated me. Tucked in behind a somewhat nondescript brick house on Cumberland Ave, this is a cute survivor. Continue reading
159 Pine Street
An area of architectural design little contemplated in modern times but long an interest of mine. Style and quality range from bland to utilitarian to high style.
This is not a ‘pretty’ house.
Nestled on a tree-lined lot at the far western end of Spring Street, this little gem is a voice from a much earlier time. Continue reading
387 Danforth Street. The William Vaughan house. This is from a much earlier era than it’s neighbors. The tighter, symmetrical, massing along with matched chimneys, first-floor windows that are much taller than the second floor, and the strongly detailed entryway with arched window above place it squarely in the Federal Style. Continue reading
370 Danforth Street. An aesthetic disaster with a historical precedent.
This is one I have wondered about for some time. What is going on here? Is it a house or just a garage? Who would put such an ugly structure on such a beautiful street?
Continue reading
Welcome to Portals. A new series where I will focus on doorways. Primarily entryways but they could be side or back doors. They will be presented with a minimum of text. I hope you enjoy them.
