New home for Greater Portland Landmarks

This lovely old building, built in 1858 and called the Safford House, is the new home of Greater Portland Landmarks and its Center for Architecture & Preservation. I just came back from the official ribbon cutting. Events take place all evening in celebration of this amazing space and the role it is poised to play in the community.

A number of Greater Portland Landmarks supporters were at the event, including City Councilor David Marshall, who owns an old home in the West End, Hilary Bassett, executive director, and Sally Oldham, chair of the board. All three spoke ahead of the ribbon cutting.

The center will offer its extensive library - containing more than 1,000 titles plus its collection of 1924 tax photos and street maps - to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These hours may expand in the future. Standing in the library (which used to be the home's kitchen) are Toby Kilgore, development director, and Joan Bennert, librarian. The building also offers room for the organization's offices and elegant meeting space for public events and lectures.

The woodworking (which dates from around 1900) is absolutely exquisite. Here volunteer Joseph Thompson reveals a secret compartment near a marble fireplace in the front parlor. The architecturally important building is attributed to prominent Portland architect Charles A. Alexander and it was constructed for West Indies shipping merchant William Safford. Alexander is the same architect who designed the Chestnut Street Church, which is now the popular Grace restaurant.

The open house continues until 5:30 p.m. tonight. From 6 to 7 p.m. Earle Shettleworth, Jr., director of Maine Historic Preservation, offers a free talk about Alexander at the Portland Museum of Art (which is located across Spring Street.) Following his talk, there will be a reception and tour of the house. Or you can stop by tomorrow during the First Friday Art Walk.

Be sure to check out Friday's Portland Press Herald, where you'll find more photos from the event taken by my talented colleague Gordon Chibroski.